Blink49 Studios & Bell Media Strike Partnership with Lilly Singh

Blink49 Studios and Bell Media have signed a first-look global scripted and second-look unscripted deal with Lilly Singh and her company Unicorn Island Productions.

The deal will focus on creating and producing compelling television content that showcases underrepresented communities. It was spearheaded by Singh and Polly Auritt, head of development at Unicorn Island Productions, as well as Carolyn Newman, executive VP of global scripted, and Virginia Rankin, executive producer for Blink49 Studios. Projects developed under the pact will be executive produced by Singh, Auritt, Newman and Rankin, with Blink49 Studios handling production and the worldwide distribution.

John Morayniss, CEO of Blink49 Studios, said: “We’re delighted to be in business with Lilly and Polly, who are passionate storytellers, particularly when it comes to underrepresented voices in our media landscape. We’re also excited to be partnering with Bell Media, Canada’s leading content creation company, on this unprecedented deal. Bell Media is taking a leadership role in supporting Canadian talent like Lilly, and entering into this innovative studio partnership with Blink49 will ensure the content coming from Unicorn Island Productions will reach audiences in Canada and around the world.”

Justin Stockman, VP of content development and programming at Bell Media, said: “A native of Scarborough, Ontario, Lilly is a singular creative talent, and along with Polly and the team at Unicorn Island Productions, has a distinct perspective that is so compelling for viewers. Bell Media is thrilled to join forces with our partners at Blink49 to work with Lilly and the team at Unicorn Island Productions on developing content and amplifying new voices.”

Singh added: “I am thrilled to be collaborating with Blink49 Studios and Bell Media since they are like-minded champions of underrepresented voices. With their support, I’m looking forward to bringing compelling and inclusive stories to audiences around the world.”