Tim Patterson, formerly VP and director of programming for Nickelodeon UK, has officially launched his end-to-end children’s media service company, Larkshead Media. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Larkshead is focused on series development, planning and brand strategy, as well as investment, licensing and merchandising, and international distribution.
The company, which comes on the scene with backing from entertainment investment firm Bob & Co., launches with animated kids’ series Q Pootle 5 from Snapper Productions under its wing, along with a new in-development project from Aubergine Films and Melwood Pictures, Planet Wrong.
Patterson serves as CEO of Larkshead Media, bringing with him an extensive network of TV industry connections built over a career which has seen him hold senior posts at Nick, Disney, UKTV, ITV and BBC. Most recently, he ran T1M Consult. Prior to that, he oversaw acquisitions & development, content strategy, planning and scheduling, media planning, multi-platform content and broadcast operations for all seven Nickelodeon UK channels.
Joining Patterson to form the core of Larkshead’s leadership team are Clare Piggott, Director of Licensing and Merchandising; and Rob Doherty, Director of Programming and Distribution.
Piggott has previously held senior roles at Nickelodeon and BBC Worldwide, developing strategic global licensing initiatives for brands including Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, Doctor Who, Sherlock and CBeebies. She has also worked with Mr Men and Little Miss and Star Wars for CPLG, and Barbie and Hot Wheels for Mattel.
Doherty has worked for top kids’ TV outfits like Aardman Animations, ITV, The Walt Disney Group, M2 Films, EndemolShine and Initial Productions, developing, producing and selling animated series for global audiences.