WildBrain development exec Todd Brian dies, aged 59

Todd Brian

Todd Brian, director of development, animation at Canadian kids & family firm WildBrain passed away on 28 December at the age of 59, following a short illness. 

Over the course of his career, Brian worked in creative positions across both live action and animated kids programming, joining Wildbrain (then DHX Media) in 2019 and also serving as a production executive at Corus Kids and development executive at Toronto-based Marblemedia.

He was also a senior writer at broadcaster CBC, with multiple credits as a writer and story editor across preschool, tween and family co-view programming.

In a statement announcing the news of Brian’s death, WildBrain said: “Hugely respected with great affection by all who knew him, particularly for his love of life and laughter as well as his outstanding creative talent, he will be greatly missed by his WildBrain family and the entertainment community of which he was such an integral part.”

Stephanie Betts, chief content officer at WildBrain, commented: “Todd was not just my colleague but one of my dearest friends, we shared so much through our 17-year friendship. He made everyone he met feel appreciated and seen. I’ll miss seeing his bright smile and hearing his playful laugh every day.”