Tony Wood, Executive Producer Of Nickelodeon's "House Of Anubis", Leaves Lime Pictures, Sets Up Production Company With Cineflix Studios Called Buccaneer Media

The entertainment news website C21Media is reporting the news that Tony Wood, a executive producer of Nickelodeon's hit live-action mystery drama series "House of Anubis", has left the British television production company Lime Pictures, the production company which makes "House of Anubis" with Nickelodeon and Studio 100, and will now be the Cheif Executive Officer (CEO) of the new production company Buccaneer Media, a joint venture between Tony Wood and Cineflix Studios:

Cineflix builds with Wood

Cineflix Studios has linked up with the former creative director of UK indie Lime Pictures to form a new prodco, with an Eddie Izzard drama already in the pipeline.

Buccaneer Media will develop and produce a range of scripted programming for broadcasters worldwide, according to Peter Smith, board director at Buccaneer and CEO of Cineflix Studios since August last year.

The fledgling prodco will be headed by CEO Tony Wood, who left Lime earlier this year having overseen production of The Only Way Is Essex and long-running drama Hollyoaks, and was also exec producer of Nickelodeon’s House of Anubis.

“Our ambition is to build a globally focused company producing everything from family entertainment to high-quality drama and structured reality rooted in the social media landscape,” said Wood.

Buccanneer has already signed a development deal with Impact Film & Television, producer of CBBC’s one-off 2011 special Last Christmas, on four projects. They include an upcoming “dramatic, fresh new take” on Jekyll and Hyde, starring Izzard, which does not yet have a broadcaster attached.

Meanwhile, deals are also in place for two so-far unnamed “scripted family” projects with North American networks, Wood told C21.

Buccaneer’s programming will be sold internationally by Cineflix Rights, distribution arm of Cineflix Media.

“Forming this partnership with Cineflix Studios will mean I can draw on their expertise and experience in producing for US and Canadian networks while retaining the creativity and independence to achieve my ambition for Buccaneer,” added Wood.

Cineflix Studios, the scripted division of Cineflix Media, launched in 2010 and has so far coproduced period drama Copper for BBC America with Nomadic Pictures in Canada and is working on upcoming drama Will alongside Participant Media for the latter’s new Pivot channel.

Meanwhile, Cineflix Studios is looking to partner with more companies, specifically in the UK and Canada, in order to increase its drama output, Smith told C21.

Nico Franks
18-04-2013
©C21Media

GENRES: Drama
SHOWS: Copper, The Only Way Is Essex
PEOPLE: Eddie Izzard, Peter Smith, Tony Wood
COMPANIES: Cineflix Rights, Cineflix Studios
SECTIONS: C21Drama
COUNTRIES: Canada, UK

Also, from TBI Vision:

Cineflix, Tony Wood launch Buccaneer Media

Cineflix Studios has hooked up with former Lime Pictures creative Tony Wood to create a new production company that already has an Eddie Izzard project in the works.

Buccaneer Media will be based in the UK and work with the scripted arm of Canada’s Cineflix Media on developing and producing a range of programmes for broadcasters.

The company already has two deals in place with unnamed North American networks and a development deal with Lost Christmas producer Impact Film and Television.

Among four projects contained with the Impact agreement is a reworking of the Jekyll and Hyde story that has comedian and actor Izzard attached to star.

Wood was previously creative director of All3Media-owned Lime, which is behind The Only Way is Essex and Hollyoaks. He also counts Nickelodeon series House of Anubis among his credits.

He said: “Launching Buccaneer is a hugely exciting move for me. Our ambition is to build a globally focused company producing everything from family entertainment to high quality drama and structured reality rooted in the social media landscape. But at its heart, Buccaneer will have a simple philosophy: compelling characters, strong narratives and emotional underpinning all combining to create the most engaging television for as many audiences as possible.

“Forming this partnership with Cineflix Studios will mean I can draw on their expertise and experience in producing for US and Canadian networks while retaining the creativity and independence to achieve my ambition for Buccaneer.”

Cineflix Rights will sell Buccaneer’s productions on the international market.

Nickelodeon Very Close To Wrapping The Filming Of "House Of Anubis Season 3"!

Nickelodeon Star and "House of Anubis" actress Louisa Connelly-Burnham, who plays the new HoA character 'Willow Jenks' in "House Of Anubis" season 3, has Tweeted (posted) on her official Twitter profile page (@LouisaCBurnham) that Nickelodeon Productions, Studio 100 and Lime Pictures is in the final stages and very near to wrapping the filming of the brand new episodes of the third season (series) of "House of Anubis", titled "House of Anubis: The Reawakening"! In her Tweet, Louisa Connelly-Burnham also shares a photograph with her fans featuring herself at the final table read for the all-new third season wearing the hat that her fellow Nickelodeon Star and "House of Anubis" actor Alex Sawyer, who portrays SIBUNA character 'Alfie Lewis', got her as a Christmas present/gift:

Our last House of Anubis season 3 read-through! Wearing the hat @AJSawyer got me for Christmas :) #houseofanubis #hoa pic.twitter.com/WizWRNfW

Nickelodeon USA started to premiere and show season three of Nickelodeon's hit suspense-filled mystery drama series "House Of Anubis", also known as HOA 3, on Thursday 3rd January 2013 at 8.00pm (ET/PT), and will continue to show all-new episodes every Thursday at 8pm (ET/PT). Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK is expected to start to premiere the third season of "House of Anubis" from Spring 2013.

"House Of Anubis" Star Alex Sawyer (Alfie Lewis) Teases "House of Anubis Season Three" Storyline Information

Nickelodeon Star and "House of Anubis" actor Alex Sawyer, who portrays the character 'Alfred "Alfie" Lewis' in Nickelodeon's hit mystery series "House of Anubis", has revealed some information about the plot of the third season of Nickelodeon's hit mystery series "House of Anubis" ("House of Anubis Season Three") in a Tweet (post) on his official Twitter profile page (@AJSawyer):

To fans: I've heard the storyline for season 3. It is beautiful. You are not and will not ever be ready for what we're making. Sibuna x RT - 3.59pm Monday 16th July 2012.

Nickelodeon UK announced on their official Nickelodeon blog on Monday 16th July 2012 that the third season (series) of the popular Nickelodeon show "House of Anubis" would be going into the production stages later his month (July 2012) in Liverpool, UK.

Nickelodeon UK Announces Information About Season Three Of Nickelodeon's Hit Mystery Series "House Of Anubis"; To Go Into Production Towards End Of July 2012

Nickelodeon UK have announced in a blog post on Nickelodeon UK's official Nickelodeon blog on Nick UK's official website, Nick.co.uk, that Nickelodeon Productions, Belgium's Studio100 and the UK's Lime Pictures will start production to make the third season of Nickelodeon's hit mystery series "House of Anubis" later his month (July 2012) in Liverpool, UK! Nickelodeon UK has also revealed a few details about the third series of "House of Anubis", including that the plot will be about the teens against the teachers as they race to defeat an ancient curse and prevent a great evil from reawakening forever, and that "House of Anubis Season Three" will also feature a brand new character called KT Rush (portrayed by actress Alexandra Shipp), who will be "an adventurous, sunny and tenacious American girl who becomes a vital part of the Sibuna gang and partners with Eddie to unlock the new Anubis House mystery":

House of Anubis: Exciting news

Month 16th July 2012

Production on season three of House of Anubis will commence this month in Liverpool in England.

In season three, it's the teens against the teachers as they race to defeat an ancient curse and prevent a great evil from reawakening forever.

This season will also introduce several new characters including a new series regular KT Rush (played by actress Alexandra Shipp), an adventurous, sunny and tenacious American girl who becomes a vital part of the Sibuna gang and partners with Eddie to unlock the new Anubis House mystery.

Tell us what you think about this great news [here on Nickelodeon UK's official House of Anubis blog]?.

Unfortunately, Nickelodeon Star and "House of Anubis" actress Nathalia Ramos, who plays the primary protagonist SIBUNA character 'Nina Martin' in the first two seasons of Nickelodeon's popular mystery series "House Of Anubis" has announced and confirmed that she won't be returning to be in the cast of season three of "House of Anubis" due to school related issues.

Roger Barclay, who plays "House of Anubis" villain Rufus Zeno/The Collector, has also confirmed that he also won't be returning to be in the cast of season three of "House of Anubis".

Also, Tweeted (posted) by Nickelodeon UK and Ireland on their official Twitter profile page (@NickelodeonUK):

Calling all Anubis fans - production on season three of House of Anubis will commence this month in Liverpool!

And:

Click here if you want to know more about House Of Anubis season three! http://www.nick.co.uk/blog/post.aspx.

Also, from the 'Nickelodeon Stars' section of the (geo-locked) official Nickelodeon USA website, Nick.com:

House Of Anubis Season 3 Is Shooting NOW!

We know you've been wondering about your favorite boarding school residents for months on end. But now the word is officially out. Season three of House of Anubis is on it's way!! Production for season three of HOA will kick off this month in Liverpool, England! Wahoo! So, get those mystery-solving brains of yours in check, 'cause there are tons of twists, turns and spooky surprises to come...

In season three, it's the teens against the teachers as they race to defeat an ancient curse and prevent a great evil from reawakening forever! Excited? We know, right?! Well, if there is one thing you can always count on with House of Anubis, it's MYSTERY! And this new season definitely won't disappoint. So keep your eyes, ears and ancient spirit senses in tune, because there's a whole new bundle of mystical adventures headed your way...fast!

Also, from Fanlala:

'House of Anubis' Returning for Season 3!

Earlier this year, ‘House of Anubis’ fans were left with some closure, but for the most part, the second season ended on quite the cliffhanger!

Now that Victor has found the final Tear of Gold, the fate of the world seems to be in the hands of evil, but all of that could turn with season 3 of ‘House of Anubis!’ That’s right mystery fans, Nickelodeon has just announced the return of the hit show. What did Nick have to say about the upcoming season? “In season three, it’s the teens against the teachers as they race to defeat an ancient curse and prevent a great evil from reawakening forever!”

More exciting news, Nickelodeon has announced that actress Alexandra Shipp will be joining the Sibuna group. You might recognize Alexandra from a guest spot she had on ‘Victorious.’ The young star also had a role in ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel’ as Valentina.

We're super huge fans of ‘House of Anubis,’ and we think that Alexandra is going to be a welcome addition to the show. Can’t wait for season three!

Photo: Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon Orders Brand New Children's Series Based On Author Sophia Bennett's Debut Novel 'Threads' From Lime Pictures

According to author Sophia Bennett's profile on Lovereading4kids.co.uk, Nickelodeon have teamed up with the British television production company 'Lime Pictures', who also co-produces Nickelodeon's hit mystery series "House Of Anubis", to make a brand new show based on Sophia Bennett's award winning debut children's novel called 'Threads':

Sophia Bennett

Sophia Bennett has always wanted to write books. Her debut novel Threads won the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition. Sales of over 100,000 copies followed, with rights sold in 10 countries, and a TV series currently in production with Lime Pictures for Nickelodeon. Sophia is mad about the fashion world and has written for several national newspapers. She lives in London with her husband and children. Sophia will be appearing at the 2012 Hay Festival.

In Sophia Bennett's children's book 'Threads', fashion fairy tales really can happen. Nonie, Edie and Jenny are best friends with very individual tastes. Nonie's a real trend setter and her passion is fashion. Humanitarian Edie is on a mission to save the world. And budding actress Jenny has just landed a small part in a Hollywood blockbuster. But when these three friends meet a young African refugee called Crow, sketching a dress at the Victoria and Albert Museum, they discover a common passion and somehow find a way to make all of their dreams come true. [Description from Amazon.co.uk's product page for the paperback release of Sophia Bennett's kids novel 'Threads'.]Also, from The Guardian:

Sophia Bennett's top 10 stylish reads

The author of Threads and The Look picks her favourite writing about the fashion world, from Dodie Smith and PG Wodehouse to the latest on-trend blogs

"I thought, when I was writing my first fashion-based book for young teens, that the shelves of my local bookshop would be full of stories about feisty young heroines making clothes, putting outfits together and discovering new styles. After all, girls love fashion, don't they? And some boys do, too. Developing your image is one of the big challenges of growing up. But to my great surprise there were hardly any books that seemed to do justice to the joyful, and sometimes daunting, prospect of finding a style that fits.

And so my choices of stylish reads range far and wide. Some were already classics when I was growing up; some are non-fiction; some are being written as we speak. These are the stories I have turned to when I've needed some style inspiration over the years. The newer writing tends to be on blogs, because that is where the fashion world's writing talent is happening these days. Feisty young heroines, I've discovered, are going online and doing it for themselves."

Sophia Bennett's debut novel Threads, about fashion and the plight of a young African refugee, won the Times/Chicken House children's fiction competition. A Nickelodeon TV series is currently in production. Her latest novel, The Look, tackles the story of a girl who is spotted by a model agency at the same time as her sister is diagnosed with a serious illness.

1. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

Dodie Smith wrote this book in America, in self-imposed exile during the war. Despite the sun and safety of LA, her nostalgia for home seeps into every page. Cassandra and Rose Mortmain are growing up in straitened circumstances in a decaying English castle, surrounded by faded grandeur, never sure where the next meal is coming from. 17-year-old Cassandra writes about her family with pin-sharp, unsentimental wit. She sees the holes in their clothes and the make-do-and-mend desperation of their artistic stepmother, Topaz, as she tries to send them out into the world. We see sea-green, home-dyed silk tea dresses and outrageous, inherited beaver-lined coats. The sisters can't help being glamorous, in true, eccentric English style. Vogue would adore them.

2. Style Rookie

Tavi Gevinson became an internet phenomenon when she started blogging about fashion from her home in Chicago, aged 11. Now, at the grand old age of 16, she is an established arbiter of taste. And that taste is kooky and off the wall, as indeed it should be for any experimental teenager. She writes like an angel, has an astonishing repertoire of pop culture references, and takes great pictures. No wonder all the fashion greats are queuing up to be a part of her world.

3. The Queen's Clothes by Robb and Anne Edwards

I have had this book since 1977, when it came out in time for the Queen's Silver Jubilee. It is a record of some of the most important outfits worn by the Queen in the first half of her reign and it's special because it includes the original designs, examples of the extraordinary embellishment and an explanation of the symbolism that went into designing each state dress. It was the first book I read that took fashion seriously as a craft, and explained the thought that goes into presenting an iconic image to the world. Did you know, for example, that the Queen's skirts are weighted, so they don't fly up in the wind? Now you do.

4. Flowers for Mrs Harris by Paul Gallico

Set in the 1950s, this little novel by Paul Gallico is my favourite fashion book of all time. Mrs Harris is a no-nonsense East End charlady. She wins a little money on the pools and manages to save some more by working extra hard and cutting out biscuits – her one luxury. Eventually she has exactly enough to fulfil her girlish dream of going to Paris and buying a Dior evening dress. If anyone deserves a fairytale dress, it's Mrs Harris, who transforms the lives of everyone she meets at the little House of Dior. But she hasn't saved enough money for Customs duty. (This was long before the EU.) How will she get it home?

5. Party Frock by Noel Streatfeild

"Inside was a box. It was tied up in the lovely way Americans tie up parcels, with yards and yards of fine scarlet and green ribbon. When that ribbon was taken off the box and the lid lifted there was a card lying on top of the tissue paper. The card said: 'I have just remembered that you are now tween-age, and must be ready for this.'"
In this lesser-known story by Noel Streatfeild, Selina Cole is growing up in post-war England, with no occasions to wear an organdie dress with a blue satin sash. So one is created: a pageant. Her can-do cousins take charge and the whole village comes together to make it happen.
It's never really about the clothes: it's about what happens in the clothes. I'm quite sure the story of the dress, and the friendship, and the excitement of creating a big event, were at the back of my mind when I was writing Threads.

6. The Jeeves stories by PG Wodehouse

I discovered Wodehouse in my teens, when I was busy with exams and needed some light relief. The stories of Bertie Wooster and his butler, Jeeves, were at least 50 years old by then and are now practically historic, but I would still recommend them as an antidote to teenage stress. And from a style perspective, the well-meaning, well-funded Bertie is probably one of the best-dressed young men to have lived in comic fiction.

'"Jeeves,' I said coldly. "How many suits of evening clothes have we?"
"We have three suits of full evening dress, sir; two dinner jackets –"
"Three."
"For practical purposes two only, sir. If you remember, we cannot wear the third. We also have seven white waistcoats."
"And shirts?"
"Four dozen, sir."
"And white ties?"
"The first two shallow shelves in the chest of drawers are completely filled with our white ties, sir."
Carry on, Jeeves, 1926
Many of the stories revolve around Jeeves's disapproval of Bertie's more adventurous choice of hat, suit stripe or dress shirt collar. But given the extent of Bertie's wardrobe, peace is usually, if not always, restored.

7. My Mother's Wedding Dress by Justine Picardie

Justine Picardie is my favourite fashion journalist. This thoughtful collection of short pieces about clothes that have mattered to her is really the story of a family, more than a wardrobe. Which is as it should be. Justine captures the delicate relationship between clothes, people and the memories they make. The wedding dress in question was a corseted black cocktail dress, by the way. I have one very like it, inherited from my grandmother, and just as precious. Justine has a blog, too.

8. Adorkable by Sarra Manning

Sarra Manning's new book for older teens has a touch of Tavi Gevinson about it. Jeane Smith is a school-age girl who runs her own dorky lifestyle brand, has half a million followers on Twitter and is a respected guru on all things teenage. What I love about her – apart from her nonchalant ability to wear grey hair, a ballgown and tiara to a sweaty gig in North London – is her no holds barred modern feminism. Jeanne says what she means, wears what she likes, questions what she's told and is ready to take on the world. She may have questionable taste in hair dye, but she's an icon for our times.

9. Vivienne Westwood by Claire Wilcox

She is a dame, an iconoclast and a fashion goddess, and I gave her a speaking part in Threads. This book is based on a retrospective of Vivienne's work at the V&A in 2004. It describes her collections, from the early days of punk, through her Pirates collection in the 1980s, her Watteau-inspired ballgowns and notorious platforms of the 1990s. When I go to schools and festivals to talk about my books, we often end up talking about my shoes. They are pink plastic Vivienne Westwood Melissas, decorated with red hearts: the only heels you can wear in festival mud, and which are also infused to smell like bubblegum. Not a feminist statement at all, but I smile every time I wear them. (They're comfortable, too.) The woman is, frankly, a genius. We're lucky to have her.

10. Fashionista

It's not all history. The bloggers at Fashionista manage to make several entertaining stories a day out of current events in the fashion world, without ever taking themselves too seriously. The site is sardonic. It has a feminist edge, taking issue with the lack of female designers to be honoured recently and recommending a list of its own. It celebrates the artistry and is happy to prick the pomposity of the world it loves. "Fashion is fun", it says. And if you do it right, and don't let it overwhelm you, this is actually true.