Everything about Industry News, eh?

From a media release:

Hitsby Entertainment proudly announces the addition of seasoned media executive Laura Jabalee Johnston (pictured top left) as Partner and Executive Producer. Laura joins Founder Andrew Morris (pictured top right) at the Toronto-based independent production company, bringing her wealth of experience to an exciting new chapter for Hitsby.

Laura most recently served as General Manager of Find Your Fun, a Wizards of the Coast company, where she led the mobile-gaming studio and navigated the Canadian business unit through massive organizational change. Prior to that role, as Secret Location’sDirector of Business Affairs, Laura drove the Emmy award-winning studio’s integration into and subsequent spin off from its parent companies, eOne and Hasbro. Her leadership extends back to her time at Bizable Media, working alongside company founders and high-profile clients like ICF Films (Saving Hope, Burden of Truth), Halfire Entertainment (Alias Grace), and Redcloud Studios (Future History).

“I’m beyond excited to join Hitsby at such a dynamic time,” says Laura Jabalee Johnston. “Andrew and I are dedicated to telling bold, underrepresented stories and ensuring the creative process respects the needs of the storytellers. It’s about shaping the production process around the creators rather than asking them to bend to outdated industry norms. ‘That’s how it’s always been done’— my least favourite line in this business.”

“While Laura and I share the same production values, she’s also got a great storytelling sensibility,” says Andrew Morris. “With her joining the team, Hitsby strengthens its commitment to pushing boundaries and reimagining what Canadian content can be.”

Together, Andrew and Laura are developing a slate of scripted comedy and drama series, with announcements and talent reveals to come. Hitsby’s debut scripted comedy series, The Squeaky Wheel: Canada, aired on AMI-tv over the summer and is a finalist for the 2024 MIPCOM CANNES Diversify TV Awards for Representation of Disability in the scripted category.

About Hitsby Entertainment
Hitsby is a Toronto-based media company focused on producing bold, contemporary, and unapologetically premium content. The company partners with smart, cheeky new voices to develop unique properties for a global audience.

Laura Jabalee Johnston image courtesy of Sam Gaetz.

Featured, Industry News

Writers Guild of Canada releases latest report on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Canadian television

October 3, 2024 Greg David

From a media release:

The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) has released a new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Report with the latest 2023 data. For the first time since the Guild began publishing this report, the data show a decline in the number of episodes across every TV format. In addition, the series covered in this year’s report hired fewer writers than ever before. Compared with 2016, the number of WGC members working on Canadian TV decreased by 11 per cent. This decline jeopardizes the hard-fought progress made by the WGC to establish a growing pool of diverse working writers within the industry.

The report is based on data from 76 series (53 live-action and 23 animation) that were in production in 2023, in addition to the 372 series covered in the period from 2019 to 2022. It includes WGC membership and production data.

The report highlights gains made across different EDI measures:

The percentage of WGC diverse writers working on Canadian TV has increased steadily from 26 per cent in 2019 to 40 per cent in 2023. The increase is largely due to the higher participation of writers of colour and LGBTQ2S writers, as well as writers with disabilities and Indigenous writers, which is especially true in live-action series.
While 7.9 per cent of writers working on TV in 2023 have intersectional identities, 9.8 per cent of writing jobs went to this group in the same year. Racialized writers who also identify as LGBTQ2S make up 6.1 per cent of all working writers and received 7.5 per cent of writing jobs.
Writers with disabilities and Indigenous writers saw gains in their participation in writers rooms and writing credits. Indigenous writers increased their participation in writers rooms to 5.5 per cent and earned 5.1 per cent of writing credits. The participation of writers with disabilities increased slightly to 4 per cent in 2023. They also earned 9.3 per cent of writing credits in 2023 compared with 3.3 per cent in 2022.

New this year, the WGC is releasing a Best Practices Guide for Producers Working with Diverse Screenwriters as a companion document to the report. The guide is intended as a tool for producers seeking to hire diverse screenwriters, build strong creative partnerships, and foster working environments that are conducive to authentic storytelling.

Other report findings based on the 2023 data include:

Significant discrepancies continue between the volume of work and earnings for diverse writers in animation. While the percentage of writers working in live-action increased from 42.6 per cent in 2022 to 45.3 per cent in 2023, the share of writers working in animation has not seen any movement since 2021 and remains at 29.8 per cent. While 29.8 per cent of earning writers’ work in animation, they represent only 14.3 per cent of writers’ earnings.
The percentage of Indigenous writers joining the Guild is growing, at eight per cent in 2023 compared with one per cent in 2018. However, the percentage of Indigenous working writers remains low at 3.7 per cent, and only 3.5 per cent of writers’ earnings. While 5.5 per cent of live-action writing credits were assigned to Indigenous writers, only 0.4 per cent of animation writing credits were assigned to the same group.
The participation of writers from different ethnicities continues to show mixed results. For example, East Asian writers working on Canadian TV decreased from 4.1 per cent in 2022 to 2.9 per cent in 2023, while South Asian writers increased to 7.6 per cent in 2023 from 4.8 per cent in 2022. Both numbers are low when compared to the general population and urban population centres.

The report continues to be an important initiative undertaken by the WGC and its Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee to work towards addressing issues of historic underrepresentation in Canadian television. (Diversity groups are defined by the WGC as Indigenous, Black, LGBTQ2S, People of Colour, People with Disabilities.)

The current report and best practices guide are now available on the WGC’s website HERE.

Featured, Industry News

Spindle Films Foundation publishes inaugural research findings on the state of gender diverse experiences in the Canadian film industry

September 23, 2024 Greg David

From a media release:

Spindle Films Foundation today announced the results of their inaugural research report, highlighting the current state of the trans, non-binary, and gender diverse experiences in the Canadian film industry. Rooted in an annual mentorship program supporting emerging filmmakers, the Foundation is working to make the film and television industry more equitable and diverse by giving voice to underrepresented voices. The full report is available at spindlefilms.ca/research.

With recent data showing a decline in the representation of and support for the queer and gender diverse community in Canada, as well as legislation rolling out across the country targeting their rights under the guise of protecting parental rights, Spindle Films Foundation is gravely concerned that the safety, support, and celebration of trans and non-binary folks in the Canadian film industry are more at risk now than they were even a year ago.

The report found that 63% of respondents have taken actions to delay or conceal their gender identity due to the risk of adverse experiences at work in the film industry. Supporting this, 53% of respondents reported having adverse experiences during their last on-set experience. Of those with adverse experiences, 53% indicated that those adverse experiences happened every day they were on set and 78% rated those experiences as a 5 or higher on a 10-point distress scale.

Conducted from mid-2023 through to 2024, the research survey was developed by Javelin Laurence, Director of Research, Education, and Accessibility at Spindle Films Foundation, with input from the founding members of the Foundation, and support from Skipping Stone in Calgary, Alta. Having surveyed members of the transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse community working in the Canadian film industry, the report shows a need and desire for more inclusion, openness, collaboration, and acceptance for not just the gender-diverse community but for all types of diversity in Canada.

“While efforts have been made by some to make sets a safer environment, these results make it clear that it’s not enough. We need systematic and sweeping change so that everyone can feel valued and safe at work,” said J Stevens, Founder, Spindle Films Foundation. “The Foundation is actively working with decision-makers in the industry to shift mandates and protocols and we will continue to support and uplift the filmmakers whose voices are so needed in the Canadian film and TV industry through our annual mentorship programs.”

From the writer’s room through to the editing suite, gender diverse filmmakers are navigating an industry that claims to be diversifying but is in fact demonstrating that it is not a priority, with 42% of respondents indicating that they feel they had lost a job opportunity due to their gender identity, either implicitly or explicitly.

Safety, inclusivity, and community were all themes determining whether gender diverse filmmakers felt comfortable taking a job, with 28% of respondents indicating that working with other gender diverse filmmakers was a protective factor on their last set. When asked about what they specifically needed to feel supported, respondents highlighted representation in decision-making positions, translating into more opportunities across departments for trans and gender diverse humans, and mandated education for all members of production.

Based on the survey findings, Spindle Films Foundation is recommending the following best practices: quality health insurance covering gender-affirming care in Canadian film unions, gender equity in hiring that acknowledges identities outside the binary, a pronoun policy for all cast and crew on call sheets, gender diversity education for all production members, paperwork care when dealing with chosen vs. legal names, gender neutral bathrooms, and a policy for addressing harm.

While there is still work to be done, Spindle Films Foundation is uniquely positioned and committed to pushing change forward through their programming and research initiatives. Following a successful and inspiring first year that resulted in nine emerging filmmakers receiving mentorship and education from industry leaders such as Bilal Baig, Luis De Filippis, Tácháy Redvers, and Sasha Leigh Henry, the Foundation has also established supportive partnerships with organizations such as the Directors Guild of Canada and Skipping Stone, allowing them to better serve the community of gender-diverse filmmakers that they are committed to uplifting.

For more information and updates on upcoming programming, visit spindlefilms.ca/about-foundation and follow @spindlefilmsfoundation.

About Spindle Films Foundation
Founded in 2023, Spindle Films Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports transgender, non-binary, two-spirit and gender-diverse Canadian filmmakers. The organization works to make the TV and film industry more equitable and diverse by dismantling systemic barriers, and supports emerging filmmakers through an annual mentorship program.

Featured, Industry News

The Banff World Media Festival names Bell Media’s Sean Cohan as board chair

September 12, 2024 Greg David

From a media release:

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) is thrilled to announce that Sean Cohan, President of Bell Media, has been appointed Chair of BANFF’s Board of Directors. Cohan steps into the role following the tenure of Kevin Beggs, Lionsgate Television Group Chair & Chief Creative Officer, who served as Chair of the Board for three years. Beggs will continue to serve on the Board, ensuring his valuable experience remains an asset to the organization.

“I am honoured to assume the Board Chair position at BANFF. With a reputation as a robust event at the forefront of the conversations that matter most in our global industry, the Festival is primed for growth. I look forward to collaborating with the team and continuing the work of the incomparable Kevin Beggs to expand BANFF’s global impact while showcasing the many opportunities Canadian companies, organizations and creatives bring to our industry,” said Cohan.

“We’re delighted to welcome Sean as the new Chair to guide BANFF into its next chapter. As the media landscape continues to evolve, Sean’s forward-thinking vision and global perspective will be invaluable in shaping the future of the festival and fostering innovation across the industry,” added BANFF’s Executive Director, Jenn Kuzmyk. “We’re deeply grateful for Kevin’s incredible contribution over the last few years as Chair. His dedication has elevated the festival to new heights, strengthening its position as a premiere global media event. We’re so pleased to have Kevin remain on board, continuing to lend his expertise.”

“It’s been a true privilege to serve as Chair of the BANFF Foundation Board for the last three years,” said Beggs. “I have seen the Festival grow to be a place where integral conversations about the future of the industry happen, and where some of the world’s most innovative creatives and executives gather. It’s like no other event. I have no doubt that with the supremely talented Sean Cohan now at the helm, the Festival is in excellent hands.”

Appointed President of Bell Media, Canada’s leading media and entertainment company, in 2023, Cohan is responsible for Bell Media’s globally unique portfolio of premium video, audio, out-of-home advertising and digital media. These include Canada’s #1 broadcast network (CTV), its leading sports properties (TSN & RDS), #1 national and local news (CTV News), the largest-Canadian-owned video streaming service (Crave), industry-leading out-of-home advertising player (Astral) and audio platforms (iHeart Radio).

Cohan has spent decades in media and consumer businesses, including a 15-year tenure at A+E Networks ultimately in the role of President, International and Digital Media. At A+E, Cohan’s teams were credited with driving global content, digital, and commercial transformation, and rapid growth.
Most recently, Cohan was Chief Growth Officer & President at Nielsen, a global measurement and data analytics giant. Cohan managed the strategy, corporate development, partnerships, and international efforts and teams and had a leadership role in its successful 2022 take-private transaction.

A purpose-driven leader, Cohan has a Bachelor of Arts, Economics from Harvard University, an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and holds several Board positions, including 8 years on the Banff World Media Festival Board of Directors. Cohan has twice been named to Savoy Magazine’s Influential Black Executives in Corporate America list and its Most Influential Corporate Directors list.

Located in Banff, Alberta, Canada, BANFF is a premium marketplace and conference, an intimate space where unparalleled access, creative inspiration and expert insight combine to launch fresh content and new business strategies. With more than 45 years of history, the festival has grown into a must-attend annual event where media moguls, producers, creatives and industry stakeholders along with broadcasters and digital media companies tackle issues and trends, forge relationships and nurture partnerships in one of the world’s most stunning landscapes.

Featured, Industry News

New Metric Media and Encore form a strategic partnership to co-develop and co-produce bilingual content

September 9, 2024 Greg David

From a media release:

Award-winning studios New Metric Media and Encore have entered a groundbreaking partnership to co-develop and co-produce bilingual content across both scripted and unscripted programming. Under the pact, both companies will also explore adapting each other’s content for their respective English and French-speaking markets.

“We’re thrilled to build on our relationship with Encore,” said Mark Montefiore (above left), Founder and CEO, New Metric Media. “This is an important and innovative collaboration focused on highlighting one of the most unique aspects of our beautiful country, our cultural and language diversity. On a personal note, this is a critical stepping stone in my life-long commitment to being able to order a poutine entirely in French.”

“We are very proud of this partnership. We are confident that this strong alliance will enable broadcasters to feature unique and distinctive content projects, as they will be developed and produced with the perspectives of both cultures, in at least two languages, and with the unified strength of NMM and Encore. We are currently identifying specific projects that will benefit from this collaboration. Attachez vos tuques avec de la broche !” added Julie Provençal (above right), President of Encore.

The partnership comes on the heels of the announcement of their upcoming untitled, rom-com heist series, which follows a Quebecois family and an Anglo-Ontarian family reluctantly coming together despite their differences for an unforgettable wedding weekend. The project, based on a concept created by Montefiore, has recently attached new writers including Andrew DeAngelis (Children Ruin Everything, The Lake) and Erika Soucy (Les Perles, Léo), further bolstering the creative team.

This unique collaboration between New Metric Media and Encore signals a significant step in bilingual storytelling, strengthening the bridge between languages in entertainment.

About New Metric Media
Based in Toronto, New Metric Media is an award-winning independent entertainment studio specializing in building comedy brands across TV production, live entertainment, distribution, merchandising and licensing. Recipient of Playback’s 2022 Production Company of the Year award and the Banff World Media Festival’s 2018 Innovative Producer Award, the company’s slate of programming includes the hit Crave/Hulu original comedy Letterkenny, the Crave/Hulu Letterkenny spinoff series Shoresy, the CTV/CW half-hour comedy series Children Ruin Everything and the half-hour Crave comedy series Bria Mack Gets A Life.

New Metric Media is recognized as a leader in 360-degree brand marketing and its success with Letterkenny off-screen extensions, including beer, collectible merchandise and Letterkenny LIVE!, a sold-out North American theatre tour featuring the stars of the series.

About Groupe Encore
Created in Montreal in 2000, Encore is an integrated entertainment group, one of the most prolific production companies in scripted series (comedy and drama), live comedy specials, live plays, and artist management in French Canada.

With nearly 700 hours produced, Encore Television multiplies the production of millionaire and award-winning TV series praised both on the local and global markets. Licensed in more than 100 countries as originals or adaptations, hit series like Les beaux malaises, Bête noire (Dark Soul), Fugueuse (Runaway), Pour Sarah (For Sarah), Léo, Boomerang, La candidate (The Candidate), Lâcher prise (Freefall) are amongst the highest-rated series in Québec.