Team
Carla Herbertson
David Smith
Tom Berry
Taryn Ferris
Lucy Wroe
About us
Small Wardour is a consultancy and production company in the niche but mighty market that is children’s audio. We fulfil the need for audio experts within children’s media and publishing.
Carla and David first met many moons ago when they worked together on the Moomin’s audiobooks for Penguin Random House. Carla was the producer, David was the Sound Engineer, and together they made magical Moomin’s audio.
From there many children’s productions followed, with Carla regularly bringing their children’s titles to David at Wardour Studios. In the intervening years their paths criss-crossed. David became the go-to person for children’s audio productions and launched his own award-winning podcast, Super Great Kids’ Stories and Carla went on to lead the international business development for global digital distributor Zebralution.
However, their friendship and their shared interest in children’s audio publishing ensured they stayed in touch. In early 2022 Carla and David knew it was the right time to combine their expertise in the audiobook and podcast industry and created Small Wardour, the first children’s audio agency at the time.
Carla Herbertson – Co-Founder & Chief Commercial Officer
Carla has worked in children’s audio for over twenty years, ten of which as a BBC producer across a variety of children’s programmes including CBeebies. She set up her children’s audio consultancy and production company, Small Productions, in 2011, which became Small Audio in 2021. Carla previously worked at RNIB where she created a new business structure and strategy for RNIB’s Newsagent Service and led the international business development for global digital distributor Zebralution. Carla is passionate about helping clients to unlock their potential in audio.
David Smith – Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer
David studied music and technology in Melbourne and has worked in audio production for over 20 years. His experience ranges from radio feature mixing and audiobook directing to commercial voiceover and music composition. David founded Wardour Studios in 2012 and is the co-creator of the award winning podcast Super Great Kids’s Stories.
Tom Berry – Studio Manager
Tom studied music production at dBs Music Bristol. He has worked at Real World Studios with the likes of Stewart Lee, Sian Evans, and many more. He particularly likes devouring books and as much music as he possibly can.
Taryn Ferris – Facilities Manager
Taryn worked in higher education for ten years before going freelance. When she’s not getting her hands dirty in gardens she’ll be found running the employee of the month scheme at Small Wardour. Taryn joined the team in 2016 and helps the studio spaces and office run smoothly.
Lucy Wroe – Junior Producer
Lucy is a producer, audio engineer, creative director and producer working mainly with children’s audio projects such as the award-winning Supergreat Kids Stories, Bust or Trust and My First Podcast. Lucy specialises in the creative management and recording of podcasts including sound design and FX.