Effective October 19, Tara Ellis will become Executive Director, Scripted Content. Ellis will lead CBC’s scripted content teams as they continue to raise the bar in comedy and drama, kids programming and digital originals.
“Tara is one of Canada’s leading media executives and her incredible reputation, creative expertise, relationships with the independent community and leadership experience will undoubtedly serve her well in this role.”, says Sally Catto, General Manager Programming. “Not only will she bring a fresh new perspective, but also an impressive track record to CBC’s already stellar scripted lineup.”
Most recently Senior Director of Original Drama Content for Shaw Media, Tara Ellis oversaw original scripted drama and comedy programming for Shaw Media’s conventional network Global and specialty channels including Showcase and History Channel. In her prior role as Alliance Atlantis’s VP of Content for Showcase, Tara led acquisitions, original production, and scheduling for the premiere specialty drama service. Prior to that, Tara was Executive in Charge of Production for CBC, overseeing long-form development and production of movies, mini-series and feature films. She also programmed Canadian short films and feature films for the public network.
The Globe & Mail has named Tara as one of the 40 Most Influential People in Canadian television for her efforts in bringing new talent to Canadian airwaves. In December 2024, Tara was honoured with the Women In Film & Television Crystal Award for Creative Excellence. She has served as board member and co-chair of WIFT-T, and as industry advisor to the Banff Media Festival, Strategic Partners, and others. Tara will report to Sally Catto and reporting to her will be the Senior Directors of drama, comedy and children’s content. The digital originals team will report to Tara with respect to all scripted digital content.