WildBrain’s Director of Animation Development is 59 years old – The Hollywood Reporter

Todd Brian, director of development and animation at WildBrain, a media company for children’s content, died on December 28 after a brief illness, the company announced. He was 59.

In a statement, his family said Brian, who died in Toronto, was a “very charismatic soul who would light up a room with his energy and humour.”

Prior to joining WildBrain in 2019, he worked in other notable roles, such as senior writer for CBC Television, editor and story writer at eOne TV, development coordinator at Barna -Alper Productions, director of animation development at DHX Media and director of development for APKids at Alibi Entertainment Inc.

Stephanie Betts, chief content officer at WildBrain, said: “Todd is not only my colleague but also one of my closest friends, we have shared so much through our 17-year friendship. . “He makes everyone he meets feel appreciated and respected. I will miss his bright smile and hear his mischievous laughter every day.”

After graduating from Ryerson University and the Canadian Film Center, he continued his work in the creative field. During his career, he oversaw the production of a number of children’s shows, including the Emmy-nominated HBO Max animated series. Esme & RoyNickelodeon star waterfall and Driveand two films based on the novels by Lucy Maud Montgomery Anne of Green Gables Novel. He also wrote three episodes in 2010 for the popular children’s show Caillou.

His family continued in a statement, saying, “He is an avid runner, multi-marathon runner as well as a passionate tennis player, belonging to a League in Toronto. He is an avid traveler the world over, visiting both coasts of Canada, Vancouver and Halifax, Greece, Spain, France and Australia among many others, making friends everywhere he goes. visit.

Brian is survived by his mother Judy Jacobs, brother Troy Brian, sister Tara Brian and other relatives.