This is Michael Carrington. He works in TV, Radio, & Digital Content!
Michael Carrington's Bio:
Michael Carrington is Director of the ABC's Entertainment & Specialist Division, responsible for its national Radio, Television, and Digital services. Carrington, who was previously CEO of Zodiak Kids Studios, and former Chief Content Officer at Turner Broadcasting EMEA, believes there’s a responsibility that comes with public service broadcasting to ensure a diverse and inclusive slate of engaging programs, with an emphasis on content that stimulates an emotional connection with audiences.
Carrington has prided himself throughout his career on commissioning a range of content which inspires the audience's imagination and stimulates their curiosity – often underpinned by important themes like healthy lifestyle, gender equality, disability, or diversity – and wherever possible enabling audiences to have fun and laugh out loud.
Over a career spanning 26+ years, Michael Carrington has developed a deep understanding of how to deliver great content for broad audiences. He has the practical experience of working in both public service broadcasting and commercial television, across programming and production. Carrington led BBC Animation and then CBeebies between 2004 and 2010 gaining plaudits for steering creative renewal and support of the children's production industry.
Carrington is a strong believer in giving back. He has offered key advice at numerous speaking engagements like Screen Forever, MIPTV, CMC, and KidScreen Summit. He makes a point to participate in various charitable causes too such as Save the Children, Big Issue Foundation, and the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Michael Carrington's Experience:
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Director, Entertainment & Specialist Networks at Australian Broadcasting Corporation
January 2019 - Present | Sydney, NSW, AustraliaMichael Carrington is Director, E&S and is a member of the ABC's executive leadership team providing strategic advice and executing the overall ABC cross-platform content strategies. Carrington leads the national radio, television, and digital teams; overseeing commissioning, production, operations, programming, acquisitions, curation, and management for the TV channels ABC1, ABC2, ABC ME, and ABC KIDS; plus its music audio networks triple j, double j, Jazz, Country, Classic, and Radio National. And FVoD platforms: ABC listen and ABC iview, including digital services, program information, content curation and digital integration.
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Head, Children’s and Education at Australian Broadcasting Corporation
August 2016 - December 2018 | Sydney, NSW, AustraliaSpearheaded creative development, oversaw production, and led strategy across ABC KIDS, ABC ME, children’s FVoD service iview, and the children’s Apps. Commissioned breakout animation series, BLUEY.
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Chief Executive Officer at Zodiak Kids Studios
August 2014 - July 2016 | London, UKMichael Carrington was CEO of Zodiak Kids Studios based in London and Paris. Zodiak Kids has been producing high-quality, awarding winning content for local and international audiences for many years. Carrington worked to evolve the business by harnessing creative innovation to develop new IP franchises and digital opportunities, adding value to the business and brand through exceptional storytelling.
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Vice President, Global Content & Executive Producer at HIT Entertainment Ltd
April 2013 - July 2014 | London, UKWhile serving as the creative lead for all HIT content globally, Michael Carrington is credited with rejuvenating THOMAS & FRIENDS, refreshing FIREMAN SAM and MIKE THE KNIGHT, rebooting BOB THE BUILDER, and developing LITTLE PEOPLE. Michael was a senior member of the HIT global management team working closely with Fisher-Price and Mattel lines of business.
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Chief Content Officer, Cartoon Network at Turner Broadcasting Europe
April 2010 - March 2013 | London, UKWith a focus on regional production, Michael Carrington was responsible for all content on Cartoon Network and Boomerang EMEA; he rolled out Cartoonito Channel across the region; established CN Studios Arabia; built an international framework for Franchise Management, and facilitated a collaborative spirit amongst the global content teams. Above all, as Executive Producer he delivered fantastic creative television series like, LAZYTOWN, SCOOBY DOO MYSTERY INC, BEN 10 ULTIMATE CHALLENGE, and multi-award winning series THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL (Seasons 1 & 2).
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Creative Director & Controller, CBeebies at British Broadcasting Corporation
October 2006 - March 2010 | London, UKAs the creative chief of CBeebies, Michael Carrington devised and implemented the editorial and digital strategy across radio, television, and online; cementing its position as the number one 'preschool brand' in the UK. He cultivated an environment of innovation and creativity, attracting the best performers and producers; as evidenced by a number of high profile commissions including WAYBULOO, CHARLIE & LOLA, SOMETHING SPECIAL, MISTER MAKER, IN THE NIGHT GARDEN, GRANDPA IN MY POCKET, TREE FU TOM, and THIRD & BIRD. Michael nurtured CBeebies to be the most 'loved' preschool brand amongst parents, resulting in record audience reach and share on televison and online; and winning multiple awards.
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Head, Programme Acquisitions & Executive Producer Animation at British Broadcasting Corporation
January 2004 - October 2006 | London, UKMichael Carrington planned and actioned the content Acquisitions and Animation strategies for CBeebies and CBBC. Commissioned award winning series such as SHAUN THE SHEEP, THE SNOW QUEEN, and THE SECRET SHOW. And acquired shows including LAZYTOWN, SCOOBY DOO, and KOALA BROTHERS.
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Head, TV & New Media at LEGO Media
December 1999 - December 2003 | Windsor, Berkshire, UKAgainst a background of explosive growth in the interactive entertainment market, Michael Carrington was a founding member of LEGO Media, Film & TV. He helped devise and implement the content strategy. production pipeline, and international TV sales. Building upon the natural fit between LEGO play materials and media, he co-developed and Executive produced animated television series, LITTLE ROBOTS, and pilot special, PROJECT X; laying the foundation for LEGO's success in the content space.
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Producer, BBC Children's at British Broadcasting Corporation
October 1993 - November 1999 | London, UKMichael Carrington managed animation coproductions, including DENNIS & GNASHER, ETHELBERT THE TIGER, and THE SILVER BRUMBY. Acted as Consultant producer on international live-action prebuys like SWEET VALLEY HIGH, STUDENT BODIES, SHIP TO SHORE, and GOOSEBUMPS. Carrington was seconded to manage the BBC's consultation on children's digital services, reporting to the Deputy Director of Television. This initial project led to the launch of the BBC's children's channels CBeebies and CBBC.
Michael Carrington's Education:
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London Business School
2010 – 2010Concentration: Finance for Senior LeadersActivities: Executive Education -
Said Business School, University of Oxford
2008 – 2008Concentration: Oxford High Performance Leadership ProgramActivities: Executive Education -
Ashford Business School
2006 – 2006Concentration: BBC Leadership ProgramActivities: Executive Education -
Parkes High School
1974 – 1979Higher School CertificateConcentration: English, Maths, Biology, Geography, French, Social ScienceActivities: Musical & Dramatic Society
Michael Carrington's Interests & Activities:
Board Member Media RING | Board Member (alternate) Freeview Australia | Founding & Lifetime Patron of the Children's Media Foundation | Member of the Australian Film Institute | Member of the British Academy of Film & Television | Member of the Royal Television Society | Member of the International Academy of Arts & Sciences.