Shaftesbury hires CBC creative Nathan

AMC-backed Canadian drama prodco Shaftesbury has hired Deborah Nathan from pubcaster the CBC to oversee its slate of scripted projects.

Deborah Nathan

Nathan has been appointed senior director of creative, overseeing dramas in development and production from Shaftesbury’s Toronto office.

She joins Shaftesbury following five years as an executive in charge of production at the CBC, where she shepherded productions like Diggstown, Fortunate Son and Alias Grace, as well as dozens of development projects.

Nathan has been a writer, story editor, producer and consultant in both the Canadian and US television industries. She has experience in dramatic series and has consulted on TV movies and miniseries such as Book of Negroes (CBC) and Jesus (CBS), as well as the feature film Cairo Time by Ruba Nadda.

The news follows the announcement this week that US channels and streamer operator AMC Networks is investing in the Murdoch Mysteries producer. The move gives AMC Networks access to Shaftesbury’s award-winning slate and expands its content and development capabilities in Canada.

Shaftesbury CEO and chairman Christina Jennings will continue to spearhead the creative focus of the company and will retain day-to-day operational control alongside exec VP Scott Garvie.

Nathan reports to Julie Lacey, VP of creative and works with London-based senior director, creative and coproductions, Alexandra Finlay.