TVCANADA
The newly launched Blink Studios has appointed Carolyn Newman as executive VP of global scripted and Virginia Rankin as in-house executive producer.
Based in Los Angeles, Newman will focus on the development of scripted content for the studio and will report directly to CEO John Morayniss. She joins from Will Packer Media, where she served as head of scripted television and production. Prior to that, she was director of original series for Netflix, where she developed 17 original titles, including Clickbait, The Serpent, Echoes, Partner Track, Anatomy of a Scandal and Feel Good. She has also held roles at Entertainment One, Amazon Studios and Sphere Media Plus.
Rankin will be based in Toronto and will work closely with Newman to discover and work with new and diverse voices in Canada and internationally. She was an executive producer of Sphere Media’s medical drama Transplant and served as executive producer of four seasons of 19-2. She also executive produced seasons one and two of This Life (CBC) and Bad Blood (Netflix).
“Having previously worked with Carolyn and knowing firsthand her strengths in sourcing compelling commercial material, her talent for attaching the right creative team and her passion for supporting and inspiring writers to do their best work, we’re delighted to have her lead the creative efforts of Blink Studios,” said Morayniss.“I’m also thrilled to have Virginia join us in Toronto. She is one of the best creative producers and executives working in Canada, and we are so fortunate that she has agreed to join Blink. Carolyn and Virginia are a powerhouse duo, making them an incredible addition to the team. Combined with their proven track records, keen instincts and strong relationships in the creative community, Carolyn and Virginia will establish a slate of compelling content while also supporting our producers and creative partners to help secure premium scripted IP and package talent for their projects.”
Newman added, “I am thrilled to be working again with John, my new colleagues at Blink Studios, as well as the excellent executives at Endeavor Content. It’s a world-class team. Blink’s creative-first approach for Canadian artists as well as being a home that truly fosters creative collaborations from around the world really speaks to my passion as a storyteller and my career as an executive. I’m also delighted to be reunited with Virginia as my creative partner. Having known her for over 15 years and having worked closely together on the drama series 19-2, I can’t wait to get going and make great stories for the world to see.”