Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television appoints new CEO

June 26, 2007

Source: The Financial Express

Paul Gratton, Chair of The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television (ACCT) today announced the appointment of Sara Morton as CEO. The search for a new CEO was undertaken in April 2007 following the resignation of Maria Topolovich who had held the position for over 25 years.

"Ms. Morton is the ideal candidate for this position: she has worked with broadcasters, is knowledgeable about regulatory matters, is an expert on tax credits and financing structures, has worked with boards, lobbied with stakeholders and managed staff," said Gratton. "In fact, our search committee was unanimous in choosing Ms. Morton for this position and the Board of Directors of the ACCT looks forward to working with her on the many vital issues that challenge the Academy in the months and years ahead." Ms. Morton has more than 15 years experience in both the public and private sectors in the film and television industry. After completing degrees in business and law she began her career as a media and entertainment lawyer with a Bay Street law firm, and participated in the financing of numerous Canadian film and television productions.

She left private practice to join the Ontario Film Development Corporation where, as Director, Tax Credits, she oversaw the implementation of Ontario's tax credits for film, television, computer animation and interactive digital media in co-operation with Ontario's Ministry of Finance. Subsequently, she was promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer for the OFDC and played a key role in achieving the expansion of the organization's mandate and funding that resulted in the creation of the Ontario Media Development Corporation.

Returning to the private sector, she worked as an independent consultant to some of Canada's major broadcasters including Global Television, advising on its launch of seven digital specialty channels, and Bell Globemedia on regulatory and policy strategy matters.

Most recently, Ms. Morton worked in broadcast distribution with Bell ExpressVu, where she provided business, financial and strategic leadership for the acquisition of film and television content for Bell's DTH, PPV, VOD and IPTV platforms.

Ms. Morton will assume her duties as of July 3, 2007. The Board of Directors of the Academy extends its thanks to mediaINTELLIGENCE.ca Inc. for their contribution to the success of The Academy's search.

The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is a national non-profit professional association dedicated to promoting, recognizing and celebrating exceptional achievements in the Canadian film and television industries. Created in 1979 and today unifying more than 4,000 industry professionals across Canada, the Academy is a vital and integral force representing all areas of the film and television industry.

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