C5’s Symons resurfaces with prodco

The former head of children’s at Channel 5 (C5) in the UK has launched her own independent kids’ production company.

Jessica Symons

Jessica Symons has set up Ivy House Productions and will be MD of the company, following her departure from C5 earlier this year.

The new firm has several programmes in development, for both the preschool and tween audiences, covering live-action, puppet shows, animation and sports.

One of the shows being worked on is a Greek drama series in collaboration with C5’s former director of children’s programmes Nick Wilson and illustrator Malou Bonicos.

In addition to Ivy House Productions, Symons is also working with UK government organisation Creative Skillset and is a visiting practitioner at Falmouth University.

Symons joined C5 in 2006 and was given responsibility for its children’s programming block Milkshake! in 2012, having previously been manager and then commissioning editor of children’s content.

Milkshake! is the free-to-air home of Peppa Pig in the UK, while Symons’ commissions at the channel included Dave’s Dinosaurs, Wissper and Winnie & Wilbur.

Prior to joining Channel 5, Symons worked in theatre management, as a script supervisor on feature films and in television production.

“During my time at Channel 5, as well as commissioning and acquiring shows I had a hands-on role in the production of all our in-house content and continuity output,” said Symons.

“Starting my own production company has been a long-held dream and I am really excited to be entering an exciting new chapter in my career.”