Former Moonbug Execs Set Up 8 Lions

Moonbug Entertainment veterans Jiella Esmat and Karine Ahton have launched 8 Lions Entertainment, dedicated to developing, creating and growing IP for kids and teens.

8 Lions will use data-driven insights to develop, create and grow properties that resonate with kids and teens worldwide. It plans to blend traditional entertainment expertise with digital-first creator-led IP strategies to scale IP globally and across all derivatives, with an emphasis on creative synergies between the East and West.

Co-founder and CEO Esmat was most recently chief revenue officer of Amuse Animation and Amuse Studios and previously held senior roles at Moonbug, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures and NBCUniversal. Co-founder Ahton was former general counsel of Moonbug and Envision Racing and previously worked at Sanrio and ITV.

The 8 Lions launch team includes Lovely Chavez as VP of digital strategy and commercial partnerships, formerly director of channels international at Moonbug and channel manager at WildBrain. Helen Wong as senior commercial manager, previously market development manager for AsiaPac and senior channel manager at Moonbug. Fletcher Williams as corporate and strategy executive, formerly head of acquisitions and strategy at Voldex Entertainment and ex-Moonbug and NBCU.

Jerome Mazandarani, ex-managing director of Manga Entertainment and Crunchyroll UK, advises on anime- and adult-animation-related projects.

“We are sourcing and creating diverse, engaging entertainment that reflects the genuine interests of kids and teens,” commented Esmat. “Young people’s consumption habits have changed irreversibly and continue to evolve. We’re ensuring content is available to them in ways that recognize and cater to their expectations.”

8 Lions is actively seeking partnerships for IP creation, distribution, co-production and L&M.