Ex-Teletoon chief to launch new Irish-Canadian studio

Alan Gregg, the former director of original content at Canadian kids channel Teletoon, is relocating to Ireland to lead Canuck animation firm Mercury Filmworks’ push into Europe.

Gregg has landed the role of president, European production, and will also join the Mercury Filmworks board. He will lead Mercury Filmworks Europe, which will house a new Dublin studio that will look to capaitalise on the tax incentives and support structures available in Ireland.

Mercury Filmworks Europe is set to launch this fall as a standalone development and production business with coproduction and proprietary business capabilities. It will hire new staff and announce upcoming projects in “coming weeks”, according to its Canadian parent.

Mercury Filmworks is best known for its work on programming such as Mickey Mouse, Wander Over Yonder, Team Hot Wheels, Jake & the Never Land Pirates and Fish Hooks.

“Our broadcast and production partners have outlined a critical need for our knowledge and expertise in the European market and we have responded.” said Clint Eland, President and CEO of Mercury Filmworks. “We are particularly grateful to our friends at Disney and DreamWorks for pledging their support and without whom this venture could not have become a reality.”

“There is a wealth of talent available in Ireland and across Europe,” added Gregg. “When you combine that with a very supportive local infrastructure, the ingredients for successful growth are already there. Mercury Filmworks Europe will play a significant role in building and sustaining the Irish animation industry.”