New US office triggers restructure at October

Indie October Films has restructured its operations following the decision to open a US office.

October, which is behind shows such as Rude Tube, said the new New York office was to “capitalise on recent growth” that has seen it double income and treble the number of hours it produces internationally over the last three years.

October is behind series such as ID’s Dark Desires and Discovery Science’s Outrageous Acts of Science.

As a result, Matt Robins has been promoted to creative director, and will split this time across October’s US and UK slates and offices, as well as executive producing across a range of genres. He will also recruit a new US-based team.

Other changes triggered by the move, October founder Denman Rooke becomes executive chairman, a role in which he will continue to have a hands-on role executive producing and developing programmes for existing and new clients in the UK and internationally.

Adam Bullmore becomes managing director, and will oversee business strategy, strategic alliances and rights, plus executive produce projects such as international coproductions.

Jane Manning has been named director, production and operations, while Jos Cushing has joined October’s management as executive producer. Further exec producer hires are forthcoming, then company said.

Expanding our leadership team, establishing a permanent presence in the US and making our biggest and sustained investment in UK development marks a significant step forward in our strategy for growth,” said Rooke.

“The idea behind the restructure and new hires is to ensure we keep enhancing our reputation for delivery and at the same time capitalise on the exciting growth we’ve achieved,” added Bullmore.

Robins pointed to “multiple series in production and development” in the US as a sign the American business had “reached an exciting level of maturity.  And investing more than ever in UK development means we cancontinue to cross-fertilise in creative terms and enjoy the best of both worlds”.