London based animation studio, Locksmith Animation has named Dónall Crehan as its chief business officer. In his new role, he’ll directly report to Locksmith founders and CEOs Sarah Smith and Julie Lockhart.
In his new role, Crehan will oversee the company’s legal and business affairs, business strategy and development, commercial operations and the implementation of its long and short-term strategic plans.
Crehan joins Locksmith from All3Media, where he served as the general counsel, where he provided legal counsel and risk management advice for the company’s portfolio of 21 global entities. His appointment is a vital step as Locksmith continues to define itself as a home for first-class international animation talent.
“As we continue to invest in the best international creative talent, grow our IP library and production slate and as our films take shape it is vital that we also build a business structure which supports creative growth and ensures global reach. Crehan is one of the most respected legal and commercial experts in the UK film and media industry with a proven track record of successful strategic business development,” commented Lockhart.
Prior to All3Media, Crehan was the senior legal director at Endemol Shine, and even before that he was the legal group head of for the Shine Group, having been with Shine since leaving private practice as a corporate lawyer.
Crehan mentioned, “I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to join Locksmith Animation at a very exciting time for the company.I look forward to work with the entire Locksmith team to build a great home for the best creative talent in the industry and to support them as they make inspiring cinema for the global family audience.”
Locksmith Animation’s first project through its deal with Twentieth Century Fox, Ron’s Gone Wrong, is currently in production and will release on 6 November 2020. Founded in 2014 by Smith, Lockhart and Elisabeth Murdoch, Locksmith Animation produces its projects end-to-end in London, with their partner Double Negative providing digital production.