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Entrepreneur who secured £2.7 million investment for TV series idea urges creatives to seek out City investors

An entrepreneur who managed to secure £2.7 million in investment to turn his bedtime story idea into a TV series with A-list talent attached has said more creatives should reach out to City investors for support.

Former Guinness marketing lead and publishing entrepreneur, James Reatchlous, survived lymphoma in 2017. While he was in hospital, his daughters rediscovered his tales about an adventurous, talking mole named Master Moley, which the businessman had jotted down as a young father in the 1990s.

Inspired by their renewed love for the character and the memories shared together, Mr Reatchlous determined to use everything he had ever learned in business to bring the character “to millions of children around the world”.

On leaving hospital the 71-year-old immediately drew up a business plan, and used a wide network of contacts to secure the funding in three investment rounds.

James Reatchlous with daughters Hettie and Tattie (James Reatchlous)
James Reatchlous with daughters Hettie and Tattie (James Reatchlous)

Investors include former M&S CEO Stuart Rose, former Asos chairman Brian McBride and Saatchi & Saatchi co-founder, Lord Tim Bell.

Speaking to the Standard, Mr Reatchlous highlighted the Peppa Pig sale to Hasbro for $4 billion last year and said investors are aware there is real money to be made in the sector.

“That’s the kind of value placed on a successful children’s animation,” he said. “It’s great to be creative, but you’ve also got to be business-like.

“It’s very difficult to raise money right now, but if you have a great idea and a great team, you can persuade people.”

The entrepreneur formed Master Moley Ltd, issued shares, and using investment funds managed to get expert Hollywood talent on board to turn his stories into scripts for a one-off special, and work on animation and behind the camera.

Harry Potter’s Warwick Davis signed up to voice Master Moley, and Gemma Arterton, Julie Walters, Stanley Tucci and Charles Dance soon joined as co-stars. This summer Warner Bros.’ Boomerang cartoon channel snapped up both the special and a 52-episode commission.

The interior of Cafe Moley, the
The interior of Cafe Moley, the

The entrepreneur suggested fellow creatives seek initial investment of up to £150,000, and make sure they have secured permission for SEIS tax relief, to encourage potential investors.

“The shareholder meetings I hold twice a year are fun,” he added. “Why do my investors show up? Because they know they will have a good time. They have tens of other, bigger investments, but this is different.”

The new series centres on Master Moley, who lives in a burrow under Windsor Castle in the busy city of MoleTown.

Gemma Arterton is among A-list stars participating in the special and series (Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)
Gemma Arterton is among A-list stars participating in the special and series (Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

The entrepreneur managed to hang on to the IP rights to the series, which has been created for a young and international audience. It aims to be "inclusive and positive" and features diverse characters.

A video game and soft toys are also in production, with the aim of creating a “long term brand” aimed at children aged four to eight.

“I really do still have to pinch myself,” the entrepreneur said. “I hope kids will love Master Moley.”

The special is set to air on Boomerang at 9am on 28th November.

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