John Morris swaps Cookie Jar for Atlantic

John Morris is leaving kids producer and distributor Cookie Jar and joining Atlantic Productions. He will become the UK indie producer’s first commercial director and look at new opportunities for the company including programme distribution.

Atlantic has carved out a reputation for producing blue-chip documentaries, including several featuring Sir David Attenborough and produced in 3D. It made UK pay TV platform BSkyB’s first original 3D show, Flying Monsters 3D and went on to form a JV 3D prodco with Sky, Colossus Productions. Its first show will be Galapagos 3D.

Atlantic said that Morris will be “responsible for developing and exploiting new commercial opportunities for Atlantic Productions, including distribution and sponsorship”.

Morris joined Cookie Jar early last year as VP of TV sales and coproductions with responsibility for the

UK, Benelux and Australasia. Prior to that he was at TV companies including Sparrowhawk Distribution,

IMG, RTL Disney, Hit Entertainment and BBC Worldwide.

Anthony Geffen, CEO and creative director at Atlantic said: “We’re thrilled John is joining us. After an incredibly successful 2011, John is joining us at an extremely exciting time as we continue to expand Atlantic Productions’ portfolio internationally.”