THE BRIGHT AGENCY LAUNCHES FILM AND TV DIVISION
The Bright Agency, one of the most forward thinking, proactive and fast-growing international literary and illustration agencies of recent years are launching an in-house Film and TV division, led by new appointment Courtney Arumugam as Senior Creative Executive.
Courtney spent over four years at Mattel Creations (owners of HiT Entertainment, creators of Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam, Pingu, Kipper and Angelina Ballerina and many more). Whilst at Mattel, she developed both new IP and content for existing brands, aimed at children aged 2-12; including short-form, episodic and feature-length productions. Prior to this, Courtney worked in commissioning and production, working for broadcasters and production companies including Channel 4, BBC and FremantleMedia.
In her new role as Senior Creative Executive, Courtney is responsible for identifying titles from Bright’s extensive library of award-winning, bestselling authors and illustrators that would make compelling TV/film content. By partnering with studios and broadcasters, Bright will be able to bring these stories to screen as joint ventures, co-productions, or full option agreements. The Bright Agency is also looking to develop new TV/film content specific for this market and work closely with selected studios.
Courtney will be working alongside Bright Agency Board Member Richard Scrivener who will be overseeing this new division in his role of Business Affairs and supporting both will be Bright’s Head of Contracts Sandra Tharumalingam.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be working at Bright. The demand for high-quality children’s content has never been greater and I cannot wait to see these enchanting, gorgeous, joyous and beautiful books brought to screen, to be enjoyed by young audiences everywhere.” Courtney Arumugam
And from Bright’s founder and MD Vicki Willden-Lebrecht:
“Since 2007 we have retained the Film, TV and merchandising rights for nearly all our author-illustrated titles, and there has never been a time quite as ripe to fully invest in exploring these rights on behalf of our artists and authors.
My absolute focus remains with finding the right home for my artists and authors where they are financially and creatively recognised. I am so excited with what this new landscape offers.
I strongly believe that the very best loved characters, brands and TV series and films are born in the pages of books, where their story and world are defined by real depth and integrity. For many of these beloved books, with rights sold in over thirty territories to date, the characters are truly international.”
The Bright Agency incorporates the Illustration and Art Licensing division run by Bright Director, Hannah Curtis who noted:
“With major relationships with retailers, clients and manufacturers already in place, Courtney’s appointment adds increasing depth and reach to our current off