News
Breakthrough expands into original development and production of TV movies with Shadow Island Mysteries
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
TORONTO (July 29, 2008) – Breakthrough Films & Television announces the expansion of their television movies division to encompass original development and production. The company has named Marina Cordoni as Head of Sales and Business Development, Theatrical & TV movies to oversee the division’s growing slate of in-house productions. The announcement was made today by Peter Williamson and Ira Levy, Executive Producers and Partners at Breakthrough Films & Television.
Since joining the Breakthrough sales team over two years ago as a sales agent, Ms. Cordoni has played an instrumental role in the development and launch of the company’s TV movies slate. As a result of her success and industry demand, Ms. Cordoni will now oversee sales and development of the newly expanded division. Her role will encompass a variety of tasks, including the acquisition of movie scripts, the development and production of original TV movies and the international distribution of original and acquired productions.
“I am excited to be a part of this new venture,” says Ms. Cordoni. “My objective is to supply North American and global broadcasters with what they are looking for – the quality of the big movies, but for the small screen.”
Prior to working at Breakthrough, Ms. Cordoni worked in the UK for Virgin Communications and PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, within their TV and film divisions. At both companies, she was instrumental in the launch of new TV divisions created to develop, market and sell theatrical feature films and drama properties worldwide. Returning to Canada in the late 90s, Ms. Cordoni held senior positions at Norstar Filmed Entertainment and Portfolio Entertainment, where she continued sourcing revenues for long running drama series and TV movies including CTV’s top rated television movie “Stolen Miracle”. In 2004, she officially launched Maz Entertainment, to provide focused and tailored services for the independent production community.
The first project under the newly expanded division will be the development of Shadow Island Mysteries, a wheel of TV movies which take place on the same mysterious island located in the middle of Shadow Lake. Occasionally, the story takes us into the local town or back into the city for quick flashbacks, but most of the intrigue occurs on the sandy beaches, in the mysterious woods or behind closed doors in the beautifully appointed bedrooms of the Shadow Island Resort. At the center of each film is Claire La Foret, a beautiful young woman who works as the property manager. It’s her responsibility to take care of the guests with great efficiency. She does this whether it means making a pot of tea for a group of tourists or solving a shocking crime. Since the Shadow Island Resort is situated on its own little island, rich guests are willing to pay big money to escape and isolate themselves and their “victims” from prying eyes. After all, the scenery is stunning, the property is well-maintained and there’s no better place for a little rest and relaxation...with maybe a little murder on the side.
Breakthrough will also continue to engage in co-production partnerships with both domestic and international producers, as well as aggressively pursue acquisitions and format development.
Breakthrough Entertainment, the company’s distribution division is handling worldwide sales and pre-sales for all properties.
About Breakthrough Films & Television:
Toronto-based Breakthrough Films & Television is a producer of popular documentary, comedy and drama programming including the television movie, THE WIVES HE FORGOT; drama series, PARADISE FALLS; as well as the feature film CONFESSIONS OF A PORN ADDICT. Over the past 21 years, executive producers Ira Levy and Peter Williamson have built a creative partnership and established themselves as one of Canada’s most prolific providers of television programs, having produced over 550 half-hours of programming over the last two years. On the web, the company is located at www.breakthroughfilms.com.
SSA Public Relations Media Contacts:
Los Angeles:
Shannon Kerr
skerr@ssapr.com
+1 818-907-5929
London:
Karine Fouchet
kfouchet@ssapr.com
+44 207 863 8806
