Blink49 Studios & Transatlantic strike JV development deal

John Morayniss

Blink49 Studios, the Toronto-based firm headed by former Entertainment One exec John Morayniss, has set up a joint-venture partnership with North American literary management firm Transatlantic to develop and produce original content based on its IP.

The deal will give Blink49 access to Transatlantic’s roster of book authors and catalogue to develop and produce original projects, with the two companies serving as co-producers on all titles developed and produced through the deal. Blink49 will serve as the lead studio, with Blink49 and Fifth Season having a first look at international distribution rights.

Blink49 was co-founded in 2021 by Morayniss, Patrice Theroux, Jeff Lynas and Nelson Kuo-Lee, with backing from Fifth Season. Its slate includes Hallmark Channel’s rodeo-themed family drama series Ride and CTV’s Sight Unseen, as well as adaptations of Charlene Carr’s Hold My Girl and Marissa Stapley’s novel Things To Do When It’s Raining.

Last month, the company hired former eOne alum Tashi Bieler as SVP & head of production and Mal Stares, the former VP of international TV production at Fifth Season, to lead its scripted efforts.

“We’re so excited to partner with Samantha Haywood, Laura Cameron and the fabulous team at Transatlantic Agency. They represent some of the best-selling authors and storytellers working in Canada, the US and internationally,” said Morayniss.