Victura Media, a new company focused on managing entertainment franchises, has launched at Mopcon with a slate of IP including a television adaptation of Dawn O’Porter novel “Paper Aeroplanes.”
Victura will also distribute a number of titles from “The Walking Dead” producer Skybound Entertainment, including“PSI Cops,” “Super Dinosaur” and “Skybound Presents: Spike & Mike’s Festival of Animation.”
The transatlantic company, which will work across the U.K. and Canada, was founded by Thom Chapman with a view to building and managing global IP with a 360-degree strategy across retail, licensing, gaming and content. Between Chapman, a former VP for entertainment sales and distribution at toy company Spin Master, and director Gráinne McNamara, former VP for live action development and production at 9 Story, Victura’s principals boast 20 years’ experience in franchises, working on brands including “Peanuts,” “PAW Patrol” and toyline Hatchimals.
The deal for “Paper Aeroplanes,” about small-town adolescence and female friendship told through the lens of two Guernsey teenagers, Renee and Flo, was brokered by O’Porter’s literary agent Adrian Sington in collaboration with McNamara.
“I’m thrilled to continue my collaboration with Grainne as she launches her new film and TV venture, and very much look forward to taking Renee and Flo from the printed page onto our TV screens and beyond,” said O’Porter. “‘Paper Aeroplanes’ has a special place in my heart not just because it was my first novel but also because it is set on Guernsey where I spent much of my childhood. I think these characters will speak to women for generations to come. The trials and tribulations of their lives are timeless and the story celebrates the heartstopping power of female friendship.”
With Skybound’s “Spike & Mike’s Festival of Animation” set to relaunch in 2025, Victura will also be handling distribution for the duo’s guerrilla-style animated festivals in addition to other Skybound content.
Victura Media is also acting as a consultant to Enterprise Ireland, providing lrish studios with advice on IP management, global licensing and merchandising.
“There is an evolution happening in entertainment with how audiences are curating their entertainment experience as well as the growth of creator-led content and importance of fandom and community,” said Chapman. “We founded Victura Media to help to connect the dots across IP management and growing global franchises from all areas of the business. We’re excited to be developing Dawn O’Porter’s standout teen novel as well as be part of Skybound’s plans for the unconventional ‘Spike & Mike’s Festival of Animation.’ These distinctive IPs highlight the character of our curated approach to brand development.”
