Ex-BBC, Universal exec to lead CHF’s new distribution arm

CHF Media Group, the business formed by the founders of Cosgrove Hall, has set up a sales arm and said it is looking to staff up as it expands into new areas.

It has brought on Brendan Kelly (pictured) to run the new unit, CHF Rights. Kelly has worked at UK pubcaster the BBC, Universal and most recently at UK indie Black Diamond.

The new division will sell CHF’s upcoming animated kids series Pip!, which is in production for Chanenl 5, and HeroGliffix, which will launch on as-yet-unspecified UK free-to-air channel next year. It will also pick up third party rights for international distribution.

Earlier this year, CHF appointed entrepreneur Sir Eric Peacock as chairman of its executive board. The announcement followed the appointment of iconic UK actor Sir David Jason both as a non-executive director and as the voice of some of the new characters in CHF’s shows.

In May CHF chief execuitve Adrian Wilkins told TBI the company was raising up to £3 million to help finance 52x11mn episodes of preschool show Pip! At that point had raised £1 million. It said today it has secured new funding, which will help it expand beyond animation.

The company said: “As a result of a recent round of funding, CHF Rights is also seeking partnerships and possible acquisitions in order to expand the group, strengthen its overseas production capabilities and help drive the commercialisation of its portfolio of rights.”

CHF added that is scouting for key executives as it grows the business and moves into new areas.

The company was formed by Cosgrove Hall founders Brian Cosgrove and Mark Hall along with IP lawyer Francis Fitzpatrick. Hall passed away in 2011 and was replaced by his son, Simon.