Two Daughters Entertainment, the U.K. animation studio behind Moley, has welcomed industry exec Sophie Watts onto its Board, as part of its goal of growing its footprint with a U.S. expansion. The appointment was announced at a gala celebrating the studio, held at the Academy Museum in Hollywood.

Watts was formerly the co-founding President of STX Entertainment, the indie media company behind live-action film and TV projects like Bad Moms and State of Affairs, as well as the animated feature UglyDolls. Two Daughters Ent. CEO Simon Bobin described Watts as “a true pioneer in the entertainment field, and a visionary business leader who is admired and respected across the industry.”

Watts helped STX Founder & Chairman Bob Simonds set up the studio in 2011 and build it into a strong indie player over the years. She left the company in 2018.

Two Daughters Ent. was founded in 2016 by James Reatchlous, and found international success with its debut IP Moley. The burrowing inventor starred in an initial half-hour special and now a series which is broadcast in 180 countries (including streaming on Peacock in the U.S.) Upcoming, the company is producing the animated feature The Land of Sometimes, due in 2025. The movie is directed by Leon Joosen (Saving Santa, exec produced by Reachlous, Bobin, Bonnie Arnold (How to Train Your Dragon) and Alan Yentob (Billy Elliot), and voice stars Ewan McGregor, Mel Brooks and Helena Bonham Carter.

Watts noted that, “[Two Daughter’s] unique and heartwarming backstory is rare, and this authenticity sets them apart.”

[Source: Deadline]