CBC Names Director of Scripted Content

TORONTO: Canadian pubcaster CBC has tapped former Shaw Media original drama senior director Tara Ellis to lead its scripted content teams.

As executive director of scripted content, Ellis will oversee the senior directors of drama, comedy and children’s content. The digital originals team will also report to her, with respect to all scripted digital content. Ellis herself will report to Sally Catto, the general manager of programming.

Most recently, the executive served as senior director of original drama content for Shaw Media, where she oversaw original scripted drama and comedy programming for the company’s conventional network Global and specialty channels including Showcase and History Channel.

“Tara is one of Canada’s leading media executives and her incredible reputation, creative expertise, relationships with the independent community and leadership experience will undoubtedly serve her well in this role,” Catto said. “Not only will she bring a fresh new perspective, but also an impressive track record to CBC’s already stellar scripted lineup.”

Ellis remarked: “I am delighted to be returning to CBC where I started my career in TV drama. The scripted team under Sally has been developing and commissioning exciting, entertaining and relevant work at a time when the role of the national broadcaster has never been more crucial. I’m thrilled at the prospect of working with the independent community to continue to make CBC the go-to home for great creative talent and projects in Canada.”