Broadcaster now in search of four new directors
TORONTO – CBC today said it is restructuring its scripted content team so it can “be more effective and responsive to the independent production community,” the broadcaster announced.
The new structure will include dedicated units for comedy and drama, with each one organized into specific development and current production teams, which means the changes replace the roles of senior director of comedy and drama respectively with a new leadership model that will include a director of development and a director of current production for each scripted content area.
That means Helen Asimakis, senior director of drama and Michelle Daly, senior director of comedy, are departing. Asimakis decided to move on from the CBC and her last day was October 30. Daly’s last day is tomorrow.
“I want to thank Helen Asimakis and Michelle Daly for their outstanding contributions to CBC and the industry at large. Under their leadership, Helen and Michelle ensured audiences saw the very best in Canadian content and they leave behind a remarkable legacy,” said Sally Catto, general manager, entertainment, factual and sports, in the press release.
“CBC is the home of Canadian storytelling and we have worked hard to foster and cultivate our relationships with independent producers. And we can’t slow down. The industry is changing, and it’s critical we are set up to be more relevant, more nimble and more competitive in how we work,” said Trish Williams, executive director, scripted content.
“The recruitment process for the four newly created director positions will begin this week. This is the first step in creating even greater engagement with the creative community and bringing more new Canadian talent into the spotlight.”
The scripted content team’s new approach will ensure a dedicated focus on the development process, one that never slows down, even during heavy production cycles. This will allow CBC to prioritize finding new talent while still building on its established relationships, adds the release.
We asked the CBC if any other job cuts will be coming with this restructuring and were told Deb Nathan, executive in charge of production, drama will also be leaving CBC and no other jobs are to be affected.
“What we’re announcing today is consistent with models used across the industry, and positions us well to serve our industry partners and open the door for new voices to be heard and more stories to be told,” added Catto.
