Format developer and showrunner Moira Ross has entered into a creative alliance with Sphere Media.
Ross is tasked with developing established and new IP, beginning in the dating, social experiment and talent competition spheres, with a focus on U.S./U.K. coproductions supported by Canada’s tax incentives.
Ross played a key role in the relaunch of Strictly Come Dancing in the U.K. and launched the U.K. version of The Voice, serving as showrunner for five seasons. Recent credits include K-Popped and Hannah Waddingham’s Home for Christmas.
“I’ve had the privilege of working at the centre of several golden eras of global formats, and now this opportunity really excites me,” Ross said. “I’m drawn to Sphere for its creative culture, collaborative approach, and the possibility of producing in multiple languages. Producers everywhere are under intense pressure to deliver more with less, while pre-production budgets shrink, and expectations keep rising. Canada feels uniquely positioned at this moment to be a global hub and partner with clear advantages in cultural alignment and budget competitiveness. I see huge potential to build exciting, ambitious, premium formats here where we can breathe life into fresh ideas and put every dollar on screen.”
Sphere Media CEO Bruno Dubé added, “Moira’s creative leadership and deep experience in global formats make her an exceptional partner. This agreement will also allow us to unlock new creative and commercial opportunities with U.S. and UK partners while further strengthening Canada’s position as a hub for premium entertainment formats. In collaboration with Sphere’s highly talented roster of creators and producers – Kim Bondi, Marie-Pier Gaudreault and Renaud Chassé – we will create ambitious content for the global market.”
