#FUNDRAISING: ACCENT AIGU ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCH THE IRINA FOUNDATION

Accent Aigu Entertainment (AAE), producer of the critically acclaimed global hit series Heated Rivalry, announced today the launch of the Irina Foundation, a private independent fund dedicated to championing inclusivity and mental well-being by connecting people through organized sports and arts programs. Established by AAE co-founders Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady, the Foundation will support organizations that create opportunities for LGBTQIA2S+ and underserved communities to participate, build relationships and foster a sense of belonging.

Irina Foundation was founded on the belief that shared participation can create belonging and strengthen mental well-being and resilience in ways few other approaches can. By supporting organizations that create these spaces, the Foundation aims to help individuals build meaningful connections while fostering stronger, more connected communities around them.

Global lifestyle brand Kate Spade New York has played an integral role in bringing the Foundation to life and making connections with other like-minded partners, like men’s grooming brand Harry’s, who brings a decade of experience championing men’s mental health. As part of that commitment, Kate Spade will make a founding contribution to the Irina Foundation as its inaugural donor, with Harry’s also joining as an early supporter of the fund.

“For many of us, some of life’s most meaningful moments happen on a team, in a studio or on a stage – places where we find our people, discover what lights us up and feel like we belong,” said Tierney and Brady. “We’ve been incredibly lucky to build something we love and along the way find a community that means so much to us. The Foundation is our way of giving back. We’re grateful to Kate Spade and Harry’s for seeing that vision and helping us make it possible.”

This launch builds on a year of significant philanthropic activity by AAE. Over the past few months, AAE, together with its partners, fans and broader community has helped raise over $1.5 million USD for organizations and initiatives advancing inclusion, accessibility and social impact, including You Can Play, the New York LGBTQ Center and Rainbow Railroad, among others. The Irina Foundation will carry that work forward through a dedicated effort.

The Foundation takes its name from the foundation that Heated Rivalry characters Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov created in Rachel Reid’s New York Times bestselling Game Change series, which is named after Ilya’s mother, Irina, who struggled with her own mental health.

“We chose the name Irina Foundation because, at the heart of Heated Rivalry, Irina represents something much bigger. She reminds us that behind every struggle is a person who deserves to be seen, loved and supported,” said Jayme Alter Wilson, President of Accent Aigu Entertainment. “The Foundation is our way of honouring that message. We hope to channel the love people have for the world Rachel has created, and for Shane and Ilya, into something that can make a meaningful difference in the real world.”

The Irina Foundation will be guided by an advisory board. Additional details about the Foundation to be announced. For information about the Irina Foundation visit irina-foundation.com.

A donor-advised fund for the Irina Foundation has been established in Canada through the Private Giving Foundation, a registered public foundation recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency and Revenu Québec and administered through TD Wealth. The Foundation provides the philanthropic infrastructure to receive charitable contributions and facilitate strategic grantmaking in support of The Irina Foundation’s charitable mission and intended impact.

In the US, the Irina Foundation is a Donor Advised Fund led by Accent Aigu Entertainment, powered by Panorama Global. Panorama Global is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, providing the philanthropic platform and infrastructure for the foundation’s grantmaking and impact.

About Accent Aigu Entertainment

Accent Aigu Entertainment (AAE) is a media and entertainment company founded by Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady. Since its inception, AAE has focused on developing, producing and redefining premium scripted content for global audiences. AAE’s current slate includes the critically acclaimed global hit series Heated Rivalry, which premiered in November 2025 and is currently in production on its second season. The series has garnered a Peabody Award, a Television Academy Honours Award, and a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding New Television Series. Heated Rivalry received 18 Canadian Screen Award nominations, winning in all categories nominated including Best Drama Series, Best Writing, and Best Direction, and setting a record for the most wins by a series in a single year.

#FIRSTLOOK: ACCENT AIGU ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE NEW LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

Accent Aigu Entertainment, the production company behind the internationally acclaimed hit series Heated Rivalry, announced today a new leadership structure and several key appointments as it builds on its recent creative and commercial momentum and enters its next phase of growth. Founded by Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady, Accent Aigu Entertainment is marking a significant milestone in its continued evolution with these appointments.

As part of the company’s new leadership structure, Tierney and Brady, who previously served as Co-Presidents, will continue to guide Accent Aigu Entertainment’s strategic direction and creative vision while assuming the roles of Chief Creative Officer and Executive Producer, and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Producer, respectively.

“Accent Aigu has experienced incredible success over the past year, and we’re excited about where we are headed next,” said Tierney and Brady. “As we continue to grow, it’s important for us to bring in people who not only have deep experience in their fields, but who also understand the kind of company we want to be. Jayme, Craig, Lori, and Liane each bring thoughtful leadership, creative insight, and a shared commitment to storytelling as we continue building a strong foundation for long-term success.”

Appointed to the executive team as President, Jayme Alter Wilson will lead strategy and operations alongside Tierney and Brady. Alter Wilson brings extensive strategic, business, and legal expertise from her role as a Partner in the Media, Entertainment and Sports group at Dentons, where she worked with clients across film, television, music, advertising, and other creative industries. Having advised Accent Aigu Entertainment since its inception, this appointment formalizes Alter Wilson’s longstanding relationship with the company in a new capacity. She will officially assume the role in June 2026.

Craig Merritt has been named Chief Financial Officer, a newly created position in which he will oversee all production and corporate financial activities. Merrit brings decades of management and finance experience with a focus on the entertainment sector, having worked with both large public companies and owner-managed private operations.

Also joining the expanded leadership team is Lori Fischburg as Head of Production and Producer. Fischburg has a wealth of experience as a line producer on a number of high-profile productions, including Heated Rivalry, on which she also serves as a producer. In her new role, she will oversee Accent Aigu’s growing production slate.

Liane Cunje joins as Development Executive and Producer. Cunje has held a wide range of roles across the film and television industry, including managing TIFF’s festival programming and serving as its industry selection programmer. She has also produced a number of independent feature films. She will oversee development across Accent Aigu’s expanding slate while also serving as a producer on Heated Rivalry.

ABOUT ACCENT AIGU ENTERTAINMENT
Founded in 2023 by Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady, Accent Aigu Entertainment is a next-generation production company focused on developing and producing premium scripted content for global audiences. Jacob and Brendan bring a wealth of experience from the Canadian film and television landscape, along with a strong creative partnership and shared professional ethos that underpin the company’s vision. Accent Aigu’s current slate includes the international hit series Heated Rivalry, which premiered in November 2025, with a second season already in development. Accent Aigu Entertainment is repped by CAA.