Angela Jennings, Travis Farncombe go Skywild with new prodco, tap Tom Hastings as development VP  

From left to right: Tom Hastings, Travis Farncombe and Angela Jennings

Angela Jennings, the former president of McGillivray Entertainment Media, and writer and executive producer Travis Farncombe have launched a new Toronto-based production company, Skywild Pictures, focused on premium scripted TV and film.

The new outfit has hired Tom Hastings, whose resume includes stints at Paramount+, Muse Entertainment, Bell Media and the CBC, as its VP of development.

Jennings, who revealed her departure from McGillivray Entertainment last month, will serve as president and founding partner at Skywild Pictures, overseeing corporate development as well as managing creative, financial and legal strategies, and running daily operations.

The launch of the scripted-focused company represents a change of direction for Jennings, who for years has been among the top unscripted producers in the country, leading McGillivray Entertainment as it produced titles including MasterChef Canada (CTV), Canada’s Got Talent (Citytv) and Luxe Listings Toronto (Prime Video).

Farncombe will serve as CEO of Skywild Pictures. His credits include writing and producing the 2021 feature drama 13 Minutes and executive producing the 2018 Cuban docudrama A Translator.

Hastings joins Skywild Pictures after most recently serving as head of original programming at Paramount+ Canada, a role he exited last year as Paramount+ backed away from plans to produce original scripted series in Canada.

During his time as director of drama at Bell Media and creative head of drama at the CBC, Hastings oversaw major Canadian shows including crime drama Cardinal, medical procedural Transplant, neo-western sci-fi Wynonna Earp, police show 19-2, comedy-drama Being Erica and airline drama Arctic Air.

“Skywild Pictures is collaborating with the top writers and creators in the industry on a slate of bold, original content,” said Jennings.

“Strategic and innovative partnerships – with both the creative community and commissioners – is the foundation of our company. With decades of experience, our team has an ambitious mandate to deliver undeniable stories and premium productions.”