EXCLUSIVE: Canadian team Shaftesbury is betting on the development of franchise clubs.
Creator series "Murdoch Mysteries"« has appointed Jay Bennett as Senior Vice President of Franchise Strategy and Innovation. This position will allow the experienced producer and media strategist to oversee the expansion of the company's intellectual property across multiple platforms, audience growth, brand partnerships, and the development of new media ecosystems.
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This week, Bennett made his first public appearance in his new role at the SXSW festival in London, where he joined actor, comedian, and Murdoch podcast host Jason Mewes for a panel titled "Murdoch Mysteries: Always on Air – Creating a TV Fandom That Outlived the Screen.".
Bennett, a longtime collaborator with Shaftesbury, is also known for his work on television, film, digital, games, branded content, interactive events, licensing, consumer products, and new media projects for companies such as Netflix, Disney, CBC, BBC, and The CW. He also writes and directs the series The Fallen: ARG , which became the first digital series to win a Primetime Interactive Emmy Award, and is a series producer Backpackers , which became the first digital series to move to American primetime television.
«Jay has spent his entire career developing intellectual property beyond the screen, and his vision and experience will help us realize this potential across our entire product line,» said Shaftesbury Chairman and President Christina Jennings.
«"The entertainment industry today is no longer just about creating great shows. It's about building worlds that encompass experiences, consumer products, live performances, games, education, fan engagement, and new revenue streams. We're thrilled that Jay will be leading all of these initiatives company-wide.".
«"Shaftesbury occupies a unique position in the entertainment industry – a Canadian company with a truly global presence, outstanding creative talent, and a portfolio of intellectual property with tremendous potential for development beyond the screen," Bennett added.
«"Having worked with Christina Jennings and the Shaftesbury team for many years, I have seen firsthand the vision, creativity, and ambition that drives this company. I am delighted to take on this role and help expand the reach, value, and impact of these remarkable properties, creating the next generation of global franchise opportunities.".
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