Hidden Pigeon recruits Peacock kids’ exec Kristofer Updike

Kristofer Updike (Source: Hidden Pigeon Company)

Peacock exec Kristofer Updike has been named SVP of creative at Hidden Pigeon Company, the children’s entertainment outfit launched by Stampede Ventures, RedBird Capital Partners and American author Mo Willems, last year.

Updike will work alongside Willems and executive producer & showrunner Tim McKeon to oversee all television and theatrical creative. This includes the development and production of book-based character IP such as Elephant & Piggie, Knuffle Bunny, and The Pigeon as well as a collection of characters from Willems’s other books.

He will report to CEO Karen K Miller, who joined the company from her role as president and CEO of the US arm of French Cyber Group Studios in January.

Updike joins Hidden Pigeon from his role as VP of development at Peacock, where he implemented the Peacock Kids streaming portfolio and managed development and production of $100m worth of IP as well as new originals for families and kids ages 2-12.

Prior to Peacock, Updike served as senior director, original programing and development at Universal Kids and was also director/senior manager, original production and development, at Sprout, and VP of production with Bix Pix Entertainment.

“Kristofer is a true creative with a keen sense of character and story, and his ability to deliver with both warmth and humor reflects the foundation of Hidden Pigeon Company. He’s also one of the most well-liked and respected creatives in the business,” said Miller.

“With decades of experience across all key aspects of the kids and family space, from television and film to theater production, Kristofer will be invaluable in helping HPC achieve many important wins ahead in the areas most important to the company’s growth.”

Hidden Pigeon was founded to adapt Willems’ catalogue of children’s books and intellectual property across TV, film, digital, gaming, live events, location-based experiences, publishing and consumer products.

Its creation followed Stampede Ventures and Mo Willems’ existing producing partnership, which led to the creation of HBO Max titles Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience and Storytime All Stars Presents: Don’t Let the Pigeon Do Storytime.