Spin Master expands Jennifer Dodge’s role

The entertainment president adds sales, distribution and outbound licensing to her remit, while André Lake Mayer joins in a new SVP position.

Telefilm commits $4.6M to eight copro features

The funder also revealed the 41 external representatives on its 2021/22 advisory committee.

DOC Institute honours Sylvia Hamilton, Tamara Dawit

The eighth-annual DOC Institute Honours Celebration will be held in 2022.

Blue Mountain Film Festival to launch in summer 2022

Artistic director Helen du Toit says she wants the southern Ontario festival to foster intimate relationships between producers and be a “co-production hub.”

In brief: Heritage minister unveils plan for cultural sector summit

Plus: Two production prizes are handed out at the Whistler Film Festival, season two renewals roll in at Love Nature and Apple TV+, and more.

Spark short film to offer paid mentorship program

In seeing the power of mentorship programs first-hand, the film’s producers will provide nine up-and-comers with experience, thanks to the support of Telus Storyhive.

Matthew Berkowitz named president of Thunderbird Entertainment

Reporting to CEO Jennifer Twiner McCarron, Berkowitz will oversee M&A, production, distribution and acquisitions of IP across the entire company.

ViacomCBS Int’l Studios partners with Wattpad Webtoon

The deal allows ViacomCBS to tap into both Wattpad and Webtoon’s IP to co-produce regional content across the global market.

Sally Lee to lead the Canadian Independent Screen Fund

Lee will work to establish a $10-million annual fund to support screen-based content by Black and people of colour professionals.

Toronto’s Infield Fly secures international deal for Ryan Reynolds-narrated Curb Your Carbon

Netherlands-based factual specialist Off the Fence will distribute the doc worldwide, building on the company’s Canadian presence.

Hot Sheet

Hot Sheet: Top TV programs for Nov. 22 to 28, 2021

Hudson & Rex and Murdoch Mysteries rise in the ratings and W Network’s Countdown to Christmas programming gives the specialty channel a boost.

Noovo is bringing Survivor to French-speaking audiences

The legendary reality show will feature a local cast.

Playback’s 10 to Watch 2021: Renuka Singh

PRESENTED BY CBC: Since becoming a screenwriter in 2018, the B.C. writer has already worked with Lark Productions and Great Pacific Media, and now has a zombie-murder mystery in development.

WarnerMedia, Canadian Academy launch directors program

Following the success of the WarnerMedia Access x Canadian Academy Writers Program, this new initiative will offer creators from underrepresented communities on-set experience.

Thunderbird Entertainment chairman departs

Brian Paes-Braga (pictured) has served as chairman of the Vancouver-based company’s board of directors since 2019.