| Don McLean wanted to ensure that his brother Ross McLean continued to be remembered for his tremendous contribution to Canadian television. Prior to becoming ill, Don was in contact with Ryerson regarding the fund, which in his perspective was not producing a significant reward to the students who received it. It was Don’s intention to make a contribution to increase the endowment and keep the award, along with his brothers’ remembrance alive. Unfortunately, Don succumbed to his illness before he was able to do so. It was while he was addressing the revitalization of the award, that Don took pause to reflect on his own days and quietly expressed that he at times wondered if he himself would be remembered. Today, the memorial fund has been expanded to represent both brothers and in an effort to ensure that Don’s and Ross’ vision is secured for the future, we ask that you consider making a donation to help develop the future talent that was so important to them. Any and all amounts are appreciated. Don always took the big jobs and the small!
Donations can be made to:
ROSS AND DON McLEAN MEMORIAL AWARD
c/o Ryerson University, YNG-900
350 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3
*A tax receipt will be mailed to donors by the Development office.
ROSS McLEAN
Ross McLean (1925-1987) was one of the brightest lights in the early days of CBC television broadcasting. Fresh out of University, McLean’s first job was as a producer for CBC radio. A Pioneer of Canadian television, Ross launched the careers of such Canadian media personalities as Pierre Berton, Patrick Watson, Charles Templeton and Percy Saltzman. He was one of a handful of people responsible for putting the CBC English network on air in 1952, and helped shape its direction for many years after that. As an innovative writer and trailblazing producer, he produced a number of top shows at the CBC and CTV including Tabloid, Close-up, The Way It Is, Quest, and This Hour Has Seven Days. He was described as a television genius. He taught at Ryerson School of Journalism for four years and particularly enjoyed the TV class`s weekly feature documentary assignment. He died suddenly on June 1, 1987 aged 62. |
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DON McLEAN
Don McLean (1933-2005) was an executive producer, salesman extraordinaire and one of the best-connected people in Canadian advertising. Don was the key figure in creating The Partners` Film Company which opened its “Boutique” production house on New Year’s Day 1978. By the mid 80s, Partners’ had offices in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, both to bring commercial business from US directors and Canadian ad agencies. By 1988 Partners was the largest production company in North America. His brilliance as a businessman and his concern for talent before the almighty dollar was never more evident than when the roster of Partners’ talented directors became so heavy that internal competition became a prevalent issue. The answer for Don was to set up affiliate companies partly owned by Partners’ and their operators to give the Directors a fairer platform while still keeping them partially under the Partners’ umbrella. It is largely believed that anyone who is anyone in the commercial production business has been influenced by Don whether through Partners’ or its affiliates. |
ROSS AND DON McLEAN MEMORIAL AWARD
For the group of students who prepared the best feature documentary in the graduating year.
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