Firestone established Fireworks Entertainment in 1996 to produce, distribute and finance television programs and feature films. Acquired by CanWest Global Communications Corp. in May 1998, Fireworks is now the core operation of CanWest Entertainment, giving CanWest a major presence in television and film production and distribution. As Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CanWest Entertainment, Firestone oversees the company's Los Angeles- and London-based television operations, as well as its Los Angeles-based feature film division, Fireworks Pictures, responsible for such films as RULES OF ENGAGEMENT, RAT RACE, HARDBALL, I-60, and AMERICAN RHAPSODY.

Mr. Firestone also oversees the company's interest in New York-based IDP Distribution, an independent distribution and marketing entity formed by Fireworks in 2000 as a joint venture with Samuel Goldwyn Films of Los Angeles and Carl Icahn's New York-based Stratosphere Entertainment.

Prior to forming Fireworks in 1995, Firestone was Vice-Chairman of Alliance Communications Corporation and is widely regarded as a key contributor to the company's impressive growth. Over the course of his career, he has served as producer for numerous television series, including Relic Hunter, La Femme Nikita, Queen of Swords, Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda, Highlander: The Raven, FX: The Series, 18 Wheels of Justice, Caitlin's Way and Pacific Blue, the made-for-television movies The Girl Next Door, Robocop: Prime Directives, Poison and Blonde, and the feature films BLACK TOP, SHATTERED IMAGE, ONEGIN, AMERICAN RHAPSODY, CLETIS TOUT, I-60 AND TRINITY.

Firestone's work has garnered a number of industry awards, including a Gemini Award for Reboot, ABC's first CGI animated series, and Chrysler Canada's People's Choice Award for Nikita. Mr. Firestone was also nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year in 1998.

- source Fireworks Pictures