London-based Chapman Entertainment has forged strong links with south Manchester through the production of two hit children's television series, Fi-fi and the Flowertots and Roary the Racing Car, which included the voice of Bolton comic Peter Kay.
However, the second series of Roary will now be made at Chapman Entertainment's newly opened facilities.
The new studio will employ in the region of 20 people and is set to become fully operational next month.
It will be used to service Chapman's future production needs, including all forms of animation and live action.
Managed by the Chapman Entertainment production team in London, Roary the Racing Car will continue to be directed in Altrincham by Tim Harper and will be senior-produced by Phil Chalk.
The first series of Roary was filmed in-house at Cosgrove Hall Films, Chorlton, with the models "cared for" by local company McKinnon Saunders.
Exciting
Commenting on the move, Chapman's managing director and executive producer, Greg Lynn, said: "Setting up our own studio was the next logical move in our development and is a hugely exciting step in the company's expansion.
"We'd also like to take this opportunity to thank Cosgrove Hall for the tremendous work and dedication they put into both series of Fifi and the first series of Roary."
Reflecting the extra direct managerial responsibility created by the new studio, Chapman Entertainment has promoted two members of its production team, with Emily Whinnett becoming director of production and Nadia Harti taking the title head of production.
Mr Lynn added: "Emily and Nadia have both been with Chapman for a number of years and have worked tirelessly on our productions. These promotions reflect their hard work, talent and the added responsibility of helping to manage the new studio."
Formed in 2002, Chapman Entertainment is a rapidly growing company which has seen a six-fold increase in its staff since the company was formed six years ago.
The company produces two pre-school shows, Fifi and the Flowertots and Roary the Racing Car, with a number of other projects in development. Fifi and the Flowertots has garnered TV sales to 166 international territories and has signed over 50 UK licensees.
The series made its trans- Atlantic launch earlier this year when it premiered in Canada on Treehouse and on PBS Sprout in the US.
Roary the Racing Car is also zooming to success with international TV sales.
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