Rumpus Media Expands Team

Rumpus Media has hired Avril Spary as its new head of comedy entertainment and has promoted Chantal Barnes to the role of head of development.

Spary, as head of comedy entertainment, will be responsible for developing and pitching comedy entertainment ideas to U.K. broadcasters. Working closely with emerging comedians and writers, and developing off- and on-screen talent will also be a part of her role. Spary joins Rumpus from Tiger Aspect, where she worked her way up to development executive from trainee over the course of nine years. While at Tiger, she produced and co-created the BAFTA Award-winning Murder in Successville.

Prior to being upped to head of development, Barnes oversaw the development slate at Rumpus, co-devising Personal Dater and developing a Christmas special of The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganthan in addition to two yet-to-be-announced pilots. Barnes previously worked in development at Initial.

Emily Hudd, Rumpus Media joint managing director, said: “Avril has a rare ability to develop really distinctive, high-concept shows that are big on both entertainment and humor. She has a keen eye for talent and really goes the extra mile to nurture them. We’re really excited to see how she grows the next generation of Rumpus Comedy Entertainment.”

Iain Wimbush, Hudd’s fellow joint managing director at Rumpus, added: “Chantal’s relentlessly creative and has been invaluable this year working across all aspects of our diverse slate—from satirical current affairs to high-concept game shows. We’re so happy she’s going to lead the development team into 2019.”

Spary commented: “Tiger Aspect is a fantastic company, and I cannot overstate how much I enjoyed working there across the years. My departure only demonstrates how exciting and brilliant Emily and Iain’s vision for Rumpus Media is. Aside from creating and producing fresh and innovative ideas with my new colleagues, I’m looking forward to attempting to explain to my mother what my new title means, so she can tell her friend Diana, next door down-but-one.”