Thea Cole - Digital director, consultant and producer.
- Isobel Arden
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
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Meet Thea Cole - live performance streaming, filming and production.
Thea Cole is what happens when a razor-sharp brain meets an irrepressible creative drive—and then decides to build immersive, impactful, and sometimes delightfully disruptive content for a living.
With over two decades of experience at the forefront of digital innovation, broadcast media, and immersive arts, Thea has been a central figure in the evolution of storytelling across screens, formats, and technologies.
Starting her career at the BBC, Thea moved rapidly through editorial, development, and executive roles, including being the BBC's Head of Content for the Red Button and iPlayer.
She went on to lead digital strategy and creative development at FremantleMedia and Endemol, working with household-name entertainment brands like The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, and Big Brother. Her digital acumen isn’t just theoretical—it’s commercial, award-winning, and platform-shaping.
Today, Thea is the creative force behind DigiBox Arts, a consultancy and production company at the intersection of culture, tech, and social impact. Through DigiBox, she works with broadcasters, institutions, arts organisations and charities to develop immersive content and campaigns that push boundaries and pull audiences in.
Whether she’s producing VR projects for museums, storytelling for climate-conscious brands, or delivering strategic leadership workshops, her work always aims to educate, provoke, and entertain in equal measure.
She’s also the founder of StartPoint.tv, a digital-first creative incubator helping the next generation of talent and ideas come to life across screens, stages, and emerging tech.
As a mentor, speaker, and strategist, Thea is as comfortable on a panel as she is directing an XR shoot. It’s all part of the same mission: making brilliant things happen by blending creativity, purpose, and a healthy splash of humour.
The interview on Spotify
Championing Digital Inclusion in the Arts
Thea highlighted the power of digital platforms to break down barriers in the arts:
She used a theatre production as an example of how digital tools can broaden access and inspire more people.
She introduced Digibox Arts, a platform for streaming performances and events, encouraging others to explore its potential.
For those interested, she shared contact details to continue the conversation.
Mark & Thea's Imaginative Cultural Adventure
In a playful exchange, Mark and Thea created a fantasy cultural year using:
A magic wand, time machine, and a Star Trek transporter!
Thea’s dream destination? The Olympic Stadium in London.
Her go-to drink: a crisp French white wine.
Favourite book? “The Rainbow” by D.H. Lawrence – she admires his portrayal of inequality and his dreamy, escapist style.
Global Arts Streaming League Table
Thea floated an exciting dream idea for a year-long project with a fictitious London Family Foundation:
A league table ranking arts streaming capabilities worldwide.
Starting in Kenya, where her colleague Barney Rattle is leading a music initiative.
She dreams of universal high-speed internet, making art more accessible globally.
Artists would be explored continent by continent.
If limited to one music genre for a year? She’d choose her son Freddie Garner’s fusion jazz-pop.
Dream night out: Margot Fonteyn at the Royal Opera House, dinner at Dozo, and drinks at Ronnie Scott’s or Alfie’s jazz bar.
Mark & Thea’s Jazz-Fuelled Memories
The two reminisced about jazz nights and early music memories:
Mark’s first visit to Ronnie Scott’s at just 9 years old!
Thea once snuck her colleague Freddie in for a night of jazz.
They traded stories of meeting legends like Buddy Rich and Dave Weckel.
Mark, a fellow drumming enthusiast, expressed interest in meeting Thea’s drumming colleague, Toby.
Cultural Curiosity in California
Mark and Thea dreamt up a cultural trip to Los Angeles, with stops including:
A digital art gallery showcasing virtual reality art—Thea wants to see Picasso in VR!
A tour of London's cultural gems:
Favourite concert: Dire Straits
Favourite play: Stranger Things
Favourite musical: Starlight Express
Favourite opera: The War Requiem
Movie night pick: When Harry Met Sally on the big screen at the Imax Waterloo.
Fantasy Lunch With Architect Rod Sheard
Mark asked Thea to choose any lunch guest, living or not. Her pick?
Rod Sheard, the visionary architect behind major performance spaces.
She wants to chat about how digital tech is reshaping architecture and cultural venues.
Mark imagined Thea’s future as a global thought leader in digital arts access—an idea she found both inspiring and grounding.
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Mark Walmsley FRSA FCIM AGSM
Chief Culture Vulture
Arts & Culture Network
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