Tricon adds former eOne exec

Canadian producer Tricon Films & Television has appointed a former Entertainment One (eOne) executive to the newly created role of executive VP of kids, family and animation.

Based in LA, Frank Saperstein will oversee all aspects of production and programming at Tricon’s children’s and family business, reporting to president Andrea Gorfolova.

The former senior VP of family TV at eOne will also work closely with Tricon’s interim head of kids & family, Jon Rutherford, who will continue to oversee the firm’s international distribution and business development across all genres. He will also work with Ashley Rite, who remains head of kids development.

Saperstein, an Emmy-nominated exec producer, writer and director, launched his own boutique development and production shingle, Surprise Bag, in 2012.

Prior to eOne, he was senior VP of kids and animation for Blueprint Entertainment, co-CEO and creative director of Philippine Animation Studio (PASI) and a development executive with VH1 and MTV Networks.

His credits include Pee-Wee’s Playhouse for CBS and Ren and Stimpy for Nickelodeon.