Thunderbird hires Kidscreen’s Nelson Huynh as director, distribution sales

Canadian studio Thunderbird Entertainment has appointed Nelson Huynh to the newly created position of director, distribution sales.

Nelson Huynh

In the Toronto-based role, Huynh, who was previously associate publisher at kids and family B2B brand Kidscreen, will license animated and live-action properties from across Thunderbird’s animation division, Atomic Cartoons, and primetime scripted series.

He will be focused on EMEA, Latin America and Asia and report to Richard Goldsmith, president of global distribution and consumer products.

In addition, Huynh will also work to secure commissions, presales and coproductions for new series from Thunderbird’s animated, scripted and unscripted divisions.

“Like many others in the industry, I have worked with Nelson for several years and have been impressed by his sales acumen and his kind and smart approach to clients,” said Goldsmith.

“He is exactly the type of talent that we were looking for to join our growing team as we continue to build our production slate and undertake more third-party distribution opportunities.”

Huynh added: “Thunderbird has an impressive library of TV series ranging from the hit primetime comedy Kim’s Convenience to the animated The Last Kids on Earth, based on the wildly popular book series. And with more on the way, I can’t wait to dig in and expand the global reach of these series. I am beyond excited to join Thunderbird Distribution.”

During his time at Kidscreen, Huynh oversaw all sales and sponsorship activities for the brand and its flagship conference Kidscreen Summit. The Australian native moved to Canada in 2014 and previously held various positions in media sales.

The hire comes a year after Thunderbird launched its distribution and consumer products division, with the goal of increasing its owned IP, expanding sales internationally and building out global consumer brands. Most recently, Thunderbird Distribution picked up global media rights for live-action preschool series Mittens & Pants, produced by Windy Isle Entertainment. The show is scheduled to premiere this fall on CBC Kids in Canada and Sky Kids in the UK.