UK prodco adds ex-Chapman exec Whinnett

UK-based Soho Square Productions has appointed former Chapman Entertainment and Sixteen South producer Emily Whinnett as its director of programmes, TBI has learned.

Whinnett is best known for an eight-year run at Fifi and the Flowertots prodco Chapman, where she was director of production and development before the firm’s closure in 2012.

Husband and wife team Kim Goody and Alan Coates launched Soho Square Productions before MIPJunior this autumn, and are currently working on an unnamed show with Whinnett’s former boss, Keith Chapman.

Most recently, Whinnett worked as head of development for Northern Ireland-based Sixteen South (Driftwood Bay), as TBI revealed last year, where she oversaw a slate of shows including the upcoming preschool toon Claude.

At Soho Square Productions, which is the production and development arm of London-based post-production house Soho Square Studios Group, she will report to co-founders Goody and Coates.

She will oversee production and IP development on a slate that spans from children’s CG animation and live-action to documentaries and drama.

“We are excited about the new opportunities and depth of knowledge that Emily brings to our company,” said Goody. “We first experienced her true leadership qualities when working alongside her during the production of the BBC Children in Need Medley. She is one of the best children’s creatives in the industry, and we have a lot of confidence in her.”

This is in reference to Whinnett producing a song produced at Soho Square Studios for the BBC’s charity gala Children in Need in 2009. The song reached number one in the UK charts and raised over £500,000 (US$800,000) for the charity.

“This is a big year for us and Emily’s experience in production and development will ensure that she plays a vital role in our success moving forward,” added Goody.