Former Spin Master exec Thom Chapman (pictured) has launched Victura Media, a new U.K. and Canada-based company looking to build global franchises.
Taking what it calls a “platform-agnostic” approach, the company is focused on serving up entertainment for kids ages eight-plus and YA/adult audiences. Victura will work across content, retail, licensing and gaming, and is also looking to embrace emerging spaces and trends such as Web3 and the creator economy.
Having headed up sales and distribution at Spin Master for the past six years, Chapman has cultivated significant experience in franchise-building and deal-making to finance projects. He previously held similar roles at companies including Toonbox, Breakthrough Entertainment and DHX Media (now WildBrain).
At Chapman’s side is company director and executive producer Gráinne McNamara, a Disney and CAKE alum who most recently served as VP of live-action development and production at 9 Story Media Group since 2020.
Victura’s first slate is taking flight with a series adaptation of Paper Aeroplanes, a teen novel penned by Scottish writer Dawn O’Porter and published by Hot Key Books in 2013. The premise revolves around two 15-year-old girls who form an unexpected friendship as they grow up in a small town during the ’90s.
The company has also picked up global distribution rights to a number of titles from Skybound Entertainment, including CG-animated series Super Dinosaur (13 x 30 minutes) and a Skybound Presents: Spike & Mike’s Festival of Animation anthology that’s slated to relaunch next year.
Finally, Victura is consulting for Enterprise Ireland and will work with lrish studios to offer guidance on IP management and global licensing and merchandising strategies.
This story originally appeared in Kidscreen
Image courtesy of Victura Media