Beth Janson Explained

Beth Janson
Birth Place:Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Occupation:Film industry executive, film festival programmer
Alma Mater:York University

Beth Janson is a Canadian film industry executive, who was appointed as chief operating officer of the Toronto International Film Festival in April 2022.[1] She was previously the chief executive officer of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television from 2016 to 2022.[2] Originally from Montreal, Quebec, she graduated from York University.[3]

After graduation, Janson moved to New York City, where she married an American, Bill Ohlson, in 2001. She then had three children, with Bill Ohlson who were all born in New York City. While living in New York, Janson worked as a programmer for the Tribeca Film Festival and then served as executive director of the Tribeca Film Institute from 2010 to 2015.[3] She then joined Rent the Runway as founding director of its program to support and encourage women in starting businesses of their own.[3]

She succeeded Helga Stephenson as chair of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television in June 2016.[2] After she left the organization in 2022, she was succeeded by Tammy Frick.[4]

In August 2023, Janson stepped down from her role at TIFF and started a successful career as a consultant.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Barry Hertz, "TIFF appoints film industry veterans Beth Janson and Anita Lee to new leadership roles". The Globe and Mail, April 21, 2022.
  2. http://www.680news.com/2016/11/14/new-head-of-academy-of-canadian-cinema-television-on-her-vision-and-rebranding/ "New head of Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television on her vision and rebranding"
  3. https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/2016/04/13/expat-beth-janson-comes-home-to-helm-screen-academy-knelman.html "Expat Beth Janson comes home to helm screen academy: Knelman"
  4. Etan Vlessing, "Tammy Frick Named CEO of Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television". The Hollywood Reporter, October 5, 2022.
  5. Kelly Townsend, "Beth Janson steps down as TIFF COO". Playback, August 23, 2023.