Joshua (Josh) Berger has joined the board of Two Daughters Entertainment as non-executive director and strategic advisor.
The appointment brings one of the U.K. entertainment industry’s most experienced executives to a company expanding beyond its TV roots into features and global IP.
The immediate catalyst is the company’s debut theatrical release, “The Land of Sometimes,” due in cinemas worldwide this spring. Beyond that, Two Daughters is moving toward greenlighting a second feature while developing a broader slate of original animated properties – a significant step up in ambition for a company founded by James Reatchlous in 2016.
Two Daughters built its reputation on “Moley,” an animated property that started life as a half-hour special and has since reached audiences in 180 countries across 30 languages, with distribution partnerships including Peacock in the U.S. and Youku/iQiyi in China.
“The Land of Sometimes” assembles a notable cast and creative team. Ewan McGregor, Mel Brooks and Helena Bonham Carter head the voice cast, while Tim Rice, who won an Academy Award for his work on “The Lion King,” contributed original music and lyrics. Leon Joosen, whose credits include “Saving Santa,” directs. Among the executive producers are Bonnie Arnold, a veteran of the “Toy Story” and “How to Train Your Dragon” franchises, and the late Alan Yentob, the BBC figure behind “Billy Elliot,” alongside Reatchlous and CEO Simon Bobin.
Berger spent 31 years at Warner Bros. Entertainment, rising to president and managing director of its U.K., Ireland and Spain operations before taking charge of “Harry Potter” global franchise development – a role that put him at the center of one of the entertainment industry’s most lucrative IP empires. He was also instrumental in the studio’s acquisition of Leavesden Studios and the development of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.
Berger was appointed CBE in the Queen’s 2012 Birthday Honors for services to the U.K.’s creative industries. Beyond Warner Bros., he has been a prominent figure in British cultural life, serving as former chair and board member of the British Film Institute, as well as former board member of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Currently, he is founder and chair of Battersea Entertainment and chair of trustees at The BRIT School. His producing credits include Guy Ritchie’s “The Covenant,” the Broadway musical “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations” and executive producer credit on “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.”
“Two Daughters Entertainment is entering an exciting new chapter. With its first feature about to be released, a strong slate coming behind it, and a clear ambition to build enduring global IP, this is a company with momentum, creative integrity and real heart. ‘Moley’ is already a distinctive international brand, and James and Simon have assembled an impressive team and vision. I’m delighted to be joining the board at such a significant moment and to support the company’s continued growth,” said Berger.
Reatchlous said: “Josh joining the board at this moment is incredibly meaningful for us. As we complete our first feature, prepare to greenlight our next, and continue to develop an exciting slate of original properties, his experience growing world-class IP and navigating global franchises is invaluable. We are thrilled to welcome him to Two Daughters.”
Added Simon Bobin, CEO of Two Daughters Entertainment: “Josh is one of the most respected leaders in the global entertainment industry. His insight into building premium franchises, scaling businesses internationally and supporting creative ambition comes at exactly the right time for Two Daughters. As we expand our film slate and IP portfolio, his guidance will be a huge asset to the company.”
