BAFTA-winning kids’ TV producer Sixteen South has launched a new distribution division to handle some of its properties, including its award-winning preschool animation Lily’s Driftwood Bay — existing agreements for other shows will remain in place. Dubbed Sixteen South Rights, the new branch will be lead by Gillian Calvert-Ridge as Head of Global Distribution.
“This is a really exciting chapter in our studio’s growth. We really enjoy doing presales on all of our new properties to get them over the line, so it feels very natural for us to begin to distribute our own wholly owned properties ourselves,” stated Colin Williams, Creative Director. “I’m thrilled to welcome Gillian back home to Belfast and to join our Sixteen South family. We’ll continue to work with our valued distribution partners—American Greetings Entertainment on Claude and WDR on WildWoods.”
Calvert-Ridge will initially concentrate on distribution of Lily’s Driftwood Bay, taking on new titles as they are developed. The exec joins Sixteen South with previous stints as Acquisitions Manager for Foxtel (Australia) and posts at Viacom International Media Networks and Entertainment Rights under her belt.
“I am delighted to be finally back home working with an incredibly talented and passionate team. I’m excited about bringing Sixteen South’s unique, endearing and fun-infused properties to an even wider global audience,” said Calvert-Ridge.
