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ABOUT

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

We are award-winning entertainment industry executives providing storytelling expertise, video strategy and content production for any business looking to reach and influence audiences on digital platforms. 

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storytelling is the new social media currency

Telling great stories is no longer exclusively the domain of the entertainment industry. Social media has changed that. Now companies from all industries must be as good as, if not better than Hollywood at telling stories and engaging audiences with messaging that moves them.

why storytelling matters

Telling great stories is no longer exclusively the domain of the entertainment industry. Social media has changed that. Now companies from all industries must be as good as, if not better than Hollywood at telling stories and engaging audiences with messaging that moves them.

our secret sauce is execution

Anyone can promise good storytelling, but at Canvass we have years of experience working on some of the biggest hits in television. We have C-level relationships in both traditional and digital media and access to top talent across a variety of creative disciplines.

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

Canvas Media Studios finances, produces and distributes award-winning original programming for domestic and global television and streaming platforms.  Canvas employs efficient, scalable production models and is driving new financial and distribution models via unique co-financing partnerships

 

Most recent projects include a six-film slate under a co-financing partnership with global distribution powerhouse Mar Vista Entertainment.  Other film and television partners include Lionsgate, MGM and Warner Media.

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Canvas has also produced groundbreaking original content for digital media platforms and technology companies including Google and Facebook, as well as for brand clients including P&G, Conde Nast, Marriott, Maybelline NY, Macy's, JWT and Mindshare Entertainment. Case Studies available.

 

Our ability to execute at the highest level is what sets Canvas apart.  We create for every Canvas.

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Innovative Storytelling For Every Canvas

OUR TEAM

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dAVID TOCHTERMAN 

CEO/producer

David is an Emmy-nominated media executive, producer and entrepreneur with a track record of award-winning properties for film, television, streaming platforms, and digital media.   He is a member of the Producers Guild of America, and currently producing a six film slate focusing on diversity and emerging directors in partnership with Mar Vista Entertainment.  Recent feature films include MY LIFE IS ON THE LINE (Produced By) and DONT LET IT IN (Produced By)


In television, David has developed and executive produced programming for all major networks, and worked on successful series’ that have won multiple Emmy awards and nominations. He was Executive Vice President of Will Smith's Overbrook Entertainment and Senior Vice President of the Carsey Werner Company, where he developed hit shows including That 70's Show, 3rd Rock From the Sun, and was an Executive Producer of Grace Under Fire.  

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Prior to founding Canvas, David was an early digital content pioneer and partner in the production company Pemberley Digital, winners of two Interactive Emmy Awards for video adaptations of literary classics on YouTube.  He has also been a digital strategy consultant for clients including ABC, PBS and Starz and launched one of the first talent agency digital media divisions at Innovative Artists.

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ALLISON VANORE

Production Consultant

Allison Vanore is the Emmy Award-winning producer of the acclaimed series “After Forever” and Emmy nominated producer of “Dark/Web” and “Vanity.”

 

She is the producer of digital entertainment content for Barbie & Dolls for Mattel where she produces for iconic brands including Barbie, American Girl, Polly Pocket, Enchantimals, and Monster High.

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Between 2015-2019 Allison served as the Head of Production for Canvas Media Studios where she is an Executive Producer for Canvas' film slate with MarVista Entertainment, starting with Native American horror film “Don’t Let it In.”  For Canvas she also produced the pilot "Socio" for MTV and the MGM feature "Keep Hope Alive"

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Allison’s other film credits include “Death in Texas” (Vertical Entertainment 2020), “Buck Run” (Freestyle Digital Media 2019), “The Rainbow Experiment” (Gravitas 2018), and “42 Seconds of Happiness” (Indie Rights 2017).

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MATTHEW RHODES

ADVISOR-feature film

Matthew Rhodes is a veteran motion picture and television producer and executive with over 25 years of experience. He has produced over 35 films and worked with top tier directors and notable stars. His films have received box office success and award-winning recognition. Before joining The Hideaway in 2017, Rhodes was President of Bold Films, where he oversaw a large slate of films and television shows such as WHIPLASH (Sony Classics) and NIGHTCRAWLER (Open Road). Both films received numerous nominations and wins from The Academy Awards, The Golden Globes, and the Independent Spirit Awards. Recent Hideaway film projects include BLOODSHOT, MILE 22, and CHERRY (Apple TV).

ADVISORy board

ALLEN DEBEVOISE

MANAGING PARTNER

THIRD WAVE DIGITAL

SCOTT EHRLICH

VICE PRESIDENT

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP

SANDY GRUSHOW

FORMER CHAIRMAIN

FOX ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

LEE RIERSON

FORMER COO

FREMANTLE NORTH AMERICA

PETER TORTORICI

FORMER PRESIDENT

CBS ENTERTAINMENT

Strategic PARTNERS

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© 2025 by Canvas Media Studios

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