Anthony Utley departs BBC Worldwide to become the new md of Cosgrove Hall Films, Europes largest and most prolific animation company.
Utley had been worldwide director of TV distribution at BBC Worldwide since 1999.
We are delighted that Anthony is joining Cosgrove Hall Films as md, said John Whiston, director of drama arts and kids for Granada. His combination of experience in international co-production and his feel for the specialized area of pre-school and animation will help drive CHF forward into its next phase while building on all that is great (and small!) about the company.
Utley, who will assume his position in early October 2005, said, Im delighted to be joining such a talented, reputable and accomplished team at Cosgrove Hall Films and leading the company to even greater achievements ahead, both domestically and internationally. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a world class company that I couldnt turn down.
Manchester, England-based Cosgrove Hall (www.chf.co.uk) is wholly owned by Granada, ITVs production division. Cosgrove, established in 1976, has built its reputation as the leading animation house over many years of award-winning productions, from classics such as DANGERMOUSE and WIND IN THE WILLOWS, to up to date remakes of ANDY PANDY and BILL AND BEN through to present productions such as ENGIE BENJY, LITTLE ROBOTS and the evergreen POSTMAN PAT. Cosgrove is one of the few animation houses in the world working extensively in all three types of animation hand-drawn/2D, stop-motion puppet and CGI.
