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About Us

Adastra Development is a Cambridge UK based company, created in 2013 to expand the work of the award winning Adastra Creative. We aim to create the best quality media content for both broadcast and digital platforms, telling stories that will live with our audience for ever. Our original, high rating shows are enjoyed by audiences worldwide. We are proud to have worked with major broadcasters and production companies on their own content both in an editorial capacity and as voice directors and producers.

Mellie Buse

Mellie Buse has been in Children’s Media for more than 30 years.  Along with creating and producing original IPs she has head written or written on many well-known brands including the Bafta winning The Hoobs for Jim Henson which she also developed and produced. Amongst her many writing and head writing credits are Charlie and Lola, Angelina Ballerina, Fireman Sam, The New Adventures of Captain Pugwash, Guess with Jess and the New Magic Roundabout.  She has written many original songs, including two pop operas and is a highly experienced Voice director. She adapted and directed the acclaimed Roald Dahl audio dramas, having spent her early career in audio publishing.

Martin Franks

Martin Franks is an experienced producer and director who was lead director on Grandpa in My Pocket Series 4/5 and the Ha Ha Hairies. He also directed Waybuloo for the BBC and What’s Your News for Nickelodeon/ Paramount. He is a highly experienced Voice Director recently working on Pip and Posy for Magic Light Pictures/Channel 5/Sky and Mittens & Pants for the new Sky Kids channel. He also directed the child cast on BING for Acamar Films/CBeebies. Prior to working in Children’s TV he directed & produced corporate programmes. Previously he worked in social welfare including projects in prison and in mixed communities in London & Cambridgeshire. He is a qualified teacher and has worked extensively with children & young people