Breakthrough’s Gillis launches new indie

Kevin Gillis, executive producer of kids series including Jimmy Two Shoes, has left Breakthrough Animation, where he was a managing partner, and has started his own indie production company.

He has launched Skywriter Media and Entertainment with advertising execs Michael McLaughlin and Michael Isgrove. Gillis told TBIvision: “How do you differentiate yourself when there’s great product but broadcasters are facing a constantly evolving landscape? Most producers bring creativity to the table but we wanted to reach out one step further for something that monetizes the brands.”

The company has also inked its first commission – with The Family Channel – for ethical kids series Elliot and Lucy, created by Being Ian’s Ian Corlett.

It is also developing a number of animated projects including action series Taskforce Shamen, robot show Discbots and adult animated series Dysfunction Junction, which is expected to be greenlit by Canada’s Teletoon.