Toronto prodco Neshama Entertainment has formed a distribution arm, led by former Incendo executive Brook Peters.

Arnie Zipursky, co-founder and executive producer of Neshama Entertainment, announced the launch of Neshama Releasing on Tuesday (July 11). The company has hired Peters as SVP, sales and business development of the new unit, which will distribute content produced by Neshama, Fox Entertainment, and third-party prodcos, in Canada, according to a news release. Fox Entertainment Global will distribute Neshama Releasing titles outside of Canada.

Peters has spent the last eight years with Montreal-headquartered Incendo Productions, where he most recently held the title of managing director and SVP, sales and production operations.

While at Incendo, he led distribution of programming produced by Fox Alternative Entertainment and Fox Entertainment Studios in Canada, such as The Masked Singer, Animal Control and Next Level Chef. He has also held programming roles at Bell Media, Teletoon and Corus Entertainment.

The launch of the distribution arm comes as Neshama starts production this month on its 90th film, Dress for Success. Directed by Erskine Ford and produced for Fox-owned ad-supported video on demand (AVOD) platform Tubi, the film centres on a lawyer, portrayed by Mishael Morgan, who merges a “passion for fashion” with her ambition to help others in need.

Neshama has continued to expand its slate since its launch in 2018. The company premiered its first scripted series, Hallmark Channel’s The Way Home, earlier this year, which was renewed for a second season. Neshama recently hired former Bell Media production executive Mitch Geddes as senior director of development and current productions to help manage its film and TV scripted slate.

Zipursky said in a statement that the “establishment of a distribution operation is a natural evolution of our business.”

Hannah Pillemer, EVP, creative affairs, development and production, Neshama and MarVista Entertainment, added: “The team at Neshama is paving the way for premium original Canadian storytelling and I am proud of our growth in such a short time.”

Fox Entertainment-owned MarVista Entertainment is a minority shareholder in Neshama.

Photo courtesy Neshama Entertainment