Former C5 kids exec starts indie

Jessica Symons has set up Ivy House, a new UK kids indie.

Symons was head of kids at Viacom-owned free-TV net Channel 5.

She said today several shows are now in development, including a drama that is being worked up with former Milkshake boss Nick Wilson.

During ten years of Channel 5, Symons ended up heading up programming for the preschool Milkshake strand.

She produced, wrote and directed several of its in-house shows, and oversaw a number of commercial spin offs, including creating and devising theatre shows and the launch of the Milkshake! magazine.

Ivy House will make shows targeting different demos, from preschool to tween. The projects in development span puppet shows, animation and live-action.

“During my time at Channel 5 as well as commissioning and acquiring shows I had a hands-on role in the production of all our in-house content and continuity output,” Symons said.

“Starting my own production company has been a long-held dream and I am really excited to be entering an exciting new chapter in my career.”