Mr. Francis Litzinger

Storyteller & Producer | Film & TV Programming & Development | Cultural Content | Storytelling That Drives Audience Engagement | 16+ Years at CBC, Festivals & Global Media

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

About

I’m a storyteller, producer, and creative leader with 16+ years of experience shaping compelling stories that connect audiences to culture, community, and emotion. From programming acclaimed series for CBC to curating film selections for international festivals and developing feature-length projects, I specialize in turning ideas into impactful media experiences. Whether it’s cultural programming, story development, or executive producing, my work consistently drives engagement and delivers measurable audience growth. Passionate about storytelling that matters, I excel at blending creative vision with strategic execution. I’ve built programming line-ups, written scripts that resonate, and produced content across film, television, and digital platforms. My approach combines deep industry knowledge with an intuitive understanding of what audiences crave—resulting in projects that win awards, spark conversations, and build loyal followings. Open to new opportunities in media programming, film & TV producing, and storytelling leadership roles. If you’re building a team that needs a proven creative who can develop content, program channels or festivals, or bring powerful narratives to life, let’s connect. Toronto-based and ready to create impact.

Experience

  • Storyteller at Self Employed
    Jan 2019 - Present · 7 yrs 6 mos

    • Developed and produced feature-film screenplays and TV concepts from pitch to development, securing interest from key industry players and advancing multiple projects into active production pipelines • Created original storytelling content that generated strong audience engagement across digital and traditional media platforms • Provided strategic consulting on cultural programming and story development for festivals and broadcasters

  • Movie Theatre Manager at Lyons & Co.
    Mar 2022 - Sep 2022 · 7 mos

    Programmed films and managed digital projection. Directed media relations, marketing, and social media presence. Hired and supervised theatre staff.

  • Film Programmer / Curator at National Art Gallery of The Bahamas | NAGB / Bahamas International Film Festival
    Nov 2016 - Aug 2018 · 1 yr 10 mos

    • Selected and programmed 12+ films for public screenings and special presentations, collaborating with NAGB curators to deliver culturally resonant programming that attracted diverse audiences • Curated festival line-ups featuring Canadian and international titles, enhancing the event’s reputation for quality storytelling and audience engagement

  • Executive Producer at CBC
    Mar 2001 - Dec 2010 · 9 yrs 10 mos

    • Acquired, produced, and managed programming for a national digital TV station. • Produced original arts and documentary series, negotiating rights and partnerships. • Managed a multi-million-dollar programming budget. • Oversaw a nine-person production team and built international industry partnerships. • Represented the network at NATPE, Hot Docs, and other major festivals. • Co-developed strategy and programming for channel rebrand.

  • Researcher at Independent Producers & CBC & CTV
    Mar 1996 - Dec 2001 · 5 yrs 10 mos

    • Conducted deep research for award-winning documentaries and current affairs. • Delivered research for John & Yoko’s Year of Peace, Escape From Earth, Nature of Things, and numerous independent documentaries. • Provided visual research for CBC News and current affairs programs. • Served as a stock footage vendor for CTV and a consultant to variety of independent producers.