Our Team

A team of specialists to collectively advise on a wide range topics within the media industry and beyond. Read more about our Board of Directors and Specialist Advisors.

Our Board of Directors

Stuart Semark co-founded and co-owns Isle of Media Ltd which was established in September 2016. Prior to this he acted as Special Advisor – Broadcast Media to the Isle of Man Government’s Department of Economic Development for two and a half years. As part of this role he launched the Isle of Man Media Initiative in 2015 which ultimately became re branded as Isle of Media.

A long term resident of the Isle of Man, he is the founder of three media businesses, Beckmann Visual Publishing, the leading Special Interest Video/DVD label since the early 80’s; Beckmann International, a global distributor of Factual content and Beckmann Productions which specialised in international co-productions with the US and produced series and one hour specials for Discovery, Animal Planet, TLC, Travel Channel and PBS.

He is highly experienced in the role as Executive Producer and Business Development and was responsible for securing funding for ‘Laurence of Suburbia’ from the Isle of Man Government.

He has also been responsible for shaping the operation and working practices of the new Isle of Man Digital Media Fund in the last few months.

Joint Founder of the Beckmann Group of Companies in 1983, Jo White was initially responsible for the marketing and design of Beckmann Visual Publishing consumer products division for over 15 years. When the company launched an international TV distribution division, Beckmann International in the late eighties she was responsible for co-ordinating the marketing, stand design, customer liaison at the International TV shows that the company attended for more than 20 years.

In the late nineties, Beckmann Productions was launched with Jo overseeing and producing all the graphic content in the companies co-production slate including major series for Discovery and History Channels. As Managing Director, Jo continues to manage the day to day running of Beckmann Visual Publishing.

Jo is also currently responsible for marketing, graphic design, client liaison, and exhibition management for Isle of Media.

Our Special Advisors

Stuart Burrage began his broadcasting career at BBC Television News, and then MTV Europe during its formative years.

Having established Airborne TV he then acquired the rights to the Biggin Hill International Air Show that he produced and sold to ITV and PBS, and devised a successful distribution strategy for the FIA European Drag Racing Championships. In sponsorship he has secured investment with brands directly, including Breitling, Pirelli and The London Evening Standard. Stuart has created and executive produced successful content with broadcasters including Discovery, Channel 5, BBC, Sky, National Geographic, and Smithsonian Channel. Successful shows include Ferrari Fury, Bushido – Way Of The Warrior, Bra Wars, and the Emmy® nominated Titanic’s Final Mystery.

Simon Kelly joined Dixcart Management (IOM) Limited as Managing Director in 1997 when he established the office in the Isle of Man, an office which has now grown to a staff of over 20. Previously Simon trained and qualified with PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Catriona Logan is the Director of Celtic Media Festival, an international broadcast industry event that attracts decision makers from round the world. Prior to this, Catriona worked extensively in broadcasting, mainly focusing on sports production and international delivery.

Simon Nicholas is an audit and advisory Director of KPMG LLC in the Isle of Man and also Chairman of Bridge –the primary Isle of Man start up accelerator connecting entrepreneurs with investors, incubators, mentors and free professional advice. Bridge is supported by the Isle of Man Government and sponsored by KPMG, Appleby and Continent 8. As well as his audit portfolio, Simon has extensive M&A experience.

Mark Rowland is a widely experienced media entrepreneur and TV Executive Producer. He is Chair of C21 Media, leading digital publisher providing the international TV and Digital market with news, data and analysis.

Mark’s previous roles include Executive Producer of the hit series, Supernanny USA for ABC and founding Managing Director of Mentorn International which produced and distributed the hit TV show, event and toy brand ‘Robot Wars’ to over 50 countries. Mark began his career as a BBC producer and journalist.

Chris Sharp was Chief Programming Officer & General Manager of AMC Networks International Enterprises Ltd from 1992 until 2017. AMC Networks broadcasts and distributes thematic television programs for international cable and satellite channels. It offers channel representation and program sales, as well as localization services for the content owners.

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Our Team

A team of specialists to collectively advise on a wide range topics within the media industry and beyond. Read more about our Board of Directors and Specialist Advisors.

Our Board of Directors

Our Special Advisors

Production

Broadcast

Financing

Connectivity