A ward-winning drama producers Carolyn Newman and Virginia Rankin, former colleagues at Sphere Media, have joined indie prodco Blink Studios as EVP, global scripted and in-house executive producer, respectively.

Toronto-based Rankin will focus on discovering and working with new and diverse voices in Canada and internationally. She begins her role immediately and reports to Los Angeles-based Newman, who stepped into her role Monday (Nov. 22).  Newman, who joins from Will Packer Media where she served as head of scripted TV and production, will report to CEO John Morayniss.

Headquartered in Toronto with an office in L.A., Blink Studios was launched earlier this month as an independent content studio led by Morayniss, with three other veteran former Entertainment One executives. The team includes executive vice chair Patrice Theroux, COO Jeff Lynas and CFO Nelson Kuo-Lee.

Backed by Endeavor Content as the lead strategic investor and worldwide distribution partner, the company plans to develop, produce and monetize premium scripted and unscripted content in all formats and genres for the global market.

Formerly, Rankin was executive producer of Sphere Media‘s multi-award-winning medical drama Transplant, which has aired to critical acclaim and ratings success on CTV and NBC. Joining Sphere in 2014, she took a leading role in strategic direction for the company in Canada, the U.S. and internationally, and oversaw the creative for the English-language TV market.  She served as an executive producer on four seasons of 19-2 for Bell Media, This Life for CBC and the first season of Bad Blood for Rogers Media.

Sphere Media’s English adaptation of 19-2, which won the the Canadian Screen Award for Best Dramatic Series in 2015, is a previous connection between Rankin and Newman, who was formerly VP of English development and production.

“Having known her for over 15 years and worked closely together on the drama series 19-2, I can’t wait to get going and make great stories for the world to see,” said Newman, in a statement.

At Will Packer Media, Newman sold more than five shows into development to streamers and broadcasters in under a year. Previously, as Netflix’s director of original series, she developed 17 titles. Prior to that, she served as the U.S.-based SVP of scripted programming at eOne, where she added titles Run, Sharp Objects and A Gentleman in Moscow.

“Combined with their proven track records, keen instincts and strong relationships in the creative community, Carolyn and Virginia will establish a slate of compelling content while also supporting our producers and creative partners to help secure premium scripted IP and package talent for their projects.”

Pictured (left to right): Virginia Rankin and Carolyn Newman