Blue Zoo Powers Up Original IP by Opening New Digital and Licensing Divisions

London-based animation studio, Blue Zoo, announces a huge new chapter in the studio’s journey of exponential growth by opening new digital and licensing divisions, to pioneer the studio’s new and original IP, headed up by industry experts.

Blue Zoo is a multi-BAFTA-winning, B Corp certified production company that has grown to become one of the UK’s leading & largest animation studios. The studio is responsible for hit TV shows such as Emmy-winning The Adventures of Paddington, Pip and Posy as well as original IP including Numberblocks, Big Tree City and Millie and Lou.

The studio’s vision is to build an animation studio with heart, creating quality content that helps make the world a better place. For example, Numberblocks is a pre-school show developed in-house in collaboration with Alphablocks Ltd, garnering over five million subscribers on YouTube and changing the way pre-schoolers think about maths.

Joining the studio as digital director is Stephanie Gauld, previously head of digital at Acamar, head of Disney online studios EMEA and digital publisher Egmont UK, with former experience including setting up and leading CBeebies Interactive, to bring her expertise to the new in-house digital team at Blue Zoo. Already, the digital team has launched new multi-platform and cohesive content plans across Apps, YouTube, Online and Social.

Karen McNally joins as licensing director to head up the new licensing division within the Studio. Karen has returned from a few years in Africa prior to which she held the position of commercial director at CLPG. Looking to appoint a team to manage and exploit existing and 3rd party IP both in the UK and internationally.

Alison Warner, previously MD of Rights at Blue Zoo, is upped to head of original content and will work with Stephanie, Karen, and head of developments, Helen Arntsen. Alison will be steering the strategy for all Blue Zoo original content.

Stephanie said, "Blue Zoo is a company that stands out both in terms of its excellent production quality and also its corporate values. It's a highly-driven and positive place to work. I'm excited to be part of this and continue to grow the digital offering around existing and new IP, with my team and in collaboration with Alison and Karen. We're taking a data and user-driven approach, combined with the creativity that the industry has come to expect from Blue Zoo to drive engagement and revenue for Blue Zoo and its partners."

Karen said, “I am beyond excited to have joined such a great company that is internationally renowned for its award-winning animation. To be given the opportunity to set up the licensing team and be instrumental in the growth of the consumer product offering is a huge privilege and a challenge and an opportunity that I shall relish. I look forward to engaging with both old and new contacts and colleagues to ensure strategic partnerships worthy of the beautiful, engaging original IP produced by Blue Zoo.”

Alison said, “With Karen and Steph joining the team at Blue Zoo, we have strengthened our position to develop, produce and exploit world class animation. Numberblocks is already a global phenomenon and we are excited to add fantastic shows such as Millie and Lou and Big Tree City to our portfolio.”