EXCLUSIVE: Blink49 Studios, the Canadian production company behind series including Wild Cards and Sight Unseen, is expanding its scripted team.
The Fifth Season-backed business has hired Andy Bourne, who was most recently head of limited series at Amazon Studios, as SVP, Scripted Television. It has also hired Mackenzie Donaldson, who has worked on series including Orphan Black and Snowpiercer, as VP, Scripted Television.
Based in Los Angeles, Bourne took on the role of head of limited series at Amazon in 2023. He has worked on series including Cross, Better Sister, starring Elizabeth Banks and Jessica Biel, and Blade Runner. Before that, he spent 18 months as co-head of external development at the company. He was previously at 20th Century Television, where he was SVP, Development, working on titles such as The Old Man (FX), Dopesick (Hulu), Percy Jackson (Disney+), The Chi (Showtime), Queen of the South (USA), Hot Zone (National Geographic), and Seven Seconds (Netflix).
Toronto-based Donaldson previously ran her own production company The Donaldson Company and was behind Showtime’s Citizen Bio and The Abnormal Beauty Company doc as well as directing feature films The Definites and All the Lost Ones.
The pair will report to Carolyn Newman, Executive Vice President, Global Scripted Television.
Blink49 has worked with The CW on a number of shows including procedural Wild Cards and detective drama series Sight Unseen as well as rodeo-themed family drama Ride. It is also working on a comedy series from the producers of Trailer Park Boys. It was founded in 2021 by CEO John Morayniss, Non-Executive Vice Chair Patrice Theroux, COO Nelson Kuo-Lee and General Manager Jeff Lynas.
“We are thrilled to welcome Andy and Mackenzie to the team,” said Pancho Mansfield, President, Global Scripted Television. “Having previously worked with Andy, I’ve seen firsthand his deep industry knowledge and strategic insight. His experience, combined with Mackenzie’s exceptional production background and creative leadership, will further enhance our ability to develop compelling, high-quality scripted content for global audiences.”
“Mackenzie is a powerhouse creative with an extraordinary ability to bring ambitious and engaging stories to life,” added Newman. “I’m delighted to work with her again as her passion and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand our scripted slate. I’m equally excited to collaborate with Andy, whose vast experience and keen eye for standout storytelling will help elevate our scripted offerings.”
