Jellyfish hires to target original IP

UK production studio Jellyfish Pictures has hired Platinum Films’ head of global strategy to oversee its push into creating its own children’s programming.

Natalie Llewellyn

Natalie Llewellyn has joined Jellyfish after five years with Platinum Films, the UK indie behind shows such as Matt Hatter Chronicles, Dream Street and Young Bear Grylls.

Llewellyn will now oversee the development, production and international distribution of new animated kids’ properties at Jellyfish.

Founded in 2001, Jellyfish creates visual effects and animation for the advertising, film and television industries. It employs more than 200 artists in four London studios and recently worked on the CBBC series Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed.

Prior to joining Platinum in 2012, Llewellyn held senior positions at V&S Entertainment and Bentley Productions.

Phil Dobree, CEO of Jellyfish Pictures, said: “2018 is going to see Jellyfish Pictures really focus on the creation of our own IP. We have had great success working in collaboration with other production companies and now is the time to take the lead.”

The firm is working with fellow UK producer Jollywise on preschool series Stan & Gran, which has been co-developed from an original concept by Jollywise founder Jon Mason and designed by Daz Butcher.

The show follows the unlikely adventures of a boy, his muscle-bound gran and his AI-powered binoculars as they uncover strange goings on in their coastal town. In addition to the linear TV show, Stan & Gran has a full 360 brand expansion plan devised by Jollywise.