Shaftesbury Launches Factual Division

TORONTO: Shaftesbury Films is expanding into non-fiction production with the launch of Shaftesbury Factual, which will be led by Rachel Low.

Low will oversee all aspects of development and production for the division in the newly created role of VP of factual entertainment. She will report directly to Christina Jennings, the chairman and CEO of Shaftesbury. Low, executive producer on hits such as Pitchin’ In and The Opener, joins Shaftesbury from Frantic Films, where she was executive producer and development consultant. Prior to this, Low was president and executive producer of Red Apple Entertainment.

Shaftesbury Factual will work to produce series across a broad range of factual genres, rooted in unique characters in compelling real-life situations. Development is currently under way on a number of projects that will be announced in the fall.

“The move into factual production is the next strategic step for us to further diversify our business and development slate,” said Jennings. “Rachel is an accomplished, highly talented producer with a proven track record developing hit factual properties. She will bring fresh vision to our business and ensure we are positioned to succeed in the non-fiction arena.”

“Shaftesbury’s commitment to the highest quality storytelling and extensive relationships with broadcasters and distributors in Canada and around the world make it the ideal home for a new factual-entertainment division,” said Low. “I look forward to working with Christina and the team at Shaftesbury to develop a broad range of innovative factual projects that will bring audiences closer to their world.”