Canada’s Rainmaker hires Michael Hefferon as president

Canadian animation producer Rainmaker Entertainment has hired former Bardel Entertainment executive Michael Hefferon as president.

The move will see Hefferon also become executive producer at the company, which is currently producing Escape From Planet Earth with The Weinstein Company.

He will work with Craig Graham, chairman and chief executive of the CGI animation production studio, and Kim Dent Wilder, senior vice president, production and operations.

Hefferon was previously vice president of business development at Bardel Entertainment, which produces series including Zeke’s Pad and Edgar & Ellen. Before that he was managing director of Australian animation firm Flying Bark Productions and was also senior vice president, production and development at German animation studio BFC Berliner Film.

“We are extremely pleased to announce Michael Hefferon’s appointment to Rainmaker Entertainment. Michael ranks among the top echelon on television and film production and business executives whose extensive experience and impressive track record of success will prove to be of great benefit to our company as we continue our growth as a co-production partner and animation service provider,” said Graham.