No new MD for Cosgrove Hall
CHILDREN’S animation specialist Cosgrove Hall Films has no plans to bring in a replacement for Anthony Utley, its managing director who resigned last month.
Creative director Frank Vose and the finance and commercial director Lee Marriot are understood to be running the business which crafted classics such as Danger Mouse and produced episodes of Noddy and Postman Pat.
Speaking for the first time since his departure Mr Utley, who was told he would not be replaced, said the company needed more support from its owner ITV Productions.
ITV refused to confirm the decision and insisted it was “business as usual” at the south Manchester studio.
A spokeswoman said: “We’re just looking at the next steps. We’re looking at the business and seeing what works best.”
Mr Utley declined to discuss his decision to leave and his next move. He said: “I really do love Cosgrove Hall, it’s an amazing company.
“But it’s in a very difficult position as it makes this transformation from work for hire to being an intellectual property-owning entity in a really difficult market. It needs nurturing and support but it’s not getting that at the moment.”
Cosgrove Hall also faces uncertainty over its premises. The lease on the 25,000 sq ft Chorlton studios that have been its home for many years is up for renewal next month. It is understood the business has been in talks with ITV about moving to Granada’s base in central Manchester.
Cosgrove has suffered from cutbacks to children’s programming, stemming partly from the loss of advertising revenues following Ofcom’s decision to ban junk food ads during children’s programmes.
The industry estimates the decision has reduced revenues by around 15%. Cosgrove, which had a turnover of £9m in 2007, cut eight of its 43 staff earlier this year.
Although its back catalogue includes classics like Count Duckula and Wind in the Willows, it does not earn revenue from them because the rights are held by Fremantle Media.
Mr Utley joined the company three years ago and was expected to turn around its fortunes by earning revenue from its own new characters.
Cosgrove spokeswoman Liz Morris said the firm was pushing ahead with its own new shows such as Squidge and the Hard Nuts which was showcased at the Cartoon Forum 2008 last month.
