Sam McLaren Joins Toronto-based Fort York VFX as Executive Producer

Sam McLaren has joined Toronto-based Fort York VFX as its new Executive Producer. McLaren is a creative executive producer with an eye for telling multi-faceted stories. She also knows the Canadian TV commercial industry inside and out. Prior to  her move into the world of VFX, McLaren spent many years in the world of commercial editing and was an Executive Producer at Panic & Bob Editing. Over her 13 years at Panic & Bob she worked with a number of talented Canadian commercial editors on projects for  brands including Ikea, Budweiser, Alexander Keiths, Ford, TD, CIBC and Canadian Tire.

Her commercial production work has won numerous awards, including a Gold Lion at Cannes for the Perlorian Brothers-directed 'Prison Visitor' spot for VIM, and most recently a Silver Health Lion for Sick Kids’ 'Better Tomorrows,' directed by Mark Zibert. She has collaborated on a great number of Super Bowl spots over the years out of DDB Chicago, many of which topped the USA Today Ad Meter poll, including BudLight’s 'Magic Fridge' and Joe Pytka’s Budweiser commercials featuring the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales and Dalmatians.

McLaren's understanding of production and post lends itself well to her collaborative approach, which focuses on how to best meet the needs of the agency, production company and post production company. 

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Sam join the Fort York team,” said Mike Bishop, Partner at Fort York VFX. “She brings with her a different perspective and trust, having come from the editing side of the business, and a ton of experience working with some really great brands and people. Combined with her inclusive approach, Sam’s skill set will be very beneficial to our clients and productions alike, not to mention the Fort York VFX team.” 

“I’m very excited to embrace this new chapter in my life and professional career,” added McLaren. “Joining the group here at Fort York VFX will allow me to continue to grow and evolve in new and exciting ways as an executive producer in this industry.” 

McLaren graduated from King’s College University with a degree in International Development. After an internship at PBS in Durham, New Hampshire she made her foray into commercial production in 1996. From 1996 to 2002 she honed her production skills as an assistant producer and then line producer at LTB Films, Mad Films and Spy.