About Us
Casablanca is the largest independent music publisher in Canada. We provide both
domestic and foreign music publishing administration services to copyright owners
around the globe.
In addition to our hands-on knowledge of the music publishing industry, our relationships
with film/television producers, record companies and advertising agencies gives
us an added advantage in soliciting licenses for your catalogue.
Casablanca has a complete team of personnel to support, administer and exploit all
of your music publishing copyrights.
Edmund Glinert, President, B.A., LL.B., has specialized
in the areas of entertainment, media and communications law for over 25 years. During
that time he specialized in the representation of international music publishing,
recording and film/television companies and was involved in the acquisition and
sale of a number of such entities. Prior to becoming a lawyer, he founded, owned
and operated Frederick Lewis Artist Placement Bureau, one of Canada’s largest theatrical
agencies from 1967 through 1971. From 1977 through 1982, he was also a co-owner
of National Variety Promotions (“NVP”) one of Canada’s largest adult contemporary
concert promoters which presented such acts as Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra, Don
Rickles and Steve Lawrence as well as produced the stage play, Pirates of Penzance
starring Barry Bostwick and Andy Gibb at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. In 1990, he
co-founded The Children’s Group, owner of the hit series “Classical Kids” which
has been one of the most successful series of children’s records in history. In
2001, he founded Casablanca Media Acquisitions Inc., along with Jennifer Mitchell.
Casablanca owns and operates several record/DVD labels including Trax Records, Casablanca
Kids, Solid Gold Records, and Casablanca Media Television, as well as the largest
independent music publisher in Canada, Casablanca Media Publishing Inc.
Jennifer Mitchell, Vice President, BComm., LL.B., was
an associate at the law firm Gardiner, Roberts LLP and prior to that, Farano Green,
where she specialized in entertainment, media and communications law. During her
time in private practice, Jennifer represented numerous music publishers, songwriters,
recording artists, record companies, distributors, and film and television production
companies. Jennifer also assisted clients with respect to the acquisition, sale,
financing and distribution of catalogues and intellectual property assets owned
or controlled by them. In 2001, Jennifer co-founded Casablanca Media Acquisitions
Inc. together with Edmund Glinert, and she has served as its Vice President since
its inception. Jennifer is responsible for overseeing the day to day operations
of Casablanca and also acts as the company’s in-house general legal counsel.
Jana Cleland, Director of Music Publishing, has over
12 years of music publishing experience. Jana came from BMG Music Publishing where
she worked in the copyright and royalty department before she became their Creative
Manager. She promoted songs to Film, TV and media as well as pitched material to
artists. For the past several years, Jana has been actively involved with the songwriter
committee for the Juno Awards.
Katharine Perak, Manager, Copyright Administration,
brings over a decade of music industry experience and a lifetime of music enthusiasm
to Casablanca Media Publishing. Katharine spent eight years at the Nettwerk Music
Group, working in publishing, licensing, A&R administration, royalty accounting,
and spaces in between. A move to Toronto lead Katharine to Casablanca, where, as
a Publishing Coordinator, she is happy to continue doing some of her favourite things:
organizing catalogues, sorting out copyright details, maintaining smoothly running
systems, and surrounding herself with music.
Amy Lisowski, Creative Assistant / Senior Publishing Coordinator,
has always had an affinity towards music. She started playing piano at the tender
age of 6 then moved on to the trombone at 17 and went on to graduate from Humber
College’s prestigious music program. Amy then decided to learn about the technical
and business side of the industry so she went to Fanshawe College’s renowned Music
Industry Arts program where she fell in love with publishing. Amy joined us May
2005 and has proven herself to be an upbeat addition to our publishing team.
Dave Guillemette, Senior Publishing Coordinator, began
his music career as a guitar teacher in Newmarket, Ontario where he taught for 2
years. While teaching guitar he pursued other aspects of the music industry, including
work as a freelance live sound engineer for over seven years, and a Retail Associate
for Sunrise Records for over five years. After graduating from the Music Industry
Arts Program at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario he made his way back to Toronto
and was subsequently hired as a full-time a publishing coordinator.
Jeniel Arrubio, Office Administration, joined Casablanca
after several years at a fast-paced promotional company. She’s maintained the momentum
she was famous for and provides exceptional support to Ed, Jennifer and Linda while
keeping the Casablanca group of companies running smoothly. Jeniel (that’s pronounced:
Jenelle) is a very cheery presence on the frontline at Casablanca.
Amy Lisowski, Songplugger