Shaftesbury Films is the production company responsible for producing the Murdoch Mysteries TV series and the original Films.
Shaftesbury Films was founded by Chairman and CEO Christina Jennings in 1987 and has since evolved into a diversified, globally successful business.
Spanning the production of drama, kids, factual and digital content sold in 120 countries worldwide, Shaftesbury is known for its innovative international co-production, financing and distribution partnerships and award-winning storytelling.
Christina Jennings has won both a Genie and a Gemini Award, among other nominations.
In May 2019, Shaftesbury Films announces a new co-production with ZDF Enterprises Dead Still, commission by RTÉ and Acorn Media Enterprises (AME). Set in 1880s Ireland in the Victorian era heyday of “postmortem photography", the six-episode period drama follows a renowned memorial photographer as he investigates the murders of his recently deceased subjects. Written by John Morton and directed by Imogen Murphy (Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope, Red Rock) and Craig David Wallace (Slasher, Todd and the Book of Pure Evil, Murdoch Mysteries). Acorn Media Enterprises has secured all rights in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and United Kingdom; co-premiere rights in Canada; and secondary rights in Ireland. ZDF Enterprises will distribute the series in the rest of the world. It is developed with the support of Screen Ireland and Creative Europe. The New Ireland-Canada Co-Production stars Michael Smiley (Luther, Death and Nightingales), Kerr Logan (Game of Thrones, Alias Grace), Eileen O’Higgins (Brooklyn, Mary Queen of Scots), Aidan O’Hare (Jackie, Pilis), Mark Rendall (Departure, Versailles), and featuring Martin Donovan (Big Little Lies, Fahrenheit 451)
Shaftesbury Films reunites with Rachelle Lefevre with The Sound about a Canadian woman who flies to New Zealand to meet up with her husband, Tom (Matt Whelan), who is about to close an important business deal. After a romantic night spent on a sailboat in a quiet cove, Tom paddles off in a kayak … and disappears. Penned by Sarah-Kate Lynch and directed by Peter Stebbings, the eight episodes explore secrets, lies and the extent people will go to get what they want, debuts Monday, Oct. 5th, 2020 at 8 p.m. on CBC.
February 2, 2021, it was announced that AMC Networks has struck a strategic partnership with Shaftesbury, allowing it to expand its content and development capabilities north of the border; Shaftesbury produces Murdoch Mysteries, which is one of the biggest shows for AMC Networks-owned Acorn TV. Shaftesbury CEO and Chairman Christina Jennings, who founded the company in 1987, will continue to lead the company alongside EVP Scott Garvie.
Jennings, Garvie and Shaftesbury board member Michael Levine will remain on Shaftesbury’s Board of Directors and will be joined by two new AMC Networks directors, Harold Gronenthal, EVP of Programming and Marketing for AMC Networks International, and Matt Graham, GM of the AMC Networks-owned Acorn TV streaming service. “'This new partnership will leverage the broad expertise of AMC Networks and Shaftesbury to deliver significant growth opportunities for the development, production, distribution and reach of our content,” said Christina Jennings. “Getting Canadian stories and creative talent in front of the international market has always been Shaftesbury’s mission – this relationship will give us a big leg up.”
In 2021, Deborah Nathan, a writer, story editor, producer and consultant in both the Canadian and US television industries, has been appointed senior director of creative, overseeing dramas in development and production from Shaftesbury’s Toronto office. Shaftesbury CEO and chairman Christina Jennings will continue to spearhead the creative focus of the company and will retain day-to-day operational control alongside exec VP Scott Garvie. Nathan reports to Julie Lacey, VP of creative and works with London-based senior director, creative and coproductions, Alexandra Finlay.
In 2023, Shaftesbury appoints former BBC script editor Chris Farrer to bolster its international co-productions.
Trivia
- In Season 2, the Shaftesbury Theatre is introduced.
- On June 23, 2018, Murdoch Mysteries and Shaftesbury Films received the 2017 OHS President's Award for bringing international awareness and engagement to Ontario's rich history.
- New spin-off Macy Murdoch (8x11).
External Links
- Shaftesbury.ca
- 2019 Shaftesbury returns to kids'content: Kidscreen
- In 2023, New spin-off Macy Murdoch (8x11), a new CBC Gem original tween series.
Gallery
| Murdoch Mysteries Seasons |
|---|
| Season 1 • Season 2 • Season 3 • Season 4 • Season 5 • Season 6 • Season 7 • Season 8 • Season 9 • Season 10 • Season 11 • Season 12 • Season 13 • Season 14 • Season 15 • Season 15 • Season 16 • Season 17 |
Find Where To Watch Murdoch Mysteries Here.