New leadership for CBC comedy, drama, kids and digital originals teams
Toronto, ON - Starting October 19, Tara Ellis will become Executive Director, Scripted Content. Ellis will lead CBC’s scripted content teams as they continue to raise the bar in comedy and drama, kids programming and digital originals.
“Tara is one of Canada’s leading media executives and her incredible reputation, creative expertise, relationships with the independent community and leadership experience will undoubtedly serve her well in this role.”, says Sally Catto, General Manager Programming. “Not only will she bring a fresh new perspective, but also an impressive track record to CBC’s already stellar scripted lineup.”
Most recently Senior Director of Original Drama Content for Shaw Media, Tara Ellis oversaw original scripted drama and comedy programming for Shaw Media’s conventional network Global and specialty channels including Showcase and History Channel. In her prior role as Alliance Atlantis’s VP of Content for Showcase, Tara led acquisitions, original production, and scheduling for the premiere specialty drama service. Prior to that, Tara was Executive in Charge of Production for CBC, overseeing long-form development and production of movies, mini-series and feature films. She also programmed Canadian short films and feature films for the public network.
The Globe & Mail has named Tara as one of the 40 Most Influential People in Canadian television for her efforts in bringing new talent to Canadian airwaves. In December 2012, Tara was honoured with the Women In Film & Television Crystal Award for Creative Excellence. She has served as board member and co-chair of WIFT-T, and as industry advisor to the Banff Media Festival, Strategic Partners, and others.
Tara will report to Sally Catto and reporting to her will be the Senior Directors of drama, comedy and children’s content. The digital originals team will report to Tara with respect to all scripted digital content.
“I am delighted to be returning to CBC where I started my career in TV drama. Under Sally, the scripted teams have been developing and commissioning exciting, entertaining and relevant work at a time when the role of the national broadcaster has never been more crucial.”, says Ellis. “I’m thrilled at the prospect of working with the independent community to continue to make the CBC the go-to home for great creative talent and projects in Canada.”
About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages.
A space for us all is CBC/Radio-Canada’s strategy to transform the public broadcaster, and ensure that it continues to fulfill its mandate for Canadians, now and for future generations. Through to 2020, the Corporation will increase its investment in prime-time television programming and continue to create radio programs of the highest quality, while promoting the development of digital and mobile platforms and content.
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Media contact:
Emma Bedard
Public Affairs, CBC
416-205-7831
emma.bedard@cbc.ca
