Former MEM president Angela Jennings and writer-producer Travis Farncombe have founded Toronto-based production company Skywild Pictures.

The company plans to focus on premium scripted television and film, including international coproductions, for global audiences. Skywild feels there is an opening for that type of content due to disruption in the industry and that its strategy and capacity will set them apart from the competition, a company spokesperson told Playback Daily.

The company has brought on Tom Hastings (pictured left), the former Paramount+ Canada head of original programming, as VP, development. At Skywild, Hastings’ focus will be on the development and production of all original scripted series and features.

Prior to Paramount, Hastings held roles as VP, scripted at Muse Entertainment; director, original programming, Bell Media; and head of drama, TV arts and entertainment at CBC.

As president and founding partner, Jennings (pictured right) oversees Skywild’s stakeholder relations and corporate development. In addition, she also manages the company’s daily operations and its creative, financial and legal strategies.

Before Skywild, Jennings was president of the unscripted, reality and lifestyle prodco MEM (previously McGillivray Entertainment), executive producing series such as Canada’s Got Talent, Luxe Listing Toronto and Scott’s Vacation House Rules.

Jennings was also the founder, president and an executive producer for Fusion Television, creating and distributing more than 600 hours of television internationally including series such as Homewreckers, Candice Tells All and Take It Outside.

Farncombe (pictured centre), as Skywild’s CEO and founding partner, focuses on corporate stability and the overall vision for the company. Before Skywild, Farncombe executive produced for features such as Amar Wala’s Shook and Rodrigo Barriuso and Sebastián Barriuso’s A Translator. Farncombe was also a writer and producer for Lindsay Gossling’s 2021 storm disaster feature 13 Minutes, incorporating his experience from storm chasing into the film.

“Skywild Pictures is collaborating with the top writers and creators in the industry on a slate of bold, original content,” said Jennings in a statement. “With decades of experience, our team has an ambitious mandate to deliver undeniable stories and premium productions.”

Skywild Pictures was not able to share any projects on its slate or its creative partners at this point. According to the spokesperson, the company is self-funded.

Image courtesy of Skywild Pictures