Item - 2023.CA8.6

During the review of the Order Paper on October 11, 2023, City Council adopted a procedural motion to remove this Item from the jurisdiction of the Civic Appointments Committee and bring it forward for consideration by City Council.

Candidates' biographies:

E.J. Alon

E.J. Alon (he/him) is a creative intrapreneur, equity champion and results-oriented executive who is passionate about arts and culture and the transformative power of storytelling. E.J. joined the Canadian Film Centre as Executive Lead, Creative Impact and Revenue in 2021. His career includes senior roles with Toronto International Film Festival, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles and most recently, Telefilm Canada.

Matt Bishop

Matt Bishop, co-founder of Sinking Ship Entertainment, has 5 Emmy wins and has produced 21 original kids' series. Recognized as atop kids' company globally, Sinking Ship pioneers in animation tech, in live action, series and features. Matt's accolades include Emmy, British Academy Film Awards, and more. He also co-chairs Computer Animation Studios of Ontario, supporting the animation industry.

Lisa Broadfoot

As a member of the Canadian Media Producers Association senior leadership team, Lisa develops strategies and advocacy related to financing, builds relationships with industry stakeholders, and engages in government relations. Prior to joining Canadian Media Producers Association, Lisa was Senior Vice President, Business Affairs and Production Financing with Boat Rocker Media, and before that she was Director, Production Finance and Operations with Wildbrain. She has worked in commercial film production, documentary film and television, scripted drama, factual, and animation.

Cynthia Clayton

Cynthia Clayton has been with Directors Guild of Canada Ontario for over a decade, with years of film and television experience giving her firsthand knowledge on how best to serve and support the Directors Guild of Canada Membership in all aspects of production. Cynthia is responsible for the adherence of the Directors Guild of Canada Ontario/Canadian Media Producers Association Standard Agreement, under which our 3,000Members work. In addition to her role as Senior Business Agent, she is the Treasurer of Section 21 Film and TV Health and Safety Advisory Committee.

Paula Devonshire

A graduate of University of Toronto, Paula has attended the prestigious Canadian Film Centre, Trans-Atlantic Partners and was the first Canadian to participate in the Inside Pictures Producer Program in London, UK. Paula is a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation. As a feature and television producer she has worked with acclaimed filmmakers such as Neil Jordan, Atom Egoyan, George Romero, and Alex Kurtzman.

Amir Endalah

Born in Tehran, Amir Endalah is an expert creative force with years of experience across international production markets in media, film and television. A senior producer, creative director and team leader across a variety of content creation projects. Maintaining a strong advocacy for the independent film industries as well as striving for innovation in production and education. He is one of the key thought leaders in virtual production activities and workflows in Toronto and Canada at large.

Gail Haupert

Forward thinking union leader with over 15 years of expertise bringing non-confrontational, fair and strategic perspective on the interpretation and administration of Collective Bargaining Agreements and Labour Relations disputes. Recognized for being resourceful and goal oriented with proven accomplishments of effectuating positive organizational change, increasing employee engagement, productivity and retention.

Joan Jenkinson

Joan Jenkinson is the Executive Director of the Black Screen Office. She is an accomplished television executive and an outspoken advocate for Black Canadians working in the screen industries. Under her leadership the Black Screen Office has been named the 2022 Changemaker Organization of the Year. Joan is a founding Partner at Artemis Pictures which is focused on developing and producing scripted content for television.

Samantha Leigh

Samantha Leigh is a Sustainability Consultant for the film and television industry with Green Spark Group. She got her start on the ground as a Production Assistant in the sustainability department on a location and studio based drama in the Greater Toronto Area. Since then, she has worked with production companies, studios, and industry organizations across North America in support of a sustainable production transition. She shares her passion for sustainability through training programs.

Cynthia Lynch

Cynthia Lynch is Managing Director and Counsel at FilmOntario, an industry organization that advocates on behalf of the screen-based sector. Prior to this, Cynthia spent over10 years at Ontario Creates, most recently as Manager of Research, Strategic Planning and Information Technology, where she oversaw the Agency's research and policy program and managed the business planning process. In 2012, Cynthia left Ontario Creates to pursue legal studies at the University of Ottawa. She was called to the Ontario bar in 2016.

Angela Mastronardi

Angela Mastronardi (she/her) is the president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 873, the union representing motion picture technicians in the Greater Toronto Area. After achieving an Honours Bachelor of Arts in both French and Economics from York University, she began her career as a Script Supervisor. Since joining the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 873, Angela has been actively involved in union organizing and governance. She is currently on the Film Ontario Board.

Jayson Mosek

Jayson Mosek has been the Business Agent with National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians (NABET) 700-M UNIFOR since 2011. National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians (NABET) 700-MUNIFOR represents almost 3,000 qualified technicians across fifteen different technical departments in the Ontario film, television and digital media production sector. Jayson is responsible for the promotion and marketing of the Union to prospective producers and works on various committees which strive to provide for the betterment of working conditions for Members and the industry as a whole.

Wendy Noss

Wendy Noss is the President of the Toronto-based Motion Picture Association Canada serving as the voice and advocate of the major international producers and distributors of film, television and streaming content in Canada. The global studios served by the Motion Picture Association include The Walt Disney Company, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Netflix, Universal Pictures, and Warner Bros.

Jinder Oujla-Chalmers

Jinder and her privately owned company have been working on Diversity issues in the media sector for over forty years. Jinder was instrumental in creating and designing the Writer's Guild of Canada Bell media Screenwriter's Diversity Program through Bell media's Benefits package. It aimed to engage young screenwriters from diverse communities. It aimed to engage young screenwriters from diverse backgrounds.

Biju Pappachan

Committed to systemic and sustainable change, Biju collaborates with business, government and community to tackle complex social issues facing underserved groups across the country. Currently, As Executive Director of Presenting Our Vision (POV), he convenes and catalyzes multi stakeholder partnerships from across the film, television and digital media sector with aims to map economic and educational pathways for diverse creatives trying to gain meaningful access that will launch successful careers into the sector.

Alma Parvizian

With 18 years of experience, I have an extensive knowledge of working in arts and communications. As Managing Partner, I oversee public relations strategy, staffing, business development, and client relations for Touchwood Public Relations. Prior to joining Touchwood Public Relations in 2011, I was a key member of the Communications team at Toronto International Film Festival for six years, managing the press office for the Festival, year-round programming, and integral member of the Communications team for the opening of Toronto International Film Festival Bell Lightbox.

Ramona Pringle

Ramona Pringle is a writer, creator, researcher and journalist whose body of work spans a broad range of platforms, with a focus on the evolving relationship between humans and technology. She is a professor in the Radio and Television Arts School of Media at Toronto Metropolitan University and Director of The Creative School's Innovation Studio. She has produced multiple groundbreaking interactive works and is well known for her technology journalism. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from York University and Master's Degree from New York University.

John Rakich

John Rakich is a Location Manager with over 23 years of experience working on long and short format features and numerous television series for studios and streaming services. He is the current President of the Location Managers Guild International and a board member of the Directors Guild of Canada Ontario. He is also a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television and a frequent speaker at panels around the world.

Kenneth Rogers

Ken Rogers is Academic Director of the Master of Business Administration Program in Arts, Media and Entertainment at the Schulich School of Business and Associate Professor of Cinema and Media Arts at York University. He is Director of the Cinespace Motion Media Studio, a 6,000 square foot film studio in the heart of Cinespace's Kipling facility, a partnership offering unique experiential education opportunities to York film and media students. He was formerly Associate Dean, Research at the School of the Arts.

Magali Simard

Magali Simard is the newly appointed Director of Industry Relations at Cinespace Studios, Toronto's largest production facility. She is the former Film Sector Development Program Manager for the City of Toronto where she led economic and creative development activities to amplify the international competitiveness of the City's 2.5 billion dollar screen sector. Prior to joining the City, Magali was a lead curator and the senior manager of theatrical programming at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Jane Tattersall

Jane Tattersall is a creative post-production professional known for her award-winning sound work and business leadership. She has a Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2000, National Post Business & the Arts Award 2003, and recently the 2021 Women in Film and Television-Toronto Crystal Award for Outstanding Achievement in Business. Jane is head of the Toronto facility of Picture Shop and Formosa Group. The business works with industry partners to ensure continued success for Toronto's film and television sector.

Christa Tazzeo Morson

With long standing roots in visual effects and post-production, Christa Tazzeo Morsonhas worked with filmmakers to deliver the best creative driven solutions for the screen for over 20 years. She is credited with work on the Academy Award winning feature Spotlight, the Emmy award winning television series' Game of Thrones and The Handmaid's Tale. Christa is an active member of the Toronto production community. She sits on the OnCreates Industry Advisory Council and the Women in Film and Television Engagement Committee.

The Civic Appointments Committee recommends that:  

1. City Council appoint the following candidates to the Toronto Film, Television and Digital Media Board, at pleasure of Council, for a term of office ending on November 14, 2026:

E.J. Alon

Matt Bishop

Lisa Broadfoot

Cynthia Clayton

Paula Devonshire

Amir Endalah

Gail Haupert

Joan Jenkinson

Samantha Leigh

Cynthia Lynch

Angela Mastronardi

Jayson Mosek

Wendy Noss

Jinder Oujla-Chalmers

Biju Pappachan

Ramona Pringle

John Rakich

Kenneth Rogers

Magali Simard

Jane Tattersall

Christa Tazzeo Morson 

2. City Council waive Section 2.1 of the Public Appointments Policy concerning the residency requirement and appoint Alma Parvizian, at pleasure of Council, for a term of office ending November 14, 2026.

3. City Council direct that the balance of confidential information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (September 21, 2023) from the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture remain confidential as it relates to personal matters about identifiable individuals being considered for appointment to the Toronto Film, Television and Digital Media Board.

Candidates' biographies:

E.J. Alon

E.J. Alon (he/him) is a creative intrapreneur, equity champion and results-oriented executive who is passionate about arts and culture and the transformative power of storytelling. E.J. joined the Canadian Film Centre (CFC) as Executive Lead, Creative Impact and Revenue in 2021. His career includes senior roles with TIFF, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles and most recently, Telefilm Canada.

Matt Bishop

Matt Bishop, co-founder of Sinking Ship Entertainment, has 5 Emmy wins and has produced 21 original kids' series. Recognized as atop kids' company globally, Sinking Ship pioneers in animation tech, in live action, series and features. Matt's accolades include Emmy, BAFTA, and more. He also co-chairs CASO, supporting the animation industry.

Lisa Broadfoot

As a member of the CMPA's senior leadership team, Lisa develops strategies and advocacy related to financing, builds relationships with industry stakeholders, and engages in government relations. Prior to joining CMPA, Lisa was SVP, Business Affairs & Production Financing with Boat Rocker Media, and before that she was Director, Production Finance and Operations with Wildbrain. She has worked in commercial film production, documentary film and television, scripted drama, factual, and animation.

Cynthia Clayton

Cynthia Clayton has been with DGC Ontario for over a decade, with years of film and television experience giving her firsthand knowledge on how best to serve and support the DGC Membership in all aspects of production. Cynthia is responsible for the adherence of the DGC Ontario/CMPA Standard Agreement, under which our 3,000Members work. In addition to her role as Senior Business Agent, she is the Treasurer of Section 21 Film and TV Health and Safety Advisory Committee.

Paula Devonshire

A graduate of U of T, Paula has attended the prestigious Canadian Film Centre, Trans-Atlantic Partners and was the first Canadian to participate in the Inside Pictures Producer Program in London, UK. Paula is a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation. As a feature and television producer she has worked with acclaimed filmmakers such as Neil Jordan, Atom Egoyan, George Romero, and Alex Kurtzman.

Amir Endalah

Born in Tehran, Amir Endalah is an expert creative force with years of experience across international production markets in media, film and television. A senior producer, creative director and team leader across a variety of content creation projects. Maintaining a strong advocacy for the independent film industries as well as striving for innovation in production and education. He is one of the key thought leaders in virtual production activities and workflows in Toronto and Canada at large.

Gail Haupert

Forward thinking union leader with 15+ years of expertise bringing non-confrontational, fair and strategic perspective on the interpretation and administration of Collective Bargaining Agreements and Labour Relations disputes. Recognized for being resourceful and goal oriented with proven accomplishments of effectuating positive organizational change, increasing employee engagement, productivity and retention.

Joan Jenkinson

Joan Jenkinson is the Executive Director of the Black Screen Office. She is an accomplished television executive and an outspoken advocate for Black Canadians working in the screen industries. Under her leadership the BSO has been named the 2022 Changemaker Organization of the Year. Joan is a founding Partner at Artemis Pictures which is focused on developing and producing scripted content for television.

Samantha Leigh

Samantha Leigh is a Sustainability Consultant for the film and television industry with Green Spark Group. She got her start on the ground as a Production Assistant in the sustainability department on a location and studio based drama in the Greater Toronto Area. Since then, she has worked with production companies, studios, and industry organisations across North America in support of a sustainable production transition. She shares her passion for sustainability through training programs.

Cynthia Lynch

Cynthia Lynch is Managing Director & Counsel at FilmOntario, an industry organization that advocates on behalf of the screen-based sector. Prior to this, Cynthia spent over10 years at Ontario Creates, most recently as Manager of Research, Strategic Planning and IT, where she oversaw the Agency's research and policy program and managed the business planning process. In 2012, Cynthia left Ontario Creates to pursue legal studies at the University of Ottawa. She was called to the Ontario bar in 2016.

Angela Mastronardi

Angela Mastronardi (she/her) is the president of the IATSE Local 873, the union representing motion picture technicians in the Greater Toronto Area. After achieving an Honours BA in both French and Economics from York University, she began her career as a Script Supervisor. Since joining the IATSE 873, Angela has been actively involved in union organizing and governance. She is currently on the Film Ontario Board.

Jayson Mosek

Jayson Mosek has been the Business Agent with NABET 700-M UNIFOR since 2011. NABET 700-MUNIFOR represents almost 3,000 qualified technicians across fifteen (15) different technical departments in the Ontario film, television & digital media production sector. Jayson is responsible for the promotion and marketing of the Union to prospective producers and works on various committees which strive to provide for the betterment of working conditions for Members and the industry as a whole.

Wendy Noss

Wendy Noss is the President of the Toronto-based Motion Picture Association - Canada - the Canadian arm of the MPA - serving as the voice and advocate of the major international producers and distributors of film, television and streaming content in Canada. The global studios served by the MPA include The Walt Disney Company, Paramount Pictures (VIACOMCBS), Sony Pictures Entertainment, Netflix, Universal Pictures (NBC Universal), and Warner Bros. ("MPA Studios").

Jinder Oujla-Chalmers

Jinder and her privately owned company have been working on Diversity issues in the media sector for over forty years. Jinder was instrumental in creating and designing the WGC Bell media Screenwriter's Diversity Program through Bellmedia's Benefits package. It aimed to engage young screenwriters from diverse communities. It aimed to engage young screenwriters from diverse backgrounds.

Biju Pappachan

Committed to systemic and sustainable change, Biju collaborates with business, government and community to tackle complex social issues facing underserved groups across the country. Currently, As Executive Director of POV, he convenes and catalyzes multi stakeholder partnerships from across the Film, TV and digital media sector with aims to map economic and educational pathways for diverse creatives trying to gain meaningful access that will launch successful careers into the sector.

Alma Parvizian

With 18 years of experience, I have an extensive knowledge of working in arts and communications. As Managing Partner, I oversee PR strategy, staffing, business development, and client relations for Touchwood PR. Prior to joining Touchwood PR in 2011, I was a key member of the Communications team at TIFF for six years, managing the press office for the Festival, year-round programming, and integral member of the Communications team for the opening of TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Ramona Pringle

Ramona Pringle is a writer, creator, researcher and journalist whose body of work spans a broad range of platforms, with a focus on the evolving relationship between humans and technology. She is a professor in the RTA School of Media at Toronto Metropolitan University and Director of The Creative School's Innovation Studio. She has produced multiple groundbreaking interactive works and is well known for her technology journalism. She has a BFA from York University and Master's Degree from NYU.

John Rakich

John Rakich is a Location Manager with over 23 years of experience working on long and short format features and numerous television series for studios and streaming services. He is the current President of the Location Managers Guild International and a board member of the Directors Guild of Canada Ontario. He is also a member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and a frequent speaker at panels around the world.

Kenneth Rogers

Ken Rogers is Academic Director of the MBA Program in Arts, Media and Entertainment at the Schulich School of Business and Associate Professor of Cinema and Media Arts at York University. He is Director of the Cinespace Motion Media Studio, a 6,000 sq. ft. film studio in the heart of Cinespace's Kipling facility, a partnership offering unique experiential education opportunities to York film and media students. He was formerly Associate Dean, Research at the School of the Arts.

Magali Simard

Magali Simard is the newly appointed Director of Industry Relations at Cinespace Studios, Toronto's largest production facility. She is the former Film Sector Development Program Manager for the City of Toronto where she led economic and creative development activities to amplify the international competitiveness of the City's $2.5B Screen sector. Prior to joining the City, Magali was a lead curator and the senior manager of theatrical programming at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Jane Tattersall

Jane Tattersall is a creative post-production professional known for her award-winning sound work and business leadership. She has a Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2000, National Post Business & the Arts Award 2003, and recently the 2021 WIFT-T Crystal Award for Outstanding Achievement in Business. Jane is head of the Toronto facility of Picture Shop and Formosa Group. The business works with industry partners to ensure continued success for Toronto's film and television sector.

Christa Tazzeo Morson

With long standing roots in vfx and postproduction, Christa Tazzeo Morsonhas worked with filmmakers to deliver the best creative driven solutions for the screen for over 20 years. She is credited with work on the Academy Award winning feature Spotlight, the Emmy award winning television series' Game of Thrones and The Handmaid's Tale. Christa is an active member of the Toronto production community. She sits on the OnCreates Industry Advisory Council and the WIFT Engagement Committee.

This report recommends the appointment of 22 individuals to the Toronto Film, Television and Digital Media Board for the remainder of the current term of City Council.