EXCLUSIVE: Canada’s Shaftesbury is doubling down on the franchise game.
The Murdoch Mysteries maker has named Jay Bennett as its Senior Vice President, Franchise Strategy & Innovation – a role that puts the veteran producer and media strategist in charge of expanding its IP acvross platforms, audiences, brand partnerships and emerging media ecosystems.
Bennett made his first public appearance in his new role this week at SXSW London, where he joined actor, comedian and Murdoch podcast host Jason Mewes on a panel titled ‘Murdoch Mysteries: Always On – Building TV Fandom that Outlasts the Screen.’
Having worked with Shaftesbury several times over the years, Bennett is also known for working on projects in television, film, digital, gaming, branded content, live experiences, licensing, consumer products and emerging media with the likes of Netflix, Disney, CBC, the BBC and The CW. He is also the writer and director of The Fallen: ARG, which was the first digital series to win an Primetime Interactive Emmy, and produced Backpackers, which was the first digital series to transfer to U.S. primetime TV.
“Jay has spent his career at the frontier of expanding IP beyond the screen and he brings the vision and the track record to help us unlock that potential across our entire slate,” said Shaftesbury’s Chairman and President Christina Jennings.
“The entertainment business is no longer just about making great shows. It is about building worlds that include extensions, consumer products, live experiences, gaming, education, fan engagement and new revenue streams. We are thrilled to have Jay lead all of these initiatives across the company.”
“Shaftesbury occupies a rare place in the entertainment industry — a Canadian company with a truly global footprint, a remarkable creative engine, and a slate of IP with enormous potential to grow beyond the screen,” added Bennett.
“Having worked with Christina Jennings and the Shaftesbury team over many years, I have seen firsthand the vision, creativity, and ambition that drive this company. I’m thrilled to step into this role and help expand the reach, value, and impact of these amazing properties as we build the next generation of global franchise opportunities.”
