Brabant takes top job at Telefilm Canada

A twenty-year veteran administrator has been appointed to the top position at film funding agency Telefilm Canada. Carolle Brabant, a chartered accountant and MBA who held the position of director of administration and corporate services, was named executive director today by Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore. She will be the first woman to hold the title.

Telefilm chairman Michel Roy said he was delighted with the appointment. “She is perfectly qualified for this position.” He pointed out that Brabant had served as interim director in 2004 following the abrupt early departure of Richard Stursberg, the predecessor of outgoing executive director Wayne Clarkson.

As Roy pointed out, Brabant’s role at the agency “did not allow her to benefit from much visibility with the industry.” But he assured the film community that her mandate will be one of vision.

Speaking to Screendaily, Brabant described herself as a team player and client-focused. While declining to address in depth any complex issues facing the agency, she said she plans to “share ideas with the stakeholders, the board, and Department of Heritage and then formulate a strategic plan.”

Telefilm said the appointment committee looked at 70 candidates before it unanimously decided to recommend two candidates to the Heritage minister. The identity of the other party was not available at time of going to press.

Brabant begins her tenure on March 15.