Nancy Florence Savard
10th Ave Founded in 1998 by Nancy Florence Savard, a pioneer in 3D animation in Quebec
Born in Quebec City, with a bachelor’s degree from Laval University, Nancy Florence Savard started her television career in Montreal. After spending ten years as a journalist, designer, director, product manager and associate producer for various large media groups in Montreal and Quebec City, Nancy Florence Savard founded her production company, 10th Ave Productions, in Saint-Augustin-De-Desmaures in 1998, while also starting her family of three children.
Directing the first entirely Canadian 3D animated feature film
A pioneer in computer-assisted animation, she co-produced and directed the first 100% Canadian-made 3D animated feature, The Legend of Sarila, which was released theatrically in 2013. With that film, she became the first Canadian woman to direct an 80-minute stereoscopic (ie. 3D) feature.
In 2014, having received numerous awards at the Toronto International Film Festival, she was awarded the Birks Diamond Tribute, in her capacity as a director. This tribute is given to women of the year in the film industry. That same year, she produced the first 100% Quebec-made French-language feature, Le Coq de St-Victor, which went on to be acquired by a major US studio for distribution in 98 countries.
10th Ave continues to create significant productions
During Spring Break 2018, 10th Ave Productions released its third 100% Canadian-made animated feature, Mission Kathmandu: The Adventures of Nelly and Simon. In May 2019, 10th Ave was named film producer of the year by the Quebec Association of Media Producers.
When cinemas reopened during winter 2021, Nancy Florence Savard’s fourth animated feature, Felix and the Treasure of Morgäa, was released theatrically in 67 cinemas across Quebec. Following the success of the previous productions, the movie received a warm welcome on the international market, its rights being acquired in 170 countries et territories.
During the winter of 2023, 10th Ave’s fifth animated feature, Katak the Brave Beluga, was released theatrically, generating Canadian box office receipts of near $1.8 million. In addition to numerous nominations like the Award for Success Beyond Quebec’s Borders and the Michel Côté Audience Choice Award, Katak the Brave Beluga won several distinctions: Best Screenplay, Best Art Direction, 2023 Special Young Jury Mention and the Audience Choice Award at the Quebec City Family Film Festival; the Audience Choice Award at FIFEM; the Best Feature Award at the Gijon International Film Festival in Spain; and the Setagaya City Award at the 31st KINEKO International Film Festival.
In 2024, in recognition of her accomplishments, Nancy Florence Savard received a Doctorate Honoris Causa in Animation Art and Science from Laval University. With 10th Ave, Nancy Florence is currently developing four animated feature films, two live-action feature films, and several children’s tv series. Lydia and the Mist Rider, her 6th 3D animated feature film, which she produced and co-directed, was released in Canada on February 20, 2026. Even before its release, the film’s rights had already been acquired in 92 countries and territories. She is currently producing her 7th 3D animated feature film, set in the Katak universe, The Bravest of All (working title).
A woman of social commitment
Actively involved in her professional community, she represents the animation sector on the Board of Directors of the Association québécoise de la production médiatique (AQPM). She previously served as Chair of the National Audiovisual Council (CNA) and was a member of the Board of Directors of SODEC from 2020 to 2025. Also deeply engaged in her region, she has served since 2021 on the Board of the Commission de la Capitale Nationale, following the completion of her three-year term as a board member of the Musée de la civilisation in Québec City. She is one of the founding members of the Capitale-Nationale Film and Television Industry Round Table, established in 2016, on which she also served. From 2003 to 2016, she was a member of the Board of Directors of the Festival d’été de Québec and served as its President from 2010 to 2012.
