Beano Studios scores Hat Trick exec

Beano Studios’ Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed

UK-based Beano Studios has appointed the head of comedy development at Hat Trick Productions as its chief creative officer.

Mark Talbot will head up Beano Studios’ longform content development and production studio, including overseeing a push into scripted live-action comedy and drama for teens and young adults.

This content will be targeted at streaming services and broadcasters around the world, allowing them to “fully unleash the riotous, rebellious comedic power of Beano’s character universe,” the firm said.

Beano Studios was set up in 2016 to create, curate and deliver a range of entertainment for kids based on IP from long-running comic The Beano, leading to content such as CBBC series Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed.

Talbot joined Hat Trick, the production company behind popular shows including Derry Girls, Have I Got News for You and Outnumbered, as a runner in 2006.

He was made a development producer in 2007, working on bringing in new talent and developing youth content for C4 and BBC3. During his time at Hat Trick, he developed Bafta-winning shows Revolting and The Revolution Will be Televised for BBC2. More recently, he produced Flack, starring Anna Paquin, for UKTV’s W.

“Beano Studios is a rapidly growing global powerhouse with huge ambition to make smart, contemporary shows that people of all ages can enjoy. I plan to channel the rebellious Beano spirit to create top-quality shows to be proud of,” said Talbot.

Emma Scott, CEO of Beano Studios, added: “Mark’s vision, drive and great comedy bones will supercharge the development of Beano-inspired shows for the early teen and young adult audience, as well as our continued passion for both older kids’ animation and digital-inspired entertainment shows.”