IDW Entertainment and IDW Publishing have hired Jeff Brustrom, Daniel Kendrick, and Erika Turner to build the company’s initiative within the kids, family, and young adult division. Brustrom joins IDW Entertainment as the new Vice President of Kids, Family and Animation where he will oversee the development and production of live-action and animated projects based on graphic novels and other source material. Kendrick, the new Director of Animation, will oversee development and production of animated series. Turner has been named Senior Editor of Original Content, IDW Publishing, where she will work on the development and acquisition of original intellectual property, primarily for kids, middle grade, and young adult.
“We are thrilled to have Jeff and Daniel join our team. Their collective experience speaks for itself and we are looking forward to building out this area in partnership with Erika and her deep passion to inspire and empower young readers,” said Lydia Antonini, President of IDW Entertainment.
“Combining Jeff’s deep knowledge of family content with Erika’s experience and ambition for young readers, and Daniel’s passion for animation, will surely result in the success of this initiative. I couldn’t be more excited to see what they will achieve,” Nachie Marsham, Publisher of IDW Publishing, said.
Previously, Brustrom spent 17 years working for the Disney Channel where he developed series that launched the careers of Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Zendaya, and The Jonas Brothers. Most recently, he was an independent consultant, advising international animation studios, production companies, and content creators on IP development.
“I’ve always had a passion for creating content that the whole family can enjoy watching together,” Brustrom said. “The opportunity to work with Lydia to help grow this new initiative and develop great shows together was too alluring to pass up. I’m excited about bringing memorable characters and stories to a new generation.”
Kendrick was most recently at Chatrone, an LA-based production company, where he represented artists and creators, and oversaw animation projects from initial concept to release.
“One of my favorite aspects of animation is that it sparks limitless imagination,” Kendrick said. “I’m thrilled to have found my place at the IDW table with some of the best in the business, like Erika, who is an absolute champion for today’s youth. I can’t wait to put our heads together and come up with new and unique ways to capture the imaginations of folks everywhere...especially the young folks.”
Turner previously served as the Senior Editor at Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and she held the Editorial Project Manager position within the same company where she focused on the development and acquisition of owned IP primarily in the category of kids, middle grade and YA.
“I’m passionate about harnessing the power of literature to empower young people, especially those from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds,” Turner said. “I’m so excited to build a division to create original stories for young readers alongside Jeff, who has an impressive track record of developing hit series for young audiences.”
Most recently, IDW announced industry veteran, Nachie Marsham, had been hired as the company’s new Publisher and promoted Veronica Brooks to Vice President of Creative Affairs.
