About Us

Cultural Industries Ontario North (CION) is dedicated to fostering and promoting Northern Ontario’s film, television, and music industries, as well as providing educational programming to cultivate the advancement of Northern Ontario’s emerging talent. 

With a population of almost 800,000, millions of acres of forest, and six major cities ready to host motion picture productions, Northern Ontario is a thriving cultural destination that strikes a balance between city living and soothing respite. We're here to make connections and support local and visiting creatives who are keen to see what the North has to offer. 

If you’re a film producer seeking to benefit from Northern Ontario’s growing resources and financial advantages, CION’s Producer’s Guide is exactly what you’re looking for. 

Similarly, CION’s Music Page offers to musicians of the North resources that promote career development and bring creative sounds to new stages.

General Information: 
info@cionorth.ca  

Film Sector Development Officer: 
Devin Mahesh

Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Devin Mahesh brings over 15 years of international film and television production experience to the CION team. After graduating from York University, Devin was accepted into the prestigious Film and Television Producing program at the New York Film Academy. In 2009, he won the Canadian Media Producers Association National Mentorship. As Devin began working on larger projects with more complex financial structures and technical demands his respect for filmmakers and understanding of their unique challenges grew. He has worked on award winning international co-production feature films, broadcast television series, documentaries, music videos, apps and games. 

Music Sector Development Officer: 
Melanie St-Pierre

Melanie St-Pierre is a Northern Ontario-based musician, music industry professional and illustrator residing in Sudbury, Ontario. Melanie is the frontwoman and singer-songwriter of the critically acclaimed band Casper Skulls, which has previously been nominated for a SOCAN Songwriting Prize. Melanie is a graduate of the Visual and Creative Arts program with honours from Sheridan College where she was awarded the Works of Paper Award of Excellence. Upon graduating, she worked at SAMO Media as their Project Manager and Art Department Manager and in the Artistic Director role when the company merged with Precision Record Pressing in 2016, which is the largest vinyl record manufacturing plant in Canada. 

Communications & Logistics Officer: 
Samuel Boucher

Originally from Kapuskasing, Ontario, Samuel moved to Sudbury to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in Rhetoric and Media Studies at Laurentian University and was exposed to the world of local filmmaking through the Motion Pictures Arts program. Samuel graduated Laurentian with a master’s degree in Humanities. In his position at CION, Samuel utilizes his experience in the not-for-profit sector developing communication strategies and exploring networking opportunities, as well as his keen passion for the arts, to promote Northern Ontario’s music and motion picture production industries.