DHX Media has promoted Stephanie Betts to the role of executive vice-president, content.
She will be responsible for the development and production of DHX Media’s slate of original animated content, reporting to Josh Scherba, president. Betts will utilize her years of experience in kids’ and family content, where she has helped foster, manage, and expand DHX Media’s animated content slate. Betts’ expertise lies in building strong, creatively driven teams, and in developing series that kids around the world love. Drawing on more than a 16 years’ experience developing and producing award-winning series, she spearheaded numerous DHX Media shows, including new Peanuts content, Strawberry Shortcake, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Inspector Gadget, Teletubbies, Polly Pocket, and Chip and Potato. Prior to joining DHX Media, Betts worked as a producer and development executive at Breakthrough Films and Television, and previously at Atomic Cartoons.
“Stephanie has been integral to the DHX Media story for many years,” said Scherba. “As we increase our focus on high-quality original content, her vision and expertise in development and production make her an ideal leader for our talented content team.”
Betts said she is excited to continue to find new approaches to developing DHX Media’s evergreen brands for new kids and family audience, while expanding its slate of original content by working with the creative community to develop ideas into the next big global franchises.
Additionally, Todd Brian joins the company in the newly created role of director of development, animation, reporting to Betts.
A graduate of Ryerson University’s Film Studies program and the Canadian Film Centre, Brian has spent years building strong industry relationships while working in various senior creative positions on both animation and live-action productions. Previous roles include work as a production executive for Corus Kids (YTV, Teletoon, Treehouse) at Corus Entertainment; development executive for Kids & Family at Toronto-based marblemedia; senior writer at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC); and multiple credits as a writer and story editor ranging from preschool to tween/family co-view programming.