Christine Magee, one of Canada’s most successful entrepreneurs, Named Chair of the Talent Fund’s Advisory Committee

Mrs. Magee replaces outgoing Chair Hartley T. Richardson

Toronto, December 17, 2018 – Telefilm Canada and the Talent Fund are pleased to welcome longstanding Advisory Committee member Christine Magee as the new Chair of the Talent Fund.

Ms. Magee, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Sleep Country Canada, is one of Canada’s most successful entrepreneurs. She is also a dedicated philanthropist, serving on many committees such as the Hospital Board of Trillium Health Partners, the Board of Plan Canada, the Ivey School of Business, the Women’s President Organization and Covenant House Toronto, and, of course, the Talent Fund.

“With a strong passion for supporting aspiring creators and their career development, we are delighted that Christine Magee will lead the Talent Fund’s Advisory Committee in this next phase,” said Christa Dickenson, Executive Director of Telefilm Canada. “I look forward to working with Christine to continue the momentum that has been created over the last six years.”

“I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Hartley T. Richardson for his leadership,” Christa added. “The Talent Fund would not be where it is now without the passion and commitment that Hartley brings to the table. I’m truly grateful for his contribution and continued support as a committee member.”

“It has been a great privilege to work with this incredible and dedicated committee made up of leaders in business and philanthropy,” said Hartley T. Richardson, former Chair of the Advisory Committee. “I’ve witnessed the Talent Fund take tremendous strides since its inception in 2012, from raising over $16 million to helping propel the careers of filmmakers as diverse as Canadians themselves. All this contributes to strengthening the future of the audiovisual industry in our great country.”

“I’m thrilled to see that the success of the Talent Fund progress under the leadership of my committee colleague, Christine Magee, and I’m honoured to continue serving as a member,” Hartley added.

“I’m excited to continue to build on what Hartley has so passionately advocated and started as Chair of the Talent Fund since its inception,” said Christine Magee, Chair of the Advisory Committee.
“Championing the careers of emerging artists – like talented directors, writers and producers who are the future of this industry – is a worthy cause and I’m delighted and honoured to assume my new role.”

New to the Advisory Committee is Vincenzo Guzzo, President and CEO of Cinemas Guzzo. Best known as one of Canada’s members of the Dragons’ Den, Mr. Guzzo is also known for his philanthropy as founder of Guzzo Family Foundation, which supports cancer research.

In addition, Kimberley Walker, writer and graphic designer based in Toronto and Los Angeles (L.A.), has also joined the Advisory Committee. In the last five years, Ms. Walker alongside her husband, served as Consul General of Canada in L.A., hosting numerous meetings and events to support Canada’s social and political agenda in the field of visual and media arts. Ms. Walker is a passionate supporter of Canadian talent and she brings her past Board experiences to this appointment.

About the Talent Fund
The Talent Fund helps the film industry diversify its funding sources and promote its successes. Guided by an advisory committee of business and community leaders, the Fund mainly supports the discovery and career progression of emerging Canadian talent in the audiovisual industry. Thanks to principal partners Bell Media and Corus Entertainment, and to several foundations and individuals, the Fund has raised $16 million to date. Visit thetalentfund.ca for more information.

About Telefilm Canada—See bigger.
Telefilm is dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry. Through funding and promotion programs, Telefilm supports dynamic companies and creative talent at home and around the world. Telefilm also makes recommendations regarding the certification of audiovisual coproduction treaties to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, and administers the programs of the Canada Media Fund. Launched in 2012, the Talent Fund accepts private donations which principally support emerging talent. Visit telefilm.ca and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/telefilm_canada and on Facebook at facebook.com/telefilmcanada.

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Media enquiries:

Joyce Richards
Advisor, Public Relations – English Market
Telefilm Canada
647-475-4903
joyce.richards@telefilm.ca

Andréane Leblanc
Advisor, Public Relations – French Market
Telefilm Canada
438-469-1204
andreane.leblanc@telefilm.ca