DHX Media Makes New Appointments to Bolster Original Animation Slate

DHX Media is looking to drive the development of its original animated content with a pair of new appointments.

Stephanie Betts was promoted to executive vice president, content, while Todd Brian joined the company in a newly created director of development role.

“We’re producing an amazing slate of original content for the world’s top streaming platforms and broadcasters, and our development pipeline is rich with exciting new projects,” says Josh Scherba, president, DHX Media. “Stephanie has been integral to the DHX Media story for many years, and as we increase our focus on high-quality original content, her vision and expertise in development and production make her an ideal leader for our talented content team”

Betts has more than 16 years of experience in developing and producing award-winning series, during which time she led development on DHX Media’s new Peanuts content, in addition to spearheading Strawberry Shortcake, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Inspector Gadget, Teletubbies, Polly Pocket, and Chip and Potato.

Brian previously served as a production executive at Corus Entertainment for Corus Kids (YTV/Teletoon/Treehouse), and spent time with both Toronto-based marblemedia and the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. (CBC). His writing credits include episodes of Caillou, My Big, Big Friend, and others.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.