About the studio

Since 2022, Shadow Pine Studios has been shaking up the industry with great stories and a global reach. With 40+ feature films and over 2,200 episodes of must-watch TV, we specialize in everything from gripping true crime to heartwarming holiday favorites.

Our expertise spans production, co-production, and acquisitions, making us the partner of choice for stories that stick.

We don’t just create content—we craft entertainment that leaves a mark.

Our Team

Michael McGuigan
Michael McGuigan Executive Producer & Partner
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Michael McGuigan is the numbers guy with a creative edge. As a founding partner and Executive Producer at Shadow Pine Studios, he has over 30 years of experience financing and producing more than 2,000 TV episodes and 25 feature films—because storytelling needs both vision and a solid spreadsheet.

In 2022, Michael co-founded Shadow Pine Studios, leading the acquisition of Breakthrough Entertainment’s media assets and partnering with Eggplant Picture & Sound. The result? A powerhouse production hub, seamlessly integrating production and post under one roof.

As a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) and CMA, Michael ensures every project maximizes its potential through tax credit optimization, legal and business affairs expertise, and access to interim financing. With a focus on cross-border service productions, he leverages Canadian incentives to deliver premium content for international networks and streamers.

Michael’s leadership extends beyond Shadow Pine, having served as Co-Chair of the CMPA New Media Committee and as a board member of Ontario Creates.

Dave Conlon
Dave Conlon Partner
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Dave Conlon is the steady force behind Eggplant Picture & Sound, a post-production heavyweight in Toronto. With 25 years of industry experience, Dave has helped shape Eggplant into the go-to partner for networks and streamers who expect their content to look flawless and their budgets to stretch further.

Under his leadership, Eggplant has polished hits like All Star Shore (Seasons 1 & 2), Are You the One?, Teen Mom Family Vacation, and The Hardy Boys. From expert editing to sound design and cinematic color correction, Eggplant’s team delivers post-production that doesn’t just meet expectations—it raises them.

And when it comes to tax credits? Dave knows how to maximize every opportunity, ensuring projects come in on time, on budget, and ready to dazzle. He’s the guy who makes

sure everything runs smoothly so your content can shine where it matters most—on screen.

Chantal Jackson
Chantal Jackson Partner & Executive Producer
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Chantal Jackson is an Executive Producer known for all things creative at Shadow Pine Studios. From development and production through to post-production and delivery, Chantal ensures every project meets the highest standards and resonates with audiences worldwide. With a track record of creating and helming original series, she’s currently the driving force behind three true crime series (two of which she created) and a reboot of an internationally recognized format set for production in 2025.

Her love for storytelling shines across genres, from unscripted formats like All Star Shore and Are You the One? to renovation staples like Buying and Selling with the Property Brothers and competition icons like The Amazing Race Canada. Most recently, she executive produced CFNY: The Spirit of Radio, a documentary celebrating Toronto’s iconic alternative station. Featuring music legends like Geddy Lee of Rush, the film earned an exclusive feature in The Hollywood Reporter.

Chantal’s unique perspective as a Person of Color and former DEI Executive Sponsor at VICE Canada ensures authentic storytelling at every turn.

Now splitting her time between Toronto and Los Angeles, Chantal keeps one foot firmly planted in Canada while also holding a US work visa.

Alicja Wicinski
Alicja Wicinski SVP Operations
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Alicja Wicinski is a seasoned entertainment industry professional with over two decades of experience. With a background in film studies from the University of Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University, Alicja began her career at Breakthrough Entertainment in 2000, starting as a Contracts Administrator and rising to Vice President of Business Affairs and Production Financing.

Throughout her career, Alicja has overseen film and television projects from development to final completion, managing all aspects of business affairs, including grant and funding applications, tax credit submissions, co-productions, production finance, distribution, and contract negotiations.

After Breakthrough Entertainment’s acquisition by Shadow Pine Studios in 2023, Alicja transitioned to Senior Vice President of Operations. In her current role, she continues to lead business affairs and oversees operational responsibilities, ensuring that Shadow Pine Studios’ productions are supported by efficient processes and strong financial management.

Leanne Brennan
Leanne Brennan Head of Production
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Leanne Brennan has been with Shadow Pine Studios and its predecessor, Breakthrough Entertainment, since 2005. Over her career, she has produced more than 200 episodes of television and 10 films across a wide range of genres, documentary, true crime, factual, and holiday rom-coms.

As Head of Production, Leanne oversees all aspects of production, post-production, and production accounting for Shadow Pine Studios. She is dedicated to assembling the best teams for each project and guiding them through every stage of production to successful completion.

Leanne is a three-time Canadian Screen Award winner for Science Max: Experiments at Large, recognized for her outstanding work as a producer across various genres.

Chris Benn
Chris Benn Digital Sales & Acquisitions Manager
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With over two decades of experience in film, finance, and sales, Chris Benn has worked with a variety of creative teams and distribution partners. He currently serves as the Digital Sales & Acquisitions Manager for Shadow Pine Studios, where he is actively developing the AVOD distribution arm of the company. Driven by a lifelong passion for movies, music, and media, Chris brings a unique blend of creative and administrative skills to every distribution project he manages.

Taylor White
Taylor White Sales Executive, Television & Film
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Taylor White has been with Shadow Pine Studios for a year and a half, focusing on distributing the company’s television and film catalogues at both domestic and international markets. Taylor brings enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to her role, building strong relationships with buyers and expanding the reach of Shadow Pine’s content.

Originally from Muskoka, Taylor graduated from Nipissing University with a degree in Communications, after attending Carleton University. In her spare time, she enjoys skiing and spending time in Muskoka with her two Sphinx Dobermans and a menagerie of other pets.

Jack Sanders
Jack Sanders Deliveries Specialist, Distribution
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As Shadow Pine Studios’ Deliveries Specialist, Jack Sanders manages the technical distribution of our catalogue of titles, overseeing all material components such as episodes, films, artwork, scripts, and rights management. Whenever content is licensed, Jack ensures all requested files are correctly formatted and delivered to licensors, maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy.

Mert Tasdemir
Mert Tasdemir Corporate Accountant
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Mert Tasdemir joined Shadow Pine Studios in March 2023, bringing over eight years of accounting experience. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Türkiye, Mert holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance Management and a master’s degree in Accounting and Auditing. Known for his detail-oriented approach and strong problem-solving skills, Mert has successfully implemented systems to improve efficiency and accuracy, significantly enhancing Shadow Pine’s financial operations.

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