BBC Studios taps Lionsgate alum Courtney Fitzpatrick to lead Canadian copros, sales

BBC Studios has named former Lionsgate executive Courtney Fitzpatrick as head of content partnerships and sales in Canada.

Courtney Fitzpatrick

In the Toronto-based role, Fitzpatrick will lead the coproduction and sales strategy for the commercial arm of the UK public broadcaster.

On the sales side, her role will involve selling to TV networks and digital platforms in Canada’s English- and French-speaking markets. BBC Studios said she will also be tasked with facilitating more coproduction opportunities, as well as building strategic partnerships.

Fitzpatrick will report to Szabo, executive VP of content distribution for North America and Latin America.

She joins BBC Studios after previously working at Lionsgate in Canada from 2017 to 2025. In that time, she climbed to VP of distribution and content strategy before exiting the company last year and working independently to help producers establish scripted and unscripted slates and coproduction opportunities.

She also previously worked at Distribution360, which was a part of Toronto-based production company Marblemedia, prior to its acquisition by Blue Ant Media.

“Courtney brings a deep and progressive understanding of the current Canadian media landscape, which when combined with her strong relationships with both English- and French-speaking partners, will drive opportunity and success,” said Szabo.

In her new capacity, Fitzpatrick said she would “continue to grow [BBC Studios’] presence in the territory and explore the full potential of what this country can achieve. Canada’s rich creative talent and globally resonant storytelling create exciting market opportunities.”