Monica Brighton

Monica Brighton is a first-generation Canadian and PhD candidate at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), where she studies virtual production. She holds a Master of Media P

roduction and Master of Business Administration (MAMBA) from TMU, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in RTA Media Production with a double major in audio and video production and a minor in music and culture.

A television writer, producer, and host, Monica is recognized for her work on three series for pre-school, school-age, and adult audiences: Backyard Beats, That TVOkids Show, and Know Brainers. She also hosts Toronto’s Canada Day ceremony and is an accomplished voice actor, featured in shows like Paw Patrol, Arthur, 16 Hudson, Wild Kratts, and Dino Dana.

At her position at TVOntario, Monica has produced and hosted live television that has maintained over 70,000 concurrent viewers and produced/hosted over 60 hours of content that has been broadcasted live on television and available on Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, Samsung TV, and LG TV. Producing all 60 hours of content also requires her to write, direct, shoot, and book talent. In 2021, Backyard Beats, was awarded an International Kidscreen Award, a Youth Media Alliance Award of Excellence, received a Canadian Screen Award nomination, and was a Finalist for the Prix Jeunesse in Munich, Germany. 

Monica’s research on immersive sound formats and audio technology has been recognized by the Society of Motion Pictures and Television Engineers (SMPTE). As the first Canadian female to be recognized with this international award. She serves as the SMPTE Education Director on the SMPTE Board of Governors.