Blink49 Studios has expanded its scripted television team with two new hires.

Both of the new additions report to Carolyn Newman, EVP, global scripted television. According to a March 20 release, the appointments have the goal of strengthening the studio’s scripted division and reinforcing its commitment to content development and premium storytelling.

In the role of SVP, scripted television, the Fifth Season-backed company has brought on L.A.-based Andy Bourne (pictured right).

Bourne was most recently the head of limited series at Amazon Studios and Prime Video. In that role, Bourne oversaw projects such as Cross and Better Sister. Prior to that, Bourne held the position of SVP of development at 20th Century Television, collaborating on productions including FX’s The Old Man, Hulu’s Dopesick and Disney+’s Percy Jackson.

Blink49 has also brought on Toronto-based Mackenzie Donaldson (pictured left) as VP, scripted television.

Donaldson, who as president of her L.A. and Toronto-based the Donaldson Company produced documentaries such as Showtime’s Citizen Bio and the upcoming The Abnormal Beauty Company, is a Playback 5 to Watch alumna. Donaldson co-directed and produced The Definites alongside Hannah Cheesman and made her solo feature directorial debut with All The Lost Ones. She was also a producer on Tomorrow Studio’s Snowpiercer series and Boat Rocker’s Orphan Black.

In their roles, both are responsible for developing relationships with talent as well as sourcing, developing and producing primarily, but not solely, Canadian scripted television, a Blink49 spokesperson told Playback Daily.

“Having previously worked with Andy, I’ve seen firsthand his deep industry knowledge and strategic insight,” said Pancho Mansfield, president, global scripted television, in a statement. “His experience, combined with Mackenzie’s exceptional production background and creative leadership, will further enhance our ability to develop compelling, high-quality scripted content for global audiences.”

Newman also praised Donaldson’s creative prowess and said, “I’m delighted to work with her again as her passion and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand our scripted slate,” in a statement.

Image courtesy of Blink49 Studios