John Morayniss, Patrice Theroux, Jeff Lynas and Nelson Kuo-Lee, all senior executives at Entertainment One, have launched Blink Studios, a Canada-based independent banner that will develop and produce scripted and unscripted content.
Endeavor Content will act as the primary strategic investor in Blink, which will be headquartered in Toronto with offices in Los Angeles, with Endeavor Co-Chairman Chris Rice joining the team as a member of the Board of Directors. Endeavor will also be Blink’s priority distribution partner.
Former CBC chief Kirstine Stewart has been appointed non-executive chair of the board of the company which, in addition to producing content, plans to invest in Canadian production companies.
“When we started our discussions with Chris and Graham [Taylor], we felt there was an immediate understanding and alignment as to why we were so passionate about building a world-class Canadian independent group and how we were going to be successful with a new approach and strategy and enhancements focused on creation, ”said Morayniss.
Rice and Taylor added, “We are thrilled to be in business with such a phenomenal team and to help support the creation of a company that relies heavily on Canadian talent. Blink is designed to invest in both the most established producers and the incredibly exciting emerging voices from Canada – where huge opportunities exist.
Morayniss joined eOne to launch his TV business and was CEO of eOne TV. Theroux served as president of film and television for the company, Lynas handled the day-to-day operations of eOne television, while Kuo-Lee previously served as CEO and CFO of eOne.
In 2019, toy maker Hasbro acquired eOne in a $ 4 billion all-cash transaction. More recently, at the start of this year, the company slashed film and television workforces by 10 percent.
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