#FIRSTLOOK: CANADIAN FILM CENTRE ANNOUNCE FIVE NEW MEMBERS TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) announced the appointment of five esteemed new members to its Board of Directors: Erin Haskett President and Executive Producer of Lark Productions, Wendy Noss, President of the Motion Picture Association-Canada, Tara Parker, partner in the Goodmans Entertainment Law Group, Blake Tohana, CFO of 9 Story Media Group, and Austin Wong, Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs for New Metric Media. These distinguished individuals bring immense experience in the film and television industries and will further CFC’s mission to support the next generation of Canadian storytellers.

The CFC also expresses deep gratitude to six outgoing board members whose dedication and service have significantly impacted the future of Canadian screen industries: Kate Alexander Daniels (elected 2007), Cheryl Hudson (elected 2016), Raja Khanna (elected 2020), Mark Sakamoto (elected 2023), Hilary Smith (elected 2021) and David Zitzerman (elected 2004).

“Each of these departing members have left a meaningful mark on the CFC’s evolution — from expanding our programs to deepening our commitment to equity and inclusion,” said maxine bailey, Executive Director, Canadian Film Centre. “As we welcome this new group of leaders to our board, we’re energized by their passion and perspective. They represent the best of what our industry can be: innovative, collaborative and committed to elevating Canadian stories.”

Current Board of Directors are:
Neishaw Ali (Chair), Harold Gronenthal (Treasurer), Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin (Ex Officio), Tassie Cameron, Stéphane Cardin, Guillermo del Toro, Duane Green, Erin Haskett, Anne Loi, Owen McCorquodale, John Morayniss, Wendy Noss, Tara Parker, Magali Simard, Blake Tohana, Clement Virgo, and Austin Wong.

Bios:

Erin Haskett (she/her), President and Executive Producer at Lark Productions, drives Lark’s strategy and operations and oversees the company’s slate of scripted and unscripted content. Having executive produced over 200 hours of television, Erin’s track record in delivering high quality productions and leading with an emphasis on inclusive collaborative partnerships has resulted in ratings success and global appeal, including bringing hit international formats to Canadian screens. Erin executive produced the record-breaking smash hit Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent (Citytv), police procedural Allegiance (CBC), and legal drama Family Law (Global, The CW), as well as two seasons of reality series Farming For Love (CTV) and pop culture phenomenon The Real Housewives of Toronto and Vancouver (Slice). Erin is a current CMPA National Board Director and past Chair. She also serves on the Pacific Screenwriting Program Board of Directors. Erin is an alumnus of the 2002 CFC Producer’s Lab.

Wendy Noss (she/her) is the President of the Motion Picture Association-Canada and leads government relations, policy development, and advocacy on behalf of the MPA studios and their domestic affiliates. Wendy has been with the association since 2006, creating strategic alliances to further the health of the film and television industry and foster an environment of respect for the creative industries in Canada. Wendy is a respected government and public affairs executive with more than two decades of experience representing creative industries and intellectual property owners. Prior to joining the MPA, she was a practicing lawyer focusing on intellectual property law and policy, and in advancing the rights of international rights holders in the digital environment. She previously acted as Counsel and Director of Government Affairs for the national copyright collective, representing authors and publishers. Wendy received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Western University and her J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian American Business Council, works as an effective partner with film and television stakeholders across the country, and has been selected as a trusted advisor to serve on various government boards, councils, advisory groups and organizations.

Tara Parker (she/her) is an entertainment partner at Goodmans LLP. She represents major US, international and Canadian studios, broadcasters, streamers, producers, literary, musical, theatrical and other creative and business clients on financing structures, tax incentives, international co-productions and joint-ventures, rights acquisitions, format, distribution and digital media deals, errors and omissions insurance, talent deals, guilds/unions, clearance and intellectual property law matters. 2023 Toronto Entertainment Law “Lawyer of the Year” (Best Lawyers in Canada). Also recognized by Chambers Canada, The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, The Lexpert 500, The Legal 500 Canada, Lexology Index: Sports & Entertainment, and Euromoney’s Guide to the World’s Leading Technology, Media & Telecommunications Lawyers and Guide to the World’s Leading Women in Business Law. Frequent speaker/panelist at media conferences and guest lecturer. Has appeared as an expert on The Globe and Mail, BNN, CBC News, and CTV networks, and contributes articles to various Entertainment Law publications. Past president and chair of Crow’s Theatre. Member of LSO, WIFT-Toronto, Film Ontario, and past member of OBA’s Entertainment, Media, and Communications Law Section Executive. Duty counsel for ALAS (Artist’ Legal Advice Services).

Blake Tohana (he/him) is an accomplished finance executive with more than 25 years of senior management experience in the media and entertainment industry. Since April 2016, he has been Chief Financial Officer of 9 Story Media Group, a leading creator, producer and distributor of kids and family-focused intellectual property. In June 2024, 9 Story completed a transaction with Scholastic Inc., the global children’s publishing, education and media company, where Scholastic acquired 100% of the economic interest in and a minority of voting rights in 9 Story. Blake’s other senior management experience in the media and entertainment industry includes serving as CFO of Tricon Fims & Television, marblemedia Inc. and Fireworks Entertainment Inc., which he helped take public before it was acquired by CanWest Global Communications Corp. Blake got his start in the industry as Corporate Controller of Alliance Communications Corp., which was Canada’s largest filmed entertainment company at that time. From 2003 to 2010, he served as Executive Vice-President and CFO of Magna Entertainment Corp., which was North America’s largest horse racing company with media operations that included a U.S. television network and internet wagering business. Blake currently serves on the Board of Directors of Woodbine Entertainment Group and Leaside Hockey Association and the Audit Committee of the Canadian Media Producers Association. He also previously served on the Board of Directors of Ontario Creates (OMDC) and the Reelworld Film Festival. He is a CPA, CA and has an MBA from McMaster University and B.Sc. from The University of Western Ontario.

Austin Wong (he/him) is an entertainment lawyer, producer, writer and director. He has worked at such companies as Lions Gate Films, Corus, WildBrain, and Wattpad WEBTOON Studios, and is currently Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs for New Metric Media. He was a producer of Bruce McDonald’s feature film “This Movie is Broken” and was Associate Producer for such feature films as Fernando Meirelles’ “Blindness” starring Julianne Moore, and Paul Gross’s “Passchendaele”. He also wrote and directed a short film funded by BravoFact called “Gaysian”.

For more information, visit cfccreates.com.

About The CFC:

The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) is a charitable cultural organization that drives the future of Canadian storytelling. Our intensive, hands-on programs in film, television, and entertainment technologies empower, shape and advance opportunities for Canadian creators and entrepreneurs working in screen-based industries. Learn more at cfccreates.com.

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