Creative, Development Producer, Writer
.jpeg)
Hello! I'm Joy.
I'm a freelance writer, creative and development producer, and director based in the UK. With a passion for Kids and Family programming and a background in Theatre, I thrive on telling meaningful stories in any form they take. Championing diverse voices and infusing stories with both humor and heart are central to my work.
For the past four years, I've been with Moonbug Entertainment, serving as the sole UK development executive. During this time, I've overseen over 15 projects across the entire Moonbug slate, including popular shows like CoComelon and Blippi, and developed new original concepts. My experience spans content for preschoolers, bridge audiences, and children aged 6-12. I'm particularly excited by innovative formats that push boundaries for young audiences and their families.
Currently, I'm working on several personal projects (sneak previews below) and have many exciting announcements on the horizon. I love collaborating, so drop me an email, and let's chat!
BAFTA Kids and Young People Festival, 2022
I've spent the last four years at Moonbug Entertainment, working as both a current and development executive. During this time, I've gained extensive experience in 2D/3D animation, gaming, shorts, and live action. I'm passionate about championing formats, stories, creatives, and voices that nurture the next generation of caring, funny, and well-intentioned kids. My work spans multiple genres, including both scripted and unscripted content. Recently, I've also been developing my own ideas, and you can sneak a peek at some of my current self-developed projects below.
Prior to this, I was part of the creative team at WildBrain, where I dived into working closely with iconic brands such as 'The Powerpuff Girls,' 'Teletubbies,' and 'Caillou.' I delivered digital content, including new animated spin-offs and toy play content. I also contributed to live action offerings like 'Kiddyzuzza' and 'Kid Vs Adult.'
I also collaborated with the Young Shakespeare Company during lockdown to digitally re-create their 'live' workshops and performances.
Proof of Concept for CoComelon Spin-off
'In the works': Read more here!
I have a keen visual eye and extensive experience in creating show bibles, pitch decks, mood boards, posters, and logos. I enjoy collaborating with and overseeing designers in key art creation, visual development, and art direction.
Proficient in the entire Adobe suite, I am available for ad-hoc freelance graphic design work.
I grew up on the outskirts of Huntingdon in a small village where I indulged in countless hobbies—and I've kept up that trend ever since! I thrive on staying busy and believe that's when I'm at my best. As someone proudly neurodiverse with ADHD, one of my greatest strengths is the ability to spin multiple plates at once, whilst hopping on one foot and reciting the entirety of the movie 'Burlesque.'
I continued my "jack of all trades" routine at Cambridge University, where I achieved a double-first in Education, English, Drama, and the Arts. Alongside my studies, I was involved in over 30 theatrical productions, fronted a band, produced and location-managed a comedy web series, and participated in various societies.
During my degree, I discovered a passion for Children's media, specializing in 'Play, Creativity, and Imagination,' a spark that had already ignited during my time at WildBrain.
After graduating, I freelanced as a Theatre Director and Writer, co-writing and directing 'The Jazz Section' (click to read more) before joining Moonbug full-time a few years later. And here we are!
With a positive attitude, a good sense of humor, and boundless energy, I am bursting with ideas. My favorite aspect of working in this industry is collaborating with wonderful, creative, and talented people.
Joy, Aged 4
I also spent a few years as a theatre director, both at an amateur and professional level. Most notably, I founded my own Theatre Company (pocoapoco) and co-wrote and directed a musical 'The Jazz Section' on London's off-west end.
Other credits include:
-
Writer, Director, 'The Jazz Section': The Water Rats, Town and Gown Theatre, The Union Theatre (2021)
-
Associate Director on workshop for Noel Coward’s ‘Hayfever’ the musical at Liverpool Street Institute (2021)
-
Assistant Director to Matt White for ‘Far from Heaven’ at the Turbine Theatre (2021)
-
Director, 'Chicago', ADC Theatre, (2019)
-
Director, Cambridge University European Theatre Group tour of 'Othello': Venues around France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium (2018-2019)
-
Director,'Bad Luck Charlie', Corpus Playroom (2019)
Find out more about 'The Jazz Section' here!
'Chiccao', ADC Theatre
'The Jazz Section'
Directing 'Othello'
I'm excited to currently be developing on some of my own projects which you can read more about here. I'm always open to new oppurtunities and challenges so reach out to my email below if you want to chat more!