In a marriage of SF makers, independent British television producer Impossible Pictures, makers of Prehistoric Park and Primeval for ITV has acquired the Manchester-based animation company Firestep.

The acquisition expands Impossible Pictures’ operations outside of London and the company says it will enable the company to explore new ways of approaching factual and drama, as well as tap into opportunities in the children’s market.

Co-founded by Steve Maher and Jonathan Doyle, Firestep is best known for its work on the animated serial Doctor Who: The Infinite Quest.

“This is an important stage in the development of our business, which is based firmly on creativity and the ability to bring innovation and ambition to everything we do,” says Jonathan Drake, the managing director of Impossible Pictures, who will also chair the Firestep board. “There’s already a real buzz around the new opportunities we can pursue together. At the same time we hope to contribute to the energy and creativity that’s there to be tapped in the Manchester production community.”

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.

Categories: Animation, Television