Richard Dikstra

Experience

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  Hutchison Cablevision, Hong Kong

  Oct 1986 - Aug 1987

  Deputy General Manager

  Led the Hong Kong based team. Successfully argued the case for network competition and the opening up of local broadcasting market against a powerful local monopoly. Managed the subsequent franchise process, responsible for developing the programming offer in conjunction with local media partner TVB. Supervised planning for major highly flexible production facility.

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  BT Vision

  Aug 1987 - Nov 1989

  Deputy Head of Programming

  On management Board of MTV Europe and Premiere (the UK’s first satellite film channel). Managed BTVision’s programming portfolio at a time of major strategic opportunity in cable and satellite television.

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  Maxwell Cable TV

  Nov 1989 - May 1992

  Broadband Services Director

  Responsible for 100,000 customers. Led projects upgrading channel capacity and addressable technology on systems serving 60,000 homes.

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  Metro Cable

  May 1992 - Mar 2001

  Managing Director (Joint)

  Founder Shareholder. Metro was backed by 3i Group plc and ran broadband systems serving 90,000 customers. Following strategic review, Richard negotiated sale of major networks to NTL (now Virgin Media) and returned proceeds to shareholders. Board responsibility for commercial negotiations, programme distribution contract, regulatory position. Worked with politicians, UK Government departments and regulators including DTI, DCMS, Oftel, ITC, OFT. Sold main systems to NTL. Refocused the Company for the nascent market for Digital Integrated Reception Systems (for DTT and DSat). Show less

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  Artem Digital

  Aug 2001 - Apr 2008

  Managing Director

  Founder shareholder. Artem Digital - a research led, digital effects company, providing a range of 3D digital animation assets. Working across feature film visual effects, television post-production, video games and new media. The company also developed 3D software tools including a world leading, high-resolution 3D facial capture system. Major customers included BBC, Red Bee Media, Warners, Universal, BSkyB, MPC, Electronic Arts, Sony Computer Entertainment, Capcom and Disney.

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  BELLE MEDIA LTD.

  Feb 2009 - now

  Director

  Belle Media specialises in developing its own IP and produces radio series, books and the Belle Books & Stories Podcast.Stormy Weather - a 5 part radio series with transport historian Tim Dunn for Times Radio about our love of the sea told through the stories of five iconic ships including - PS Waverley . Tigeropolis - Fun conservation adventure aimed at 8-12 year olds. Features the adventures of a family of vegetarian tigers living in a tiger reserve deep in the foothills of the Himalayas.The Adventures of Captain Bobo - a picture book series (Ages 4+) set on the West Coast of Scotland. The Tigeropolis series draws on Richard's long involvement with conservation. Funny and extensively illustrated, the series has attracted a great many positive reviews from conservationists and educators alike. The books were adapted into a fun 10 part radio series for Fun Kids, narrated by Award winning broadcaster and naturalist Ashwika Kapur. The first Tigeropolis Audiobook is narrated by Oscar Nominee, Richard E Grant.There are 3 Captain Bobo picture books (in English and Gaelic). The books were adapted into a 10 part radio series for Fun Kids - narrated by John Sessions. Belle also published Hurricane Hutch's Top 10 Ships of the Clyde in 2014 - a celebration of the social history of the Clyde from the late 1950s through the eyes of one of CalMac's most famous captains. This book inspired the Stormy Weather radio series for Times RadioThe Company draws on significant years of practical experience in publishing broadcast operations, production, branding and digital media. Belle Media is a member of the IPG and Publishing Scotland. Belle Media www.bellemedia.co.ukCaptain Bobo www.captainbobo.co.ukTigeropolis - www.tigeropolis.co.ukVideo Game trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYbXJx855t4Richard is also a Non Exec Director of specialist travel operator Steppes Travel. Show less

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  Tiger Nation

  Sept 2011 - Dec 2012

  Director

  Tiger Nation - launched in March 2012. Founder shareholder and Director. The social media site allows people to follow tigers in the wild, enjoy stunning photographs, authoritative articles and find out just what is happening across India's key tiger reserves.