Michael MacMillan

CEO and Co-founder, Blue Ant Media

Michael co-founded and is CEO of Blue Ant Media. Started in 2011, the global media company is an international production studio and rights business, and owns and operates eight free streaming channels internationally, in addition to a roster of pay TV broadcast channels in Canada. The company is headquartered in Toronto, with six international offices in Los Angeles, New York, Singapore, London, Washington and Sydney.

For background, Michael co-founded Atlantis Films Limited in 1978. In its early years, Atlantis was primarily a film and television production house, winning an Oscar in 1984 for its short film Boys and Girls. In 1998 Atlantis acquired Alliance Communications in a reverse takeover and the company became Alliance Atlantis Communications. Under Michael’s continued leadership, as Chairman and CEO, the company operated 13 Canadian television networks and also distributed and produced movies and television programs including the hit series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. In 2007, Michael retired from Alliance Atlantis after selling the company to Canwest Communications and Goldman Sachs.

Michael is the co-founder and Chair of The Samara Centre for Democracy (launched in 2008) which is a non-partisan charity that is dedicated to reconnecting citizens to politics. Samara’s research and educational programming shines new light on Canada’s democratic system and encourages greater political participation across the country to build better politics and a better Canada, for everyone.

Michael is a co-founder and co-owner of Closson Chase Vineyards and Winery in Prince Edward Country, Ontario. Founded in 1998, Closson Chase makes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris wines.

A member of the Order of Canada, Michael has volunteered with numerous community and industry organizations over many years. He is a Senior Fellow at Massey College and co-author of the best-selling book Tragedy in the Commons. More recently, Michael was recognized by The Academy of Canadian Cinema + Television with its Industry Leadership Award, which honours innovation and leadership within the Canadian media industry. He was also named by Variety Magazine in 2022 and 2023 as one of the Top 500 leaders in the global entertainment industry, alongside fellow Canadians Drake, James Cameron and Lorne Michaels.

Robb Chase

CFO, Blue Ant Media

Robb Chase serves as Blue Ant Media’s Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for all financial management and oversight including budgeting; reporting results to the Audit Committee, Board and shareholders; as well as the balance sheet and capital structure. In addition to this work, Robb oversees the company’s Human Resources function and team. Previously, Robb was the Chief Operating Officer in charge of Media and Production Services, business operations, IT, Communications and Human Resources at the Television and Digital operating company, and head of Corporate Development at the parent entity. He has worked with Blue Ant since its inception in January 2011.

Robb has previously served as the President and CEO in franchised retail businesses that included Quiznos Canada Restaurant Corporation (1/2010 – 1/2011), Herbal Magic ULC (6/2007 – 3/2009), and as President of Papa John’s International based in Louisville, KY (2006 – 6/2007). Robb was also the President of Famous Players Inc., a division of Paramount/Viacom Inc. from July 2000 until 2005, and served as CEO from early 2003 until the company’s sale in mid 2005.

Prior to that, Robb spent ten years with PepsiCo Restaurants International and its spinoff company Tricon Global restaurants (1990 to 2000) in a variety of executive roles. Robb began his career in consumer packaged goods marketing with Warner-Lambert Canada, Johnson and Johnson and Seven Up Canada. He also served as Director of Marketing at Cara Operations.

Robb was a board member of Enthusiast Gaming Holdings in 2020-2021 which is a publicly listed company on the TSX and Nasdaq. He is the past Chairman of the World President’s Organization (WPO) Ontario chapter (2013), and past director and Board Chairman of publicly traded Imvescor Restaurants Inc (2010-2013). He is a past director of publicly traded Sleeman’s Breweries from 2003 until the sale of the company in 2006. Robb was a recipient of the Top 40 Under 40 national business award in 1996, and he holds an Honors Business Administration degree from the Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario.

Jamie Schouela

COO, Blue Ant Media

As Chief Operating Officer at Blue Ant Media, Jamie Schouela leads M&A and business development, driving the company’s strategic growth, while also overseeing key shared services teams company-wide, including Technology, Marketing and Communications. In addition, he collaborates closely with each business to ensure alignment with company objectives and supports teams in achieving their goals to drive overall success.

Jamie previously served as President, Global Channels and Media, where he led the strategic direction and operations of the company’s free streaming and pay-TV television networks around the world. In this role, he oversaw content development and acquisitions, scheduling, marketing and communications as well as the relationships with Blue Ant’s channel distribution partners. The company’s channels include Love Nature, Cottage Life, BBC Earth Canada, Smithsonian Channel Canada, Total Crime, HauntTV, Love Pets, Homeful and Declassified. He also led the company’s Canadian consumer shows, publishing businesses and multi-platform media sales team.

Prior to Blue Ant Media, Jamie served as Vice-President, Marketing for Shaw Media, directing all marketing and communications activity for Global Television and its 19 specialty channels. He began his career at Alliance Atlantis where he helped build a number of networks including Showcase, History Television and BBC Canada.

Jamie received Playback Magazine’s “Dealmaker of the Year” award in 2023, recognizing his extraordinary achievements in the free streaming and global channels space. He currently serves on the NATPE Global advisory committee and previously spent eight years on the Board of Directors for Numeris. His past work also includes advisory board roles with the Banff Television Festival and the Canadian Media Producers Association’s annual Prime Time Ottawa conference.

Astrid Zimmer

EVP, Legal and Business Affairs, Blue Ant Media

Astrid Zimmer is EVP, Legal and Business Affairs at Blue Ant Media and manages and oversees the legal and business affairs support provided to the company’s broad and diverse media businesses, including its domestic and international production, distribution and channel businesses and provides leadership on strategic initiatives and acquisitions. Astrid also leads the legal work on corporate governance matters, risk management and regulatory matters.

Called to the Ontario bar in 1996, Astrid received her law degree from the University of Toronto and her BSc. (Hon) in Anatomy from McGill University. After receiving training at Goodmans LLP as a student and first year associate, Astrid began her in-house career supporting TSN, RDS and Discovery Channel at what was then NetStar Communications (now part of Bell Media).

Her previous work includes senior positions at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment where she provided legal and strategic support to the broadcast and sponsorship business of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and Toronto Marlies.

Carlyn Staudt

President, Global Channels and Streaming, Blue Ant Media

As President, Global Channels and Streaming, and operating from Blue Ant Media’s Washington, D.C. office, Carlyn Staudt oversees the company’s international channels, including Love Nature, Declassified, HauntTV, Total Crime, Homeful and Love Pets. In this role, she oversees the continued growth of Blue Ant Media’s worldwide channel footprint across all platforms including FAST, SVOD, AVOD and Pay-TV.

Carlyn’s previous work at Blue Ant Media includes leading the growth of global wildlife and nature brand, Love Nature, where she first served as EVP, Programming and Development, followed by her General Manager role, where she oversaw the strategic direction and operations of the brand globally, which included affiliate sales, content partnerships, digital content, programming, marketing and communications. During this time, Love Nature grew into a free streaming and pay TV offering in over 100 countries and 25 languages, in over 388 million platforms around the world.

Her former role of Head of Commissioning for the company’s free streaming and pay TV channels in North America and internationally, saw her leading the commissioning and development of each content slate, in partnership with established and up-and-coming producers, and as well as international co-production partners.

Prior to joining Blue Ant Media, Carlyn held numerous leadership roles at National Geographic. As SVP, Global Programming and Managing Director for National Geographic Channels International’s operations in Washington DC, Carlyn was responsible for spearheading co-production partnerships and global acquisitions across NGCI’s suite of channels. Carlyn also served as Channel Manager for Nat Geo Wild internationally, charged with increasing the network’s footprint and managing all content, both commissioned and acquired.

A respected leader in the industry, Carlyn is a well-known thought leader in the television space, and regularly participates in industry panels, conferences and media discussions, sharing her expertise on FAST, distribution trends, commissioning and the future of television. She is also a former advisory board member of Jackson Wild and Wildscreen.

Mitch Dent

President, Canadian Media, Blue Ant Media

Mitch Dent is President, Canadian Media at Blue Ant Media and brings over 30 years of experience to the company’s Canadian business, comprising Canadian speciality TV + streaming, consumer shows and publishing, while also overseeing advertising revenue across the company’s multi-platform portfolio that includes Media Pulse, Canada’s exclusive connected TV marketplace. Mitch also oversees the company’s digital growth, expanding its footprint across owned and represented properties while shaping the overall revenue strategy for continued success.

Before assuming his current role, Mitch served as EVP, Consumer Shows, Media Sales and Publishing at Blue Ant Media for eight years. During this time, he spearheaded significant growth across all business segments including linear TV advertising and led the acquisition of Media Pulse, successfully doubling revenues within two years. Additionally, he managed the company’s Cottage Life publishing division and played a pivotal role in integrating six new Consumer Shows into the company, greatly expanding the company’s portfolio and market presence.

Mitch’s previous work includes leadership roles at Rogers Media, including EVP, Broadcast sales and SVP Publishing Sales, where he centralized sales teams and drove significant growth over 15 years. Prior to this, Mitch served as President of Today’s Parent Group where he played a key role in the brand’s growth and eventual sale to Rogers Media.

Mark Bishop

Co-President, Blue Ant Studios

Mark Bishop is the Co-President of Blue Ant Studios, a global production and rights studio with offices in Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, London, Sydney and Singapore.

In his role, he is responsible for overseeing and expanding the development and creation of scripted productions, including Primetime Scripted Comedy and Drama, Kids, Family, Young Adult, and Animation. Mark also leads the company’s distribution business and oversees co-productions, pre-sales, production finance, and worldwide sales activities, in addition to studio marketing, communications and government relations. He has worked with all levels of government to advise on, and help shape, policies that enhance industry support.

Mark joined Blue Ant Media after its acquisition of the award-winning production and distribution company, marblemedia and its distribution company, D360, which he co-founded and served as co-CEO for over 20 years, alongside Matthew Hornburg.

As a respected leader in the media industry, Mark currently serves on the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) Board of Directors and as an executive board committee member of the Canadian Association of Content Exporters (CACE). He is a board member for Film Ontario and a Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) RTA Media Production Program Advisory Council (PAC) Member.

A proud TMU (formerly Ryerson University) RTA Wall of Famer and Alumni Achievement Award Recipient, Mark’s creativity and love for original storytelling have brought audiences around the world award-winning programming, including the scripted teen comedy series Davey and Jonesie’s Locker (Prime Video and Hulu), the fan favourite competition hits Race Against the Tide (CBC), All Around Champion (TVO) and Blown Away (Netflix), plus the TIFF People’s Choice Documentary winning feature Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make Believe (Prime Video).

Mark’s work has earned widespread recognition for his contributions to the television industry. Most recently, he was named one of The Globe & Mail’s 25 Most Influential People in Canadian Television and was honored as one of Variety Magazine’s “Titans of Unscripted” in their 2022 Reality Impact Report. He has also been recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as a “Next Generation Content Producer.” In addition to his professional accolades, Mark received the Isadore Sharp Award for Outstanding Recent Graduate from Ryerson University (now TMU), the Innovative Producer Award from Lionsgate and the Outstanding Achievement Award by Playback Magazine. Finally, Mark was also appointed a New Brunswick Ambassador by the Premier of New Brunswick for his support in the province’s television sector and his efforts to promote local talent, production and tourism opportunities.

Matt Hornburg

Co-President, Blue Ant Studios

Matthew Hornburg is the Co-President of Blue Ant Studios, a global production and rights studio with offices in Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, London, Sydney and Singapore.

Matthew oversees the studio’s unscripted content strategy in development and production, closely collaborating with BAM’s channels to ensure maximum commercial alignment. He also leads the studio’s original slate by servicing international clients such as Netflix, Peacock, Amazon, BBC, CBC, Bell Media, to name a few. Matthew manages the Studio’s finance and business operations units and co-chairs Blue Ant’s AI Committee.

Matthew joined Blue Ant Media after its acquisition of the award-winning production and distribution company, marblemedia and its distribution company, D360, which he co-founded and served as co-CEO for over 20 years, alongside Mark Bishop.

A graduate of RTA, Matthew’s relentless drive and creativity have brought audiences around the world iconic, original, award-winning programming including Netflix hits Blown Away, Restaurants on the Edge and Drink Masters; A Cut Above (Discovery); Best in Miniature (CBC); Race Against the Tide (CBC) and 2023 TIFF selection and winner of the People’s Choice Documentary Award, Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make Believe (Prime Video).

Matthew has also gained widespread recognition for his impactful contributions to the television industry. Recently, he was named one of The Globe & Mail’s 25 Most Influential People in Canadian Television and was featured as one of Variety Magazine’s “Titans of Unscripted” in their 2022 Reality Impact Report. Additionally, The Hollywood Reporter acknowledged him as a “Next Generation Content Producer.” Further, Matthew received the Isadore Sharp Award for Outstanding Recent Graduate from Ryerson University (now TMU), the Innovative Producer Award from Lionsgate and the Outstanding Achievement Award from Playback Magazine.

Diane Rankin

EVP, Content Development and Commercial Strategy

With 25+ years in the media industry and a passion for innovative deal-making and partnership, Diane Rankin works across development and distribution to marry creative and commercial strategy to meet market demand and create long-term value.

In her role as EVP Content Development and Commercial Strategy, Diane is responsible for development strategy across Blue Ant Studios with a focus on creating and financing multi-genre unscripted and scripted originals. Her role also includes establishing strategic pathways across the Studios’ development and distribution business units to inform the slate’s creative and commercial opportunities, all aimed at supporting and accelerating the company’s ambitious growth. To support the collective commercial strategy, Diane also oversees the studios’ marketing to build brand awareness for its original production slate.

Prior to joining Blue Ant, Diane was EVP, Rights & Executive Producer at marblemedia and Distribution360 where she oversaw all sales and acquisitions activity, working with marblemedia’s internal development teams and with the company’s third-party production partners, to bring great content to buyers around the World.

Her EP credits include scripted and unscripted series such as Davey & Jonesie’s Locker, The Parker Andersons & Amelia Parker, Best in Miniature, A Cut Above and Titanic: Stories from the Deep. She has also held the roles of SVP, Acquisitions at DRG and Head of Acquisitions at Cineflix Rights; and spent over 13 years at Brunico Communications launching and steering many of their market-leading events, including Realscreen Summit and Kidscreen Summit and overseeing leading print titles such as Realscreen, Kidscreen, Playback, Strategy and Boards.

Joseph DeCamillis

SVP, Finance, Blue Ant Media

Joseph DeCamillis is SVP, Finance at Blue Ant Media and oversees the company’s entire finance function, including controllership, reporting, financial planning and analysis (FP&A) and tax. In this capacity, Joe plays a key role in driving the company’s financial strategy and operations, ensuring efficiency and growth across the organization.

Before assuming his current leadership position, Joe held various roles of increasing responsibility within Blue Ant Media, spanning group finance, corporate FP&A and production finance and his expertise has been instrumental in managing complex transactions and projects.

Prior to joining the company, Joe spent nine years at Deloitte, working across several offices in Canada. He initially worked in the Audit group before transitioning to the Advisory group, where he honed his skills in complex technical accounting, financial strategy and business advisory.

Joe holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from the Schulich School of Business and a Master of Science (MSc) in International Management from the University of Geneva. A CPA and recipient of the prestigious Honour Roll designation in 2010, he was recognized as one of the top 50 performers in Canada on the CPA UFE exam.

Sarah Etherden

VP, Global Communications

As VP, Global Communications at Blue Ant Media, Sarah Etherden plays a pivotal role in leading the company’s comprehensive communications portfolio. She oversees PR strategy + media relations, corporate communications and industry partnerships, reinforcing Blue Ant Media’s position as a leader in the production, distribution/rights, broadcasting and streaming sectors.

With nearly 20 years of experience in corporate communications, industry relations, publicity and trade marketing, Sarah brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Prior to joining Blue Ant Media, she founded the award-winning communications practice, Phoenix PR, in 2013. During this time, Sarah provided strategic consulting to a diverse range of clients, including production and broadcasting companies across Canada, as well as businesses in the tourism, food and beverage and not-for-profit sectors.

Prior to this, Sarah held a senior role at Teletoon Canada, where she led media relations, event sponsorships and corporate communications for the broadcaster’s English-speaking brands, and made key contributions to launching Cartoon Network and Adult Swim in Canada. She also served as Head of National Public Relations at Metropolitan Hotels for three years, overseeing PR, trade marketing, industry partnerships and philanthropy for the company’s national hotel chains and fine dining restaurants. Before entering the screen-based industry, Sarah spent several years in similar positions across the tourism, music, arts, live events and not-for-profit industries.

Sarah has contributed her expertise as an advisory board member for the prestigious Banff World Media Festival, the Ottawa International Animation Festival and Concerned Children’s Advertisers of Canada.

Megan Atkinson

SVP, Human Resources

As SVP, Human Resources, Megan Atkinson oversees Blue Ant Media’s people strategy, focusing on organizational culture, values, and purpose. Her leadership also involves integrating newly acquired companies into the organization and onboarding top talent to support the company’s global growth.

In her role, Megan has been instrumental in helping to grow the organization during her tenure from a start-up business to an international media company, recognized most recently as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers.

With over 25 years of Human Resources experience, Megan has previously held positions at Canwest, Shaw Media, Northbridge Financial and Husky Injection Molding Systems. She is a strategic business partner and effective relationship-builder with a deep understanding of the requirements of the media industry.

Megan is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University and the Humber College post graduate Human Resources Management program and is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL).

Elizabeth Lim

Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Elizabeth Lim is the Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Blue Ant Media, where she leads the company’s EDI strategy and works closely with Blue Ant Media’s senior management team to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization. She is the executive sponsor of the company’s global Blue Ant Diversity Council and oversees key industry partnerships that support diverse storytelling in the Canadian media industry.

Elizabeth’s journey began at the Race Relations and Policing Unit, Ministry of the Solicitor General and the Employment Equity Commission in Ontario. Over the last 20+ years she has worked across government, banking, education, the non-profit sector, retail and media, using her expertise to drive meaningful change for equity-deserving communities. While at the Business Development of Canada (BDC), the bank sponsored Elizabeth to participate in Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus’ Grameen Bank Dialogue Program on microcredit, which included fieldwork in Tangail, Bangladesh.

Elizabeth holds her Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP) designation through the Canadian Center for Diversity and Inclusion and is an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT). She is a graduate of the University of Victoria (MBA), University of Toronto, Trinity College (Honors BA History & Political Science), University of Windsor (BA Education) and University of Bergen, Norway (Erasmus program in Norwegian Language, Art and Culture). Elizabeth has mentored newcomers to Canada through ACCES Employment and Jumpstart Refugee Talent and currently sits on the Development Committee with the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival.