Coolabi Appoints Scurfield Head of Development and Production

Coolabi has announced the appointment of Zoë Scurfield as Head of Development and Production.

Zoë Scurfield

Press Release from Coolabi

Coolabi has announced the appointment of Zoë Scurfield as Head of Development and Production. Zoë is a respected senior programming executive with years of experience in strategic planning, acquisitions, commissioning and all aspects of broadcasting. She will report to Coolabi's Director of Content, Michael Dee.

In her new role, Zoë will be responsible for continuing the development and expansion of Coolabi's television production business across animation and live action. She will be Executive Producer for all Coolabi productions and will be the key point person for broadcasters and production partners.

Over the last 12 months, Coolabi Productions has had a stellar rise which has seen it become one of the UK’s busiest independent producers of children's programming, having recently delivered a second animated series of the The Large Family to CBeebies and TF1 in France, as well as the first series of live action drama Dead Gorgeous to CBBC and ABC Australia, both of which are amongst the top rated shows in their respective slots. The next show out of the blocks will be the eagerly anticipated Poppy Cat animated series to Nick Jr.

Before joining Coolabi, Zoë was an independent programming consultant involved in the strategy and development on such titles as Bookaboo, Mr Moon and Get Squiggling.

Prior to this, Zoë spent 13 years with The Walt Disney Company where she held a number of senior positions, rising to Executive Director, Programming, for Disney Channels UK, Scandinavia and Emerging Markets. She was responsible for all aspects of programme planning, scheduling, acquisitions, and commissioning across Disney.

Zoë Scurfield says, “Coolabi is a fast-growing and dynamic company with a fantastic portfolio of exciting and diverse properties. This new role puts me in a great position to make full use of my experience to help drive Coolabi’s rapid expansion as content producers, and I am looking forward to working with key broadcasters in the development of existing properties, while discovering and nurturing new ones. I’m delighted to be joining such a talented and strategic team at this exciting time.”

Michael Dee, Coolabi's Director of Content, says: “Zoë has already demonstrated an ability to work effectively both within companies and independently.s She brings a unique mix of broadcasting business acumen and creative expertise to Coolabi. We are delighted that she will be joining the Content team at a key time in the company’s expansion plans.”

About CoolabiCoolabi specialises in the ownership, development and creative management of high quality children's and family brands and intellectual property. The current portfolio includes Purple Ronnie, Poppy Cat, Scarlett & Crimson, The Large Family and Dead Gorgeous. In addition Coolabi also licenses rights to selected brands, including Bagpuss, The Clangers, and Hammer Film Productions. For more information and a background on the company visit www.coolabi.com.