Williamson enters Blue Ant’s Saloon

Blue Ant Media-owned Canadian production company Saloon Media has appointed a former Entertainment One (eOne) exec as its senior VP of scripted content.

Melissa Williamson

Melissa Williamson is taking the newly created role at the Toronto-based company, reporting to MD Michael Kot.

Williamson, whose appointment is part of Saloon Media’s move into the scripted space, will work closely with Blue Ant Studios’ LA-based studio on projects.

Prior to joining Saloon Media, Williamson was president of Toronto-based production company Pier 21 Films, most recently serving as exec producer on Pier 21’s news satire series The Beaverton for CTV.

Williamson began her career in LA with leading independent production company Blueprint Entertainment, before joining eOne’s television division in 2008.

Kot, who was previously senior VP of factual at eOne, said: “We’re committed to developing a diverse scripted slate amid the Covid-19 pandemic, and Melissa’s sharp creative insight and wealth of industry relationships, in both Canada and LA, are invaluable in setting up an impressive pipeline of compelling projects.

“Melissa’s extensive experience steering high-level scripted series from development to delivery aligns with our strategy for bringing in premium stories with top creative talent.”

Candian broadcaster, producer and distributor Blue Ant Media acquired Saloon in 2018.