TORONTO — Indie production company Blink49 Studios and Bell Media announced today they are partnering with entertainer, actress and producer Lilly Singh (above) and her company Unicorn Island Productions on a first-look global scripted and second-look unscripted content deal.
Spearheading the deal are Singh and Polly Auritt, head of development at Unicorn Island Productions, as well as Blink49 Studios’ Carolyn Newman, executive vice-president of global scripted, and Virginia Rankin, executive producer.
The partnership deal “will focus on creating and producing compelling television content that showcases underrepresented communities,” according to a press release.
Projects developed under the pact will be executive produced by Singh, Auritt, Newman and Rankin. Blink49 Studios will handle production and worldwide distribution.
“We’re delighted to be in business with Lilly and Polly who are passionate storytellers, particularly when it comes to underrepresented voices in our media landscape,” said John Morayniss, CEO of Blink49 Studios, in the release.
“We’re also excited to be partnering with Bell Media, Canada’s leading content creation company, on this unprecedented deal. Bell Media is taking a leadership role in supporting Canadian talent like Lilly, and entering into this innovative studio partnership with Blink49 will ensure the content coming from Unicorn Island Productions will reach audiences in Canada and around the world,” Morayniss added.
“A native of Scarborough, Ontario, Lilly is a singular creative talent, and along with Polly and the team at Unicorn Island Productions, has a distinct perspective that is so compelling for viewers,” said Justin Stockman, vice-president of content development and programming at Bell Media.
“Bell Media is thrilled to join forces with our partners at Blink49 to work with Lilly and the team at Unicorn Island Productions on developing content and amplifying new voices.”
A YouTube sensation and former late-night TV talk show host, Singh has been named in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Hollywood & Entertainment list, Fast Company’s Most Creative People, and as one of the most influential people on the Internet by Time. Considered a “leading force in the digital world”, she has over 38 million followers on social media, according to the press release.
This year, Singh was a judge on Citytv’s Canada’s Got Talent, was part of the cast for the DreamWorks Animation action-comedy The Bad Guys and launched her book club Lilly’s Library, which spotlights South Asian stories. She will soon headline the new Disney+ comedy series The Muppets Mayhem.
“I am thrilled to be collaborating with Blink49 Studios and Bell Media since they are likeminded champions of underrepresented voices. With their support, I’m looking forward to bringing compelling and inclusive stories to audiences around the world,” Singh said.
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Photo provided by Blink49 Studios. Photo credit: Shayan Asgharnia.
