eOne lays out Canvas investment

Transatlantic producer-distributor Entertainment One (eOne) has invested in digital outfit Canvas Media Studios.

John Morayniss

The ‘strategic investment,’ financial details of which were not disclosed, will see Canvas expand its distribution, production and financing of premium scripted content for digital, TV and OTT services.

The prodco will also work with eOne Television on a first-look basis for production and distribution to bring its content to worldwide audiences across all media.

Canvas was founded by Emmy- winning creator Bernie Su and media executive David Tochterman, who was a digital strategy consultant for PBS, ABC and Starz. Prior to that he worked for Innovative Artists and Will Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment.

John Morayniss, CEO of eOne Television, said: “As we think about the future of storytelling, we are pleased to be in business with innovators that bring new models to the table and complement our business.

“Together, we are well-positioned to find opportunities in rapidly developing media and platforms.”

Tochterman added: “In addition to providing resources to fulfil our vision for developing and producing multi-platform premium scripted content, eOne’s strategic investment in Canvas Media Studios will enable us to pursue a range of distribution and co-financing opportunities, including identifying third-party content.”

Canvas’s slate includes drama Socio, a follow-up to its Stylehaul series Vanity, which will be produced for MTV, as well as experimental 360° scripted comedy series The Mobile Oval.

EOne joins Allen DeBevoise’s Third Wave Digital and MNM Creative as investors in Canvas Media.