Scott Garvie, Senior Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs at Shaftesbury, has been named the new Chair of the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA). Garvie’s appointment was confirmed this week by the CMPA Board of Directors. He replaces Jamie Brown (Frantic Films) who is stepping down after two successful years as Chair.

“I’m thrilled to take on this role at this watershed moment for content creators in Canada,” said Garvie. “Our industry is facing huge disruption and new challenges, but also, new opportunities. The upcoming Heritage consultations are a once-in-a-decade opportunity to holistically review and shape federal policy – this is a chance for us to determine which business tools have worked well and don’t require change, modernize the ones that do need to be updated in order to reflect our new realities, and add new tools to our toolkits that will allow our industry to evolve, thrive and prosper in the future. I believe the CMPA can and must play a positive and proactive role with Government and our various industry partners to set our sector up for continued success.” 

Garvie has overseen the negotiation and implementation of all development, financing, sales and recoupment arrangements for Shaftesbury since 1994. He has served on the CMPA Board of Directors for over 15 years and also sits on the FilmOntario Board. 

“Scott brings a deep understanding of the opportunities, challenges and complexities faced by independent producers today, which will be a huge asset as he sets direction for our organization,” said Reynolds Mastin, President and CEO, CMPA. “In today’s digital marketplace, Scott truly understands that content is king, and his extensive experience and strategic relationships with key players across the industry will help him provide the CMPA with strong leadership at this important time in our history.”

“I also want to take this opportunity to thank outgoing chair, Jamie Brown for his outstanding leadership and guidance over the past two years,” added Mastin.

Garvie has been integral to the growth of Shaftesbury, helping to turn it into one of Canada’s leading creators of original content for multiple platforms. He serves as executive producer on all of Shaftesbury’s productions, which are sold in 120 countries worldwide. Shaftesbury's current slate includes David Shore's new series Houdini & Doyle for Sony Pictures Television, Shaw Media, ITV and Fox; thriller series Slasher for Super Channel and Chiller; and 10 seasons of Murdoch Mysteries for CBC, UKTV and ITV STUDIOS Global Entertainment.

Other positions announced following the recent 2016/17 Board Officer elections are Cal Shumiatcher and Brian Hamilton, who have been re-elected as Treasurer and Secretary respectively. The one year terms of the Chair, Treasurer and Secretary will begin on June 11, 2016 at the Banff Board meeting.