Canada’s Wind Sun Sky continues to recruit ahead of ‘Future Chicken’ launch

Future Chicken

Canadian multimedia company Wind Sun Sky Entertainment has made two new appointments, recruiting Robin Hays to the newly created role of VP of creative, kids, and expanding Bernice Vanderlaan’s role to executive producer and head writer of the Future Chicken ‘universe.’

Reporting to Jo Redfern, who joined Wind Sun Sky as MD, kids, last month, Hays will be responsible for the strategic development and execution of kids’ content creation across animation, live action and hybrid projects.

Her initial focus will be on the upcoming Future Chicken, a multi-platform eco-initiative for kids combating climate concerns and empowering youngsters to make a difference, while also supporting the expansion of its existing multi-platform property, Camp Bonkers.

Prior to joining Wind Sun Sky, Hays worked as an independent filmmaker, directing, writing and producing short and long-form films. Her credits include Anthem, starring Juliette Lewis, Cameron Monaghan and Peyton List; animated film Post No Bills; and Neill Blomkamp’s Alive In Joburg, Adicolor Yellow and Tempbot.

Vanderlaan, meanwhile, has signed on as executive producer and head writer of the Future Chicken ‘universe.’ She originally joined the company to develop the Future Chicken story bible in collaboration with the co-creators, Catherine Winder, CEO and founder of Wind Sun Sky, and Annabel Slaight .

In her new role, Vanderlaan will collaborate with Winder, Slaight and Redfern to ensure the many narrative extensions of the universe are produced in alignment with the project’s guiding principles, education and entertainment goals to bring ecotainment fun and learning to kids.

Vanderlaan has written for kids series including The Magic School Bus Rides Again for Netflix and Alma’s Way for PBS, and has developed, written and story-edited shows such as Nina’s World for NBCUniversal and Hello Mrs. Cherrywinkle for Family Channel/PBS. Vanderlaan reports to Winder and is based in Toronto.

Ahead of the global launch of Future Chicken in Fall 2023, 10Star Media has also signed-on as the exclusive distribution agent under the leadership of managing partner Craig McGillivray. 10Star Media will assume responsibility for driving the initiative’s multi-platform and format global sales, in addition to representing a number of other Wind Sun Sky Entertainment projects.