About Insight Productions Ltd.

John Brunton thinks TV. All the time. As the Globe and Mail writes, he “has airwaves between his ears.”

Over his 45-year career, Brunton has been a tireless advocate for Canadian-centred stories across all genres and for the Canadian production industry at large. His passion, entrepreneurial spirit, and creativity have helped make Insight synonymous with first-rate programming around the world. In 2019, together with his sister and business partner, Barbara Bowlby, Brunton was appointed to the Order of Canada for his contributions to the Canadian broadcasting industry.

As Chair & CEO, Brunton has enabled his team to position Insight as an industry leader in the development, financing and production of world class television programs both scripted and unscripted. He has produced thousands of hours of television including some of Canada’s highest rated shows of all time – The Amazing Race Canada, Big Brother Canada, The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration – watched by one in three Canadians, and Stronger Together/Tous Ensembles – the second highest rated program ever broadcast on Canadian television falling only behind the Super Bowl, seen by 12 million Canadians and raising over $10 million for Food Banks Canada.

The 2025 JUNO Awards will mark John’s 30th year as Executive Producer of the annual Canadian music award show. As well as adapting international formats to the Canadian landscape, Brunton enjoys creating new and exciting original formats which can be sold worldwide. Brunton’s international reputation for outstanding drama and comedy programming has brought shows like Ready or Not and Falcon Beach to over 100 territories worldwide. He has been recognized for developing a Canadian “star system” and Mike Myers was only one example of new talent discovered by Insight in It’s Only Rock n’ Roll. Brunton has always been at the forefront of the cultural vanguard, beginning his career in news and current events, producing some of the first social commentaries on television, and was nominated for an Academy Award in 1980 for his short film Don’t Mess with Bill. In 2015, Brunton’s passion project, a feature length documentary co-produced with MET Films on the Canadian story of Greenpeace, How to Change the World premiered on opening night of the 2015 Sundance Film Festival to great acclaim and won two Sundance awards.

In recognition of his contribution to the Canadian Music Industry over the years, Brunton was inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame in 2008. In 2013, Insight was honoured by Playback Magazine and given the title TV Producer of the Year, and was also the inaugural recipient of The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television’s Icon Award in 2015. Most recently, John was honoured with The Academy Board of Directors Tribute Award at the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards.

Lindsay is an award-winning EP and Canada’s preeminent and most skilled Showrunner and Creative Producer of Live Variety, Music & Performance shows. Lindsay has produced & created Canada’s highest rated television programs & specials across multiple genres including game shows & unscripted.

As Senior Vice President at Insight Productions, Lindsay’s leadership draws on her extensive knowledge of the industry to strategize and build Insight’s long-term strategic growth objectives by driving international business development across all programming. Simultaneously, she oversees several scripted and unscripted productions, including Canada’s highest-rated and most ambitious shows, and has been recognized with dozens of awards. Lindsay has developed and produced more than 50 titles and hundreds of hours of content for all North American broadcasters across every genre.

In addition to creating and executing international formats and comedy series, Lindsay has overseen dozens of critically acclaimed and award-winning concerts and variety specials, awards shows, game shows, documentaries, and multiple large-scale studio productions. She maintains oversight of key all components including budget, creative teams, design and technical crew and oversees every facet of her productions from concept to completion.

She is a powerhouse Showrunner with a knack for spotting and cultivating top notch talent. Under Lindsay’s creative leadership, Canada’s annual music award show, The JUNO Awards, is consistently lauded for its innovation, visual storytelling, and dazzling performances. Notably, Lindsay was Showrunner for The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration – the iconic concert special seen by one in three Canadians. Renowned for her ability to assemble Canada’s biggest celebrities and musical acts, and for her passion for humanitarian causes, Lindsay has also produced several award-winning broadcast specials raising much needed funds for causes including Stronger Together, the most-watched broadcast in Canadian television history.

A visionary leader, she has a flair for creating strategic partnerships and building relationships that open doors to new opportunities between production and Insight’s partners at the networks and streamers.

Lindsay’s awards and recognitions → AWARDS

An award-winning EP and showrunner, Mark has produced some of the highest rated series in Canadian history including The Amazing Race Canada – the most-watched Canadian TV series on record, the most-watched Canadian series for ten consecutive years, and the number one summer series in Canada across all programming including U.S. shows. In addition to developing new formats (including Canada’s Ultimate Challenge), producing, and writing, Mark collaborates on Insight’s long-term strategic plans and its domestic and international business development as a member of the executive leadership team.

Before heading up The Amazing Race Canada, Mark helmed of all six seasons of Canadian Idol and was instrumental in the adaptation of the franchise for the Canadian marketplace. Canadian Idol was the most-watched Canadian series until that record was broken by The Amazing Race Canada.

Mark worked with Food Network Canada to bring NBC Universal’s Top Chef franchise to Canada and serves as an EP on all 12 seasons; helped develop and produce the original format Battle of the Blades; and produced many more reality competition series and doc series including Dark Side of the 90s.

In addition to producing top-rated series, Mark is known for his original and award- winning branded content. His ability to harmonize a client’s marketing strategy with a show’s narrative results in dynamic, resonant opportunities for some of the world’s most recognizable brands.

Erin has helmed some of Canada’s highest rated reality, lifestyle, and documentary series over the course of a 20+ year career at Insight. As a Senior Vice President and Showrunner, Erin ensures riveting stories and compelling characters are at the heart of

all her shows including Big Brother Canada and original formats Cook at all Costs (for Netflix) and Canada’s Ultimate Challenge. In addition to both her development and production responsibilities, Erin is a member of Insight’s executive leadership team and responsible for long-term strategic planning and domestic and international business development.

Erin has served as Executive Producer and Showrunner across multiple massive series including LOL Canada for Amazon Prime and 12 seasons of the multi-platform, ground- breaking hit series Big Brother Canada. Big Brother Canada dominated in its timeslot on multiple platforms (#1 Canadian Show in 18-49 demo) broadcasting three nights a week and 24/7 on live feeds. Before moving to the main net, Big Brother Canada was the most-watched reality program of all-time across all specialty channels in Canada. Erin’s focus on creating unique and innovative cross-platform engagement and social media opportunities resulted in record-breaking page views for broadcaster Corus.

She also recently helmed Sarah’s Mountain Escape, an original 10-part docuseries for HGTV, starring Canadian designer Sarah Richardson. Also in the lifestyle genre, Erin oversaw I Do, Redo (the most-watched new lifestyle show in Canada). Select other credits include Insight’s original format Canada Sings! and EP on Battle of The Blades (highest rated original format in Canadian history).

Rahmiel oversees the company’s corporate operations, production financing, distribution, and business/legal affairs. He is also responsible for analyzing revenue-generating opportunities for the company.

As a member of Insight’s Executive Leadership Team, he is heavily involved in the company’s long-term strategic planning and the growth of its domestic and global business.

Prior to joining Insight in 2013, Rahmiel worked at Entertainment One and Astral Media as Legal Counsel. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Ryerson University and a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the Ontario Bar in 2009. While attending law school, he published an article in the St. Thomas Law Review entitled Sampling: Musical Authorship Out of Tune with the Purpose of the American Copyright Regime. He is also a graduate of the Second City (Toronto) Improvisation Program.

As Senior Vice President of Finance, Susy oversees all aspects of corporate and production finance, manages corporate financial reporting, treasury and banking relationships, tax compliance, internal control compliance, and human resources. She is a member of Insight’s Executive Leadership Team and heavily involved in the company’s long-term strategic planning and the growth of its domestic and global business.

Susy began her career in television in 2001 before joining Insight in 2014. She received her Certified General Accountant designation in 2006.

Alex is responsible for managing contractual relationships on behalf of Insight, including negotiating licensing agreements with broadcasters, studios, and third-party financiers. In addition, he ensures compliance with broadcaster, funding agency, and tax credit requirements. As a member of Insight’s Executive Leadership Team, Alex contributes to the company’s long-term strategic planning and the growth of its domestic and global business.

Alex also facilitates service production agreements with U.S. and international networks and streamers including Netflix, Amazon, FOX, NBCU, AETN, and Vice, among others, as well as the intellectual property rights for scripted projects.

Alex holds a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Toronto Law School. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 2014 and joined Insight in 2015.

Pippa serves as Director of Legal Affairs at Insight Productions, where she oversees the company’s contractual relationships. Working closely with the Business Affairs Team, Pippa ensures compliance with broadcaster guidelines, funding agency mandates, and tax credit requirements for each of Insight’s projects.

Prior to joining Insight, Pippa was Legal Counsel at one of the largest advisory and accounting firms in Canada. Previously, Pippa maintained a general litigation practice at a top national law firm, with an emphasis on privacy law, professional liability, and commercial disputes with a particular focus on media industries.

Pippa also has a unique passion and enthusiasm for television and film, having graduated from Canada’s National Ballet School and pursuing a career as an actor for several years prior to attending law school.

Pippa holds an Honours Degree in English and Theatre from the University of Toronto, and a Juris Doctorate from Western Law School. She was called to the bar in 2020.

With more than 25 years in the business, Eric is an award-winning unscripted showrunner/executive producer and one of the top producers of hit culinary programing in North America. He is currently the EP and showrunner on Top Chef Canada, the #1 show on Food Network Canada, now entering its 12th season, and an executive on Crime Scene Kitchen and Top Chef S22.

Eric has been instrumental in developing and launching Cook at All Costs, a new format for Netflix, as well as two original formats for Corus Studios, Wall of Chefs and Wall of Bakers, on which he served as executive producer and writer.

In addition to his role as showrunner, Eric serves as a Vice President at Insight Productions, where he both develops original concepts and creates new business partnerships with major U.S. prodcos. Most recently, Eric has forged relationships with Fly on the Wall Productions (Fox’s Crime Scene Kitchen); Magical Elves (Bravo’s Top Chef S22); and A. Smith and Co. Productions (Max and Magnolia’s Human VS Hamster).

As Vice President of Development, Tanya is responsible for managing all unscripted, scripted, comedy, and variety projects in development. She oversees and administers Insight’s development budget and looks to expand and enrich the slate of 50+ projects. As a member of Insight’s Executive Leadership Team, Tanya contributes to the company’s long-term strategic planning and the growth of its domestic and global business.

In addition to managing the financing, Tanya options IP, collaborates with Insight’s producers on the creative for development projects, and works to assemble the best talent for each project. Successful development projects include Sarah’s Mountain Escape, LOL, I Do, Redo, and Insight’s original format Canada’s Ultimate Challenge.

Tanya also works with U.S. partners on service productions including Crime Scene Kitchen o Fox with Fly on the Wall; Scare Tactics on USA Network with UTAS and Monkeypaw Productions, and Human vs Hamster on Magnolia and Max with A. Smith & Co Productions.

Tanya joined the Insight team in 2005.

As a writer, creator and Executive Producer, John is involved in the development and production of programming in all genres, from reality and documentary to scripted series and movies. His recent feature documentary, Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind, directed by Martha Kehoe and Joan Tosoni, premiered to critical acclaim at Hot Docs 2019 where it won the Top 20 Audience Award.  In 2015, his feature documentary, How To Change The World (Sky, Bell Media, Netflix) about the origin story of Greenpeace, directed by Jerry Rothwell and co-produced with Met Films in the U.K., was selected Day One World Documentary at Sundance 2015.

On the scripted front,  John co-created and co- produced Falcon Beach, a one-hour drama series for Global Television and ABC Family which sold into  115 countries worldwide. Recent productions include Damaged, a digital  thriller directed by Richard Rotter and produced in partnership with Yellow Bear Studios (T+E, Escapade Media). On his current development slate are We Remain, a scripted serialized procedural written by Jeff Barnaby (CBC), Untitled Greenpeace Series, a drama series based on the adventures of Greenpeace co-founder, Robert Hunter (developed in partnership with Participant Media), Serial City a police procedural created by Kim Clements (CSI:NY, The Black Donellys, The Shield) and Paddle To The Amazon, a scripted feature film based on the 1987 bestseller by Don Starkell about the author’s 12,000 mile canoe trip from Winnipeg to Belém, Brazil.

John also serves as Executive Producer of the one-hour documentary series Intervention Canada (T+E, A&E) now in its fifth season.

In her role as Vice President & Executive Producer at Insight, Shannon skillfully combines her creative talents with keen business acumen. In 2015, Shannon launched the company’s Los Angeles office to spearhead growth into the U.S. marketplace and is responsible for its infrastructure and daily operations, along with helping to plan, strategize and implement overall U.S. creative and business development.  Dividing her time between Los Angeles and Toronto, Shannon works in both scripted and unscripted, and is the driving force behind the creation, development, financing and production of a slate of original projects for multiple platforms for the U.S., Canadian and International markets.

Shannon co-created and produced the one-hour prime-time drama series Falcon Beach for ABC Family and Global Television which has sold to over 115 territories worldwide. The series and its associated digital extension earned Shannon a Gemini nomination for Best Cross Platform Project. Other credits include the comedy special A Russell Peters’ Christmas which was the highest rated original Christmas special on Canadian television in 16 years and CTV’s most-watched Canadian holiday special of all time; the one-hour suspense drama Sabbatical for CTV; the comedy series The Jon Dore Television Show for The Comedy Network and IFC; Bell Media’s first digital original Joke or Choke, a half-hour comedy competition series co-produced with Howie Mandel; and the multi-award winning comedy series But I’m Chris Jericho! for CBC.

Shannon earlier served as Co-Director of Drama Development and Business Affairs working on numerous Insight shows including Canadian Idol for CTV, The JUNO Awards for CTV and Sponk! for Noggin.

As the VP of Production, Jessica works alongside Insight’s showrunners and development, business affairs, and accounting teams to manage budgets during development and production phases of Insight programming. She oversees the financing and tax credit analysis and reviews cost reports for current Insight productions. Jessica also manages relations with studio facilities and acts a liaison between the networks/streamers and the production teams. As a member of Insight’s Executive Leadership Team, Jessica contributes to the company’s long-term strategic planning and the growth of its domestic and global business.

In addition, Jessica serves as a co-executive producer on Top Chef Canada and as a supervising producer on many other series and oversees Insight’s line producers and most freelance production staff.

Jessica worked as a freelancer for Insight for many years before joining the company full-time in 2013. Over the past 23 years, she’s worked on service productions such as Crime Scene Kitchen, Human Vs. Hamster, and Top Chef S22, and in a variety of positions on Insight’s ratings juggernauts Big Brother Canada, The JUNO Awards, Canadian Idol, Battle of the Blades, and many more.

Paul joined Insight in 2018.  Paul is responsible for overall financial reporting, accounting, financial planning & analysis, production finance and tax compliance.  Working closely with Producers and Business Affairs, Paul prepares finance plans for Insight’s full production slate and helps to ensure financial objectives are being met.

Prior to joining Insight, Paul worked at several independent production companies amassing a considerable amount of experience in media and entertainment finance.

Paul is a CPA and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from York University.

Anthony oversees Insight’s marketing, sales, and branded content initiatives – an area of significant revenue growth for the company. He has worked alongside hundreds of globally recognized brands, agencies, and networks, providing seamless integration and bespoke opportunities for Insight’s brand partners.

His commitment to brand objectives allows him to support advertisers across diverse genres and platforms. Anthony’s most recent work includes award-winning branded content integrations in The Amazing Race Canada, Big Brother Canada, Top Chef Canada, The JUNO Awards, Battle of the Blades, The Ultimate Challenge Canada, Sarah’s Mountain Escape, and The Legacy Awards. He is also involved in a growing roster of productions currently in development.

As Director of Business Affairs at Insight Productions, Brett oversees day-to-day business affairs operations for each of Insight’s projects from development to production and final delivery stages, including tax credits, insurance, guild obligations and interim financing.

Brett holds a Bachelor of Arts in Law with a Concentration in Business Law from Carleton University.

Prior to joining Insight in 2011, he gained experience in the insurance industry before taking an internship in music publishing to learn more about the business. Brett strives to work closely with producers and stakeholders at every level with a core philosophy of using his skills and experience to achieve the creative vision of Insight and its many partners.

Greg brings over 20 years of experience in content production and has been an essential member of the Insight team. As the Media Manager, Greg excels in managing operational functions and overseeing both digital and physical assets, ensuring smooth and efficient workflows.

In his role as a Challenge Producer on The Amazing Race Canada and Canada’s Ultimate Challenge, Greg is responsible for creating and managing innovative challenges that engage audiences and enhance the production value. Additionally, he has played a vital role in shaping the social media strategies for several high-profile productions, including Big Brother Canada, Never Ever Do This At Home, Canada Sings, and The Amazing Race Canada.

Greg’s expertise in developing and implementing digital strategies empowers broadcasters, producers, and developers to deliver unique and compelling digital experiences.

As a producer, Jordan is as passionate about inspired storytelling as she is about creating meaningful, inclusive, diverse content, and counts The Legacy Awards as the most culturally significant project she has worked on. Since joining Insight full-time in 2014, Jordan has straddled both her producer role on live shows and unscripted series and her work on branded content and digital content creation.

Her talent producer credits include The Legacy Awards (a celebration of established and emerging Black Canadian talent across entertainment, music, and sports) and The JUNO Awards (Canada’s national music award show). In a highly competitive selection process, Jordan was chosen to be one of five participants in the Realscreen Pathways Mentorship Program and attended the Realscreen Summit as a delegate.

Her additional credits are Top Chef Canada; Canada’s Walk of Fame; Battle of the Blades; Canada’s Got Talent; Big Brother Canada; and Canada’s New Year’s Eve Countdown.

Before joining the corporate team in 2018, Alicia worked as a freelancer on a variety of Insight’s top rated reality shows. Most recently she’s become an instrumental part of the Brand Partnerships and Development department working alongside the Executive Producers and production teams on several award-winning branded content integrations on Big Brother Canada, The Amazing Race Canada, Battle of the Blades, Top Chef Canada and The JUNO Awards. Her passion for television extends to so many facets of her work and her meticulous dedication to everything is shown by the countless roles she is able to juggle at any given time – managing relationships with brands, agencies, networks, producers, and clients across the board. Her boundless desire to learn and grow has led her to some of her own initiatives including expanding her job to include Production Management and Producing for digital content such as Youngster, Boat Rocker Digital, and SpeedRun.