Film executive.
Born at Atikokan, Ontario on 1 August 1964 to Aileen and Jim Black, she moved with her family to Thunder Bay where she excelled in academics, sports, and music at Westgate Collegiate and Vocational Institute, and enjoyed summers at Eva Lake. Her involvement in gymnastics extended from participant to coach and judge. She moved to Winnipeg in 1983 to attend the University of Manitoba to study Literature and Women's Studies. While there, she met Richard O'Brien-Moran. They married in 1987 and went on to have two children.
Her professional life was defined by her love of film, and both she and her husband became a vital part of the film industry of Manitoba. They began their careers together and were integral pieces in what was initially only a small group of dedicated creators. She became the first Executive Director of Manitoba Motion Picture Industry Association (MMPIA), the forerunner to Onscreen Manitoba. She left MMPIA to work as a freelance Production Coordinator and Production Manager before joining Credo Entertainment Group, where she worked in Business Affairs and finally as Executive in charge of Production. In her career, she worked on film projects such as The Last Winter (1989), Twilight of the Ice Nymphs (1997), Trucks (1997), and Dream House (1998).
Contracting multiple sclerosis in the early 1990s, she lost her eyesight in her late 30s. Undeterred, she and her husband continued to enjoy travel, including in Australia, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean. Together with her family, she lived life to its fullest, going on many family vacations, riding roller coasters, swimming in several oceans, and sitting on many beaches. After she could no longer physically handle full-time work, she stayed actively engaged with her film community, and devoted her time to family, friends, CBC Radio, and listening to audiobooks. Those who knew her were inspired by her optimism and positive attitude throughout her struggles with the disease.
She died at Winnipeg on 5 June 2012.
Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 8 June 2012.
Shaunna O’Brien-Moran, IMDb.
This page was prepared by Lois Braun.
Page revised: 30 June 2026
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