A Productions Returns to Independent Ownership

Katherine McQueen and Mark Taylor have reacquired a majority stake in A Productions (My Friend Maisy, JoJo and Gran Gran, Sesame Street), previously held by the now-defunct Cyber Group Studios.

“We have always been independently run; now, we are 100 percent independently owned once again,” McQueen said. “Our ethos focuses on ensuring A Productions is a diverse, inclusive and enjoyable place to work, where everyone can fulfill their potential. We are committed to nurturing creative talent in communities underrepresented within the industry.”

McQueen will become the sole managing director at the end of this year as Taylor steps back from his joint managing director position. Taylor, who founded the company in 1985 as A for Animation, will remain an active shareholder and continue to offer insight in an advisory capacity.

McQueen joined A Productions in 2002 and has been joint managing director since 2019.

“A Productions has a bright, secure and exciting future ahead,” McQueen added. “With our wonderfully talented team, we will continue to take pride in creating standout, beautifully crafted, authentic content that inspires and delights our audiences.

“We will continue to focus on strengthening our creative vision, ensuring each show has its own unique voice, as well as embracing new opportunities, with some very special projects currently in negotiation. We have a robust pipeline and financial security in place to ensure that we are in a strong position to move forward.”

Taylor commented, “We’ve witnessed extraordinary changes to the industry since those early days, but what hasn’t changed over four decades is the remarkable talent, passion and dedication of the A Productions team, with whom I’m so grateful to have worked alongside. As the studio begins a new chapter, now feels like the right time to step away from my joint MD role, but I will remain a shareholder and a lifelong supporter of the studio.”

A Productions is currently working on My Friend Maisy for Sky Kids with BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions and Trustbridge Entertainment. The company was also recently selected as the U.K. producer for The Underglow, an upcoming preschool series developed in partnership with the BBC as part of BBC Ignite. Production is also underway on Monster Makes for CBeebies.