WildBrain’s London-based global licensing agency WildBrain CPLG has promoted its Asia–Pacific location-based entertainment VP Evi Sari (pictured) to the newly created role of VP of global location-based entertainment.

In her new role, Sari will spearhead the expansion of WildBrain CPLG’s branded family entertainment centres to new markets, focusing initially on Europe and the Middle East. Sari is based in Shanghai and will continue to report to Maarten Weck, WildBrain’s EVP of global partnerships and licensing.

Joining Sari is new hire Danielle Tanton, who will support her strategies in these regions as director of EMEA location-based entertainment, experiential strategy and partnerships.

Prior to WildBrain CPLG, Sari held the role of VP, location-based experiences at Paramount International and was the studio director and senior creative director at China’s Tim Yip Studio. Tanton’s prior roles include director, business and client strategy at RWS Global and director, themed entertainment at Paramount.

Toronto-headquartered WildBrain acquired CPLG in 2012 with the acquisition of its former parent company Cookie Jar Group.

Tyson Media rolls on My Pet Ate What?! season two

Season two of the CTV Wild docuseries My Pet Ate What?! is currently in production in B.C. and Alberta.

Principal photography began in the first week of July in Prince George, B.C., Vancouver Island and Calgary and will wrap at the end of September. The series is produced by Vancouver’s Tyson Media in association with Bell Media.

My Pet Ate What?! follows veterinarian Dr. Eugene Gorodetsky — the creator, executive producer and star — and his son Ben as they explore real-life pet emergencies at animal ERs.

Nicole Tomlinson is the series producer, while Andrew Vacheresse returns as the director. Hepburn is an executive producer. Marcelle Edwards is joining as the production executive in charge for Bell Media. The company’s production executive for the first season was Alexis McLaren.

My Pet Ate What?! is created with the support of Bell Media and the Canada Media Fund.

The series was originally announced by Bell Media as part of its 2024-25 upfronts, with the second season announced at the 2025-26 upfronts in June. The first season premiered on Jan. 26.

The Criterion Closet heads to Toronto for TIFF

The Criterion Mobile Closet is making its first trip outside the U.S. for a four-day stop in Toronto.

The closet – a replica of Criterion’s Manhattan office closet where filmmakers and actors select and discuss their favourite films for Criterion’s Closet Picks series – will be available on a first-come, first-served basis during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) from Sept. 4 to 7.

Participants will select films out of more than 1,700 options and have the opportunity to film their own Closet Picks video through the three-minute visit.

TIFF runs from Sept. 4 to 14

Elyse Levesque marks debut short with Hot Chocolate

Regina-born actor Elyse Levesque is marking her short film directorial debut with Hot Chocolate, written and directed alongside Michael Driscoll (Break In Break Out).

The film, which has begun principal photography in Vancouver and Port Coquitlam, B.C., is produced by Vancouver’s Omatidio Media and Marilyne Lamontagne (Heirloom). Hot Chocolate is based on a true story and follows a woman who, while on the way to her wedding, becomes involved in the assisted death of her fiance’s uncle.

The cast features Jann Arden (Jann), Clare McConnell (Star Trek: Discovery), Paul Campbell (Battlestar Galactica), Kristian Bruun (Orphan Black), Leah Gibson (Jessica Jones), Jana Morrison (Astrid and Lilly Save the World), Alvin Sanders (Riverdale), Jay Brazeau (Day of the Dead), Luisa d’Oliveira (The 100) and Paula Giroday (Family Law).

With files from Nicholas Sokic and Kidscreen

Image courtesy of WildBrain CPLG