Finland’s Gigglebug Entertainment has made it official with Lorna Withrington, hiring the veteran creative exec on full-time as head of development. 

Based in Toronto, Withrington has roughly 20 years of experience in the kids TV industry, with stints at companies including WildBrain (VP of animation development), Spin Master (director of development) and eOne Family (director of creative affairs) on her resumé. 

Working as a consultant under her With Bells On Entertainment shingle, Withrington has been collaborating with Gigglebug on building out its slate for the past year. And she will now take the lead on developing those projects. 

Withrington’s experience working on iconic children’s brands including Peppa Pig and PJ Masks, coupled with her understanding of the global market, are key assets the company needs for expanding its portfolio, says Gigglebug CEO and co-founder Anttu Harlin. “Getting the balance of creative authenticity and market fit is something that we can really elevate together with Lorna.”

Gigglebug develops and produces original kids TV series and films such as Best & Bester (commissioned by YLE and picked up by Nickelodeon), as well as doing service work on projects including Warner Bros. Animation’s Merry Little Batman feature film and the series 101 Dalmation Street for Disney. 

The Finnish studio has been in growth mode lately, opening a new studio in the Canary Islands earlier this month to take advantage of the region’s generous 45% to 50% tax deductions on eligible foreign production costs.