Bright North hires new production head, ups Dan Brioux to development VP

Jeff Baker (left) and Dan Brioux

RedBird IMI’s Toronto-based production company Bright North Studios has hired Jeff Baker as head of production and elevated Dan Brioux to VP of development.

With his promotion, Brioux, who was previously the director of development, will lead all development for Bright North Studios, whose credits include FBI True (CBS), Never Seen Again (Paramount+), 100 Days to Indy (The CW), Who the Bleep Did I Marry (Investigation Discovery) and While the Rest of Us Die (Vice).

Baker was formerly the VP of production at Alibi Entertainment and head of production at McGillivray Entertainment, where he worked on titles including Canada’s Got Talent, Renovation Resort and The Christine Jessop Story.

He will oversee the company’s production and creative operations, including a trio of recent green lights from Bell Media’s Crave for reality series Puck Parents, true crime documentary Pretty People Murder and ice hockey miniseries If Stanley Could Talk.

Both Brioux and Baker are based in Toronto and will report to chief operating officer Azadeh de Leon.

The production company, which was formerly known as Efran Films Canada until its acquisition by RedBird IMI in 2024, was founded by Shawn Efran and Morgan Hertzan.

RedBird IMI is the joint venture between RedBird Capital Partners, the New York-based private equity firm led by Gerry Cardinale, and Abu Dhabi-based media investment outfit International Media Investments.