Curiosity Ink Media Launches from Russell Hicks and Brent Watts

Family-friendly showcase, Curiosity Ink Media, created by Russell Hicks, the former Nickelodeon President of Production and Development; and media entrepreneur and Struck agency creative executive, Brent Watts, will start rolling out across multiple platforms beginning in early 2019. Hicks will serve as President & Chief Creative Officer; while Watts will assume the role of the company’s Chief Design & Strategy Officer.

The goal of Curiosity Ink Media is to bring safe, wholesome kids content into the 21st century.

The executives tapped to lead development, branding, distribution and publishing ventures for the new enterprise include Michealene Cristini Risley, whose Silicon Valley successes include leading roles in gaming, app development, entertainment and consumer products, as Chief Executive Officer; and publishing veteran Jon I. Rosenberg as Executive Vice President, Publishing.

“Attracting the most accomplished and respected professionals in entertainment, digital media, advertising and publishing to bring Curiosity Ink Media to life reflects our commitment to offering today’s kids and families premium entertainment experiences that reflect both their sensibilities as well as their passion for entertainment on a variety of platforms,” said Russell Hicks.

Curiosity Ink Media’s core mission is to deliver exceptional storytelling through fresh, new versions of treasured animated characters and properties. The classic updates will be showcased alongside an array of new, original animation, live action and VR content to offer a wide range of entertainment options. Curiosity Ink will streamline the animation process to significantly reduce production turnaround.

Over the next several months, the company is slated to unveil several production and partner deals as well as entertainment programming verticals – designed exclusively for kids and families. Curiosity Ink Media will initially roll-out the verticals in the U.S. and Canada with international distribution shortly thereafter and the company is expected to announce the first of the updated properties to be developed in Fall 2018.

Additionally, Curiosity Books, the company’s publishing arm, will release six book titles this fall, with plans to ramp up to 24 titles per year beginning in Spring 2019. Book offerings include a broad mix of original children’s illustrated novels, picture books, non-fiction licensed board books, sticker activities, books-plus, and novelty formats.