Danielle Ng See Quan / Playback
Thunderbird Films is pleased to announce the appointment of Canadian media executive Ivan Fecan as consultant and Chairman of their Board. Fecan brings with him an extensive resume which boasts titles including VP Creative Affairs at NBC, Head of English TV at CBC, and CEO and President of CTVglobemedia.
Thunderbird President and CEO Tim Gamble said “We are thrilled to be growing our company with the help of Ivan, a Canadian and international broadcasting legend. His vision and broadcast expertise will help us better serve our clients and help to distinguish Thunderbird as a leading provider of content worldwide.”
Amongst his achievements, Fecan built CTV into a multibillion dollar conglomerate with Canada’s top rated broadcast and cable networks, and the number one programs in news, sports and entertainment. He also bid for and oversaw the coverage of the Vancouver Olympics which garnered the highest television ratings ever recorded in Canada.
“Fecan’s experience, reputation, industry expertise along with his guidance and strategic advice will help bring this company to the next level. I couldn’t be more excited to have him on board” said Frank Giustra, founder of Lionsgate Entertainment and a major Thunderbird Films shareholder.
“With the proliferation of multiple screens, creating compelling content is today’s big opportunity. Thunderbird is extremely well positioned to grow with the leadership of Tim Gamble, the backing of Frank Giustra, Francesco Aquilini (Aquilini Investment Group), Difference Capital, amongst others and the partnership with Lionsgate” said Fecan.
In March 2012 Thunderbird announced a new partnership with Lionsgate to form Sea to Sky Studios. The 50-50 joint venture already has deals in place for a TV series based on novels by Gone Baby Gone author Dennis Lehane and a limited TV series based on the book An Uncommon Youth about events surrounding the John Paul Getty III kidnapping in 1973.
“Ivan Fecan is an iconic Canadian media executive and a visionary thinker like Frank,” said Lionsgate Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer. “His appointment to be Chairman of Thunderbird underscores the blue chip quality of the team they have built and further enhances the stature of our Sea to Sky partnership.”
With this key announcement, Thunderbird is positioning themselves as a substantial player in the North American media space.