Blink49 Studios, the Canadian production company behind popular series like Wild Cards and Sight Unseen, has announced a significant expansion of its scripted programming division with two key appointments. The company, backed by Fifth Season, has hired Andy Bourne as Senior Vice President of Scripted Television and Mackenzie Donaldson as Vice President of Scripted Television. This strategic move underscores Blink49's commitment to enhancing its portfolio of compelling narratives targeting global audiences.
Andy Bourne joins Blink49 after serving as the head of limited series at Amazon Studios since 2023, where he played a pivotal role in developing and producing acclaimed shows. His impressive credits include titles such as Cross, Better Sister featuring Elizabeth Banks and Jessica Biel, and Blade Runner. Prior to his tenure at Amazon, Bourne spent 18 months in a co-lead position for external development, further solidifying his reputation in the industry. His experience at 20th Century Television as Senior Vice President of Development allowed him to work on several successful projects, including The Old Man on FX, Dopesick on Hulu, and Percy Jackson for Disney+.
Mackenzie Donaldson, based in Toronto, also brings an impressive background to her new role. She previously operated her own production company, The Donaldson Company, and contributed to notable series such as Orphan Black and Snowpiercer. Additionally, she's known for her work on Showtime's Citizen Bio and The Abnormal Beauty Company, along with directing feature films like The Definites and All the Lost Ones.
“We are thrilled to welcome Andy and Mackenzie to the team,” stated Pancho Mansfield, President of Global Scripted Television at Blink49. “Having previously worked with Andy, I’ve seen firsthand his deep industry knowledge and strategic insight. His experience, combined with Mackenzie’s exceptional production background and creative leadership, will further enhance our ability to develop compelling, high-quality scripted content for global audiences.”
Newman echoed Mansfield’s sentiments about Donaldson, noting, “Mackenzie is a powerhouse creative with an extraordinary ability to bring ambitious and engaging stories to life. I’m delighted to work with her again as her passion and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand our scripted slate.” She further expressed her excitement about collaborating with Bourne as well, highlighting his vast experience and keen eye for standout storytelling.
Founded in 2021 by industry veterans including CEO John Morayniss, Non-Executive Vice Chair Patrice Theroux, COO Nelson Kuo-Lee, and General Manager Jeff Lynas, Blink49 has made significant strides since its inception. The company has partnered with The CW on various projects, including procedural drama Wild Cards and detective series Sight Unseen, as well as a rodeo-themed family drama Ride. Additionally, Blink49 is currently developing a new comedy series from the producers of the popular show Trailer Park Boys.
With the addition of Bourne and Donaldson, Blink49 Studios looks poised to strengthen its competitive edge in the ever-evolving landscape of scripted content. As the demand for quality programming continues to rise, the company remains dedicated to delivering innovative and exciting storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide.
The appointments follow a growing trend in the industry, where production companies are increasingly seeking experienced talent to spearhead their scripted departments amid a surge in content demand. With Bourne and Donaldson at the helm, Blink49 aims to solidify its place as a leading producer of engaging, high-quality scripted programming.
