Popular exec has headed the studio’s international rights and marketing department for over a decade.
Aardman has confirmed that Sean Clarke has been promoted to the role of managing director of the studio.
Sean (pictured) has been with the company for over 20 years and has spent over a decade heading up the international rights and marketing department at Aardman. He originally joined the studio in 1998 as head of consumer products.
“It’s an honour to be taking on the md role and a privilege to be leading Aardman in this exciting new era of Employee Ownership,” Sean commented. “The studio’s strength has always been in its visionary creativity and storytelling expertise which, combined, mean that we are able to adapt to new platforms and changes in the way we consume entertainment while delivering consistently inspiring, funny and engaging animation.
“Ensuring that our independent spirit and our unique blend of innovation and integrity remain at the heart of everything we do – while nurturing and supporting sensational new creatives alongside our existing roster of incredible talent – will be a guiding principle.”
Sean takes over from David Sproxton, who is stepping back after 43 years at the helm of the company he co-founded with Peter Lord in 1976. David will continue to sit on the Trustee Board, as well as applying his decades of film making experience to a number of projects as a consultant.
Aardman transitioned to Employee Ownership in November 2018 in order to secure its creative and cultural legacy for decades to come.
It has a number of new projects about to launch including its latest film – Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon – opening in UK cinemas on Friday October 18.
The studio’s first major piece of original content for the theme park market – a 4D immersive experience with brand new characters – will open at Efteling: World of Wonders in the Netherlands at the end of November.
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