New appointments to the Canada Media Fund Board of Directors

Toronto, July 6, 2017 – The Canada Media Fund (CMF) announces the appointment of Lori DeGraw and Dr. Michael Schmalz to the CMF’s Board of Directors, following the Annual Meeting of Members held yesterday in Montréal.

Michael Schmalz is President of Digital Extremes, a top development studio in the interactive entertainment industry. Mr. Schmalz has over 10 years’ experience in the digital media industry, focusing his attention on innovation in the gaming sector. Prior to that, he practiced as a civil engineer. He holds several degrees including a PhD, MA and MESc from Western University and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business.

Lori DeGraw is Executive Director of the Ontario Land Trust Alliance. Ms. DeGraw brings 25 years’ experience in the audiovisual industry. She held the role of VP Media Operations at Blue Ant Media for 10 years and over the course of nearly 15 years before that, she held various roles at the production level, including Executive Producer and Senior Series Producer. She brings extensive corporate governance experience, having sat on numerous Boards during her career. She holds a BA from Western University and is an MBA Candidate from Thompson Rivers University.

Lori DeGraw and Michael Schmalz succeed outgoing directors Cheryl Barker and Glenn Wong. They join current directors Alain Cousineau, Chair, Board of Directors; Alison Clayton; Guy Fournier; David McLennan; and Rob Scarth.

The CMF Board of Directors is fully independent from management, its funders and any beneficiaries. Directors are appointed by two member organizations, the Canadian Coalition for Cultural Expression (CCCE), representing Canada’s cable, satellite and IPTV distributors and the Government of Canada, through the Department of Canadian Heritage.

“Dr. Schmalz and Ms. DeGraw will be strong additions to the Canada Media Fund Board of Directors. They distinguished themselves during the rigorous, open, merit-based selection process, thanks to their skill and expertise in the audiovisual and digital sectors,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “I have no doubt that these highly qualified appointees will help the Canada Media Fund further its objective to promote the development of Canadian productions that tell our stories and showcase our great talent.”

“On behalf of the CMF and the Board of Directors, I would like to welcome Lori DeGraw and Michael Schmalz. We look forward to collaborating with them and benefiting from their experience and talent, as we set the CMF’s path forward,” said Alain Cousineau. “I would also like to thank Cheryl Barker and Glenn Wong for their commitment to high standards of corporate governance in pursuing the CMF’s objectives. Their dedication has been a great asset to the CMF Board and to the Corporation”

For additional information on the CMF Board of Directors and the corporation’s governance policies, please click here.

About the Canada Media Fund
The Canada Media Fund (CMF) fosters, develops, finances and promotes the production of Canadian content and applications for all audiovisual media platforms. The CMF guides Canadian content towards a competitive global environment by fostering industry innovation, rewarding success, enabling a diversity of voice and promoting access to content through public and private sector partnerships. The CMF receives financial contributions from the Government of Canada and Canada’s cable, satellite and IPTV distributors. Please visit cmf-fmc.ca.

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For more information, please contact:

André Ferreira
Communications Manager
416-554-2768
[email protected]

Department of Canadian Heritage
Media Relations
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]