WildBrain Animation Exec Todd Brian Passes Away

Todd Brian, director of development for animation at WildBrain, passed away on December 28, 2022, at the age of 59 after a short illness.

Brian was a graduate of Ryerson University’s Film Studies program and the Canadian Film Centre. Before joining WildBrain, he held roles at Corus Entertainment as a production executive for Corus Kids; development executive for kids and family at marblemedia; senior writer at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC); and multiple credits as a writer/story editor ranging from preschool to tween and family co-view programming.

“Hugely respected with great affection by all who knew him, particularly for his love of life and laughter as well as his outstanding creative talent, he will be greatly missed by his WildBrain family and the entertainment community of which he was such an integral part,” the company said in a statement.

“As a development executive, Todd’s deep creative instincts, production experience and collaborative spirit saw him nurture a slate of stand-out WildBrain projects which serve to illustrate his career legacy.”

Stephanie Betts, chief content officer from WildBrain, said, “Todd was not just my colleague but one of my dearest friends; we shared so much through our 17-year friendship. He made everyone he met feel appreciated and seen. I’ll miss seeing his bright smile and hearing his playful laugh every day.”

Brian’s family said, “Todd was a very charismatic soul who would light up a room with his energy and humor. He was an avid runner, participating in many marathons as well as a passionate tennis player, belonging to a League in Toronto. He was a world traveler, visiting both coasts of Canada, Vancouver and Halifax, Greece, Spain, France and Australia, among many other locations, having friends in every place he visited.”