Counterfeit Pictures Hires Just For Laughs’ Blake Gregory As Production Chief For Audio Arm

EXCLUSIVE: One More Time producer Counterfeit Pictures has hired Just For Laughs‘ Blake Gregory for its audio division.

Canadian comedy scene veteran Gregory has been named Director of Production at Counterfeit Sounds, working alongside Director of Talent Zoe Rabnett and reporting to Counterfeit partner Anton Leo. The role is a new one, and will see Gregory focusing on expanding the production house’s presence in the audio space.

The plan is to leverage Counterfeit’s TV experience in creating opportunities for stand-up comedians to create bespoke audio and production and accompanying video content.

This comes soon after Toronto-based Counterfeit – best known for TV sitcoms such as Shelved, One More Time and The Office Movers – won a Juno award for Best Comedy Album for Debra DiGiovanni’s stand-up recording Honourable Intentions.

Counterfeit Sounds launched in 2023, and has since released albums for Canadian comics such as Howie Mandel, Robby Hoffman, Darcy & Jer, D.J. Demers and Derek Edwards, and launched Audible podcast Benefits with Friends, which is hosted by Mae Martin and Sabrina Jalees.

Gregory was previously Director of Audio and TV at Montreal’s Just For Laughs, which is getting ready to relaunch its comedy festival in July after bankruptcy stymied the 2024 edition. He had founded the audio division and led its operations for six years, during which time he launched two record labels and oversaw recordings across North America.

On the TV front, the 15-year industry veteran has worked with the likes of Trevor Noah, Sarah Silverman and Seth Rogen.

“Blake is one of the foremost experts in Canada when it comes to the audio side of the comedy business,” said Counterfeit partner Dan Bennett. “He has a proven track record of building and managing successful labels, and we are incredibly excited to have him bring his talents and energy to Counterfeit Sounds.”

“I feel extremely fortunate to be joining this excellent team,” added Gregory. “With some of the country’s best comedy producers on staff and a recent Juno award already under their belts, Counterfeit is poised to become the future heart of Canadian comedy. I’m excited to be a part of the great things they are doing for Canadian artists and am eager for this next stage of my career.”

In December, we revealed The Office Movers, which stars Jae and Trey Richards, had been commissioned for a second season at streamer Crave.