Welcome to Deadline’s International Disruptors, a feature where we shine a spotlight on key executives and companies outside of the U.S. shaking up the offshore marketplace. Today we’re talking to French execs Clément Calvet and Jérémie Fajner, founders of Paris-based production and distribution company Superprod Group. The group is on the rise with a recent high-profile company acquisition, an eclectic multi-format slate and embrace of cutting-edge Usd pipeline technology pioneered by Pixar which is giving it the edge.
It’s hard to define Paris-based content company Superprod. Launched in 2010 with an accent on animation, the group has since branched out into live action, working on original in-house content and commissions across all formats.
The company’s eclectic slate spans hit animated series Batwheels and Paddington and the upcoming update of iconic Dutch children’s character Miffy as well as French live action drama series Panda and feature...
It’s hard to define Paris-based content company Superprod. Launched in 2010 with an accent on animation, the group has since branched out into live action, working on original in-house content and commissions across all formats.
The company’s eclectic slate spans hit animated series Batwheels and Paddington and the upcoming update of iconic Dutch children’s character Miffy as well as French live action drama series Panda and feature...
- 4/17/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Paris-based Superprod Group has acquired top Luxembourgish animation companies Studio 352 and Mélusine Productions in a move that consolidates its position as one of Europe’s leading animation production groups.
Based in Contern in Southern Luxembourg, the sister companies were founded by Belgian producer Stéphan Roelants in the late 1990s.
Mélusine Productions develops, finances and manages the projects, while Studio 352, which has built up a local team of top-level artists and technicians, executes the work.
The sister companies have been involved in some of the most important animated feature films produced out of Europe in the past 27 years.
At the same time, they have also cemented Luxembourg’s position as an animation production hub, with strong support from the Luxembourg Film Fund.
Latest credits include Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry’s Michael Morpurgo-adaptation Kensuké’s Kingdom, which won Best Feature Film at the 2024 British Animation Awards in February.
Other...
Based in Contern in Southern Luxembourg, the sister companies were founded by Belgian producer Stéphan Roelants in the late 1990s.
Mélusine Productions develops, finances and manages the projects, while Studio 352, which has built up a local team of top-level artists and technicians, executes the work.
The sister companies have been involved in some of the most important animated feature films produced out of Europe in the past 27 years.
At the same time, they have also cemented Luxembourg’s position as an animation production hub, with strong support from the Luxembourg Film Fund.
Latest credits include Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry’s Michael Morpurgo-adaptation Kensuké’s Kingdom, which won Best Feature Film at the 2024 British Animation Awards in February.
Other...
- 4/2/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
StudioCanal, Mercis & Superprod Team On Animated Series ‘Miffy’
StudioCanal has teamed with Mercis and Superprod Animation to develop and produce a new CGI series based on the children’s animation classic Miffy. The series is in development with Canal+ and will launch on the channel in 2025. Francoise Guyonnet, Executive Managing Director TV Series, StudioCanal made the announcement at Brand Licensing Europe (Ble) in London, alongside Marja Kerkhof, Managing Director, Mercis and Clément Calvet and Jérémie Fajner, co-founders of Superprod Group. International sales will be handled in the Netherlands and Japan by Mercis and by StudioCanal and Superights in the rest of the world. All merchandising and publishing rights regarding the new series shall be handled by Mercis.
Magic Frame Animation And Creation Entertainment Media Set Feature ‘Rebellious’ — AFM
Magic Frame Animation and Creation Entertainment Media today announced the feature Rebellious, which will debut at AFM in November. The studios have...
StudioCanal has teamed with Mercis and Superprod Animation to develop and produce a new CGI series based on the children’s animation classic Miffy. The series is in development with Canal+ and will launch on the channel in 2025. Francoise Guyonnet, Executive Managing Director TV Series, StudioCanal made the announcement at Brand Licensing Europe (Ble) in London, alongside Marja Kerkhof, Managing Director, Mercis and Clément Calvet and Jérémie Fajner, co-founders of Superprod Group. International sales will be handled in the Netherlands and Japan by Mercis and by StudioCanal and Superights in the rest of the world. All merchandising and publishing rights regarding the new series shall be handled by Mercis.
Magic Frame Animation And Creation Entertainment Media Set Feature ‘Rebellious’ — AFM
Magic Frame Animation and Creation Entertainment Media today announced the feature Rebellious, which will debut at AFM in November. The studios have...
- 10/4/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Studiocanal has teamed with Mercis and Superprod Animation to produce a CGI series adaptation of the children’s animation classic “Miffy.” The series will launch on French pay TV platform Canal+ in 2025.
The Miffy character, a bunny, was created by Dick Bruna in 1955, and featured in more than 30 books. The new animation series will be targeted at pre-school children.
“The ‘sweet, lively little bunny’ has evolved into a more complex, funny and engaging character who lives in an exciting, contemporary world,” Studiocanal said. “The new ‘Miffy’ series is distinguished by its emphasis on character-driven stories that teach emotional lessons. Miffy is positive, creative and spontaneous, sometimes even impulsive which can lead to tricky situations that she cleverly overcomes, thanks to her positive attitude and empathy.”
Francoise Guyonnet, executive managing director TV series, Studiocanal, said: “We fully respect the legacy of this wonderful character and are delighted to be part of the transformation of Miffy who,...
The Miffy character, a bunny, was created by Dick Bruna in 1955, and featured in more than 30 books. The new animation series will be targeted at pre-school children.
“The ‘sweet, lively little bunny’ has evolved into a more complex, funny and engaging character who lives in an exciting, contemporary world,” Studiocanal said. “The new ‘Miffy’ series is distinguished by its emphasis on character-driven stories that teach emotional lessons. Miffy is positive, creative and spontaneous, sometimes even impulsive which can lead to tricky situations that she cleverly overcomes, thanks to her positive attitude and empathy.”
Francoise Guyonnet, executive managing director TV series, Studiocanal, said: “We fully respect the legacy of this wonderful character and are delighted to be part of the transformation of Miffy who,...
- 10/3/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Superprod Animation Moves Into Tween Fare With ‘Heroic Football’
French animation studio Superprod has announced new series Heroic Football, set against a fantasy land in which soccer is its only salvation. The project brings together a host of French animation talent including writers Guillaume Mautalent and Sébastien Oursel (Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia). They are joined by Antoine Charreyron, who directed Batwheels, produced at Superprod Animation for Warner Bros Animation, as well as the movie The Prodigies and cult-animated series Galactik Football. Art director Florent Auguy is also attached. Superprod will present the 26 x 22 minutes series at Cartoon Forum 2023 in Toulouse on September 20. The series marks the company’s first foray into animation aimed at the tween demographic. “Each project we undertake is a chance to delve into fresh realms. With Heroic Football,...
French animation studio Superprod has announced new series Heroic Football, set against a fantasy land in which soccer is its only salvation. The project brings together a host of French animation talent including writers Guillaume Mautalent and Sébastien Oursel (Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia). They are joined by Antoine Charreyron, who directed Batwheels, produced at Superprod Animation for Warner Bros Animation, as well as the movie The Prodigies and cult-animated series Galactik Football. Art director Florent Auguy is also attached. Superprod will present the 26 x 22 minutes series at Cartoon Forum 2023 in Toulouse on September 20. The series marks the company’s first foray into animation aimed at the tween demographic. “Each project we undertake is a chance to delve into fresh realms. With Heroic Football,...
- 9/18/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Paris-based Superprod studio has acquired The Co-Production Company, the NY-based firm launched last year by former DreamWorks executive Doug Schwalbe for financing and distribution of international productions.
Terms weren’t disclosed for the deal, which bolster Superprod’s U.S. development and production footprint with an expanded bicoastal presence.
Schwalbe, previously SVP of coproduction for DreamWorks Animated Television, is president of the new Superprod US Inc. subsidiary. Former Cartoon Network executive, Tatiana Krokar, is vice president.
Krokar, based in Los Angeles, co-reports to Schwalbe and Superprod SVP, Animation, Virginie Creance. Krokar’s roles at Cartoon Network included Director of Development, Original Series, responsible for acquiring and developing projects including with Justin Roiland (Rick & Morty), Andy Ristaino (Adventure Time) and James Burks (Bird & Squirrel). Since 2019, she’s been developing, creating and writing original television content.
Shwalbe launched The Co-Production Company in March of 2021 with Superprod as an initial backer.
Terms weren’t disclosed for the deal, which bolster Superprod’s U.S. development and production footprint with an expanded bicoastal presence.
Schwalbe, previously SVP of coproduction for DreamWorks Animated Television, is president of the new Superprod US Inc. subsidiary. Former Cartoon Network executive, Tatiana Krokar, is vice president.
Krokar, based in Los Angeles, co-reports to Schwalbe and Superprod SVP, Animation, Virginie Creance. Krokar’s roles at Cartoon Network included Director of Development, Original Series, responsible for acquiring and developing projects including with Justin Roiland (Rick & Morty), Andy Ristaino (Adventure Time) and James Burks (Bird & Squirrel). Since 2019, she’s been developing, creating and writing original television content.
Shwalbe launched The Co-Production Company in March of 2021 with Superprod as an initial backer.
- 9/29/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
In a further expansion of their kids and family programming slate, HBO Max and Cartoon Network are teaming on new live-action coming-of-age comedy series, Home Sweet Rome, from Emmy-nominated Hannah Montana and That’s So Raven creator Michael Poryes, for premiere in 2023.
Home Sweet Rome is based on a concept by Poryes, and developed and written by DeGrassi alums Matt Huether and Courtney Jane Walker, who will both serve as showrunners.
It centers on 13-year-old Lucy, played by Kensington Tallman (Drama Club), who moves from California to start a new life in Rome with her dad and stepmom, Francesca (Eleonora Facchini) – who happens to be an Italian pop star! With new friends, amazing food, haute fashion, and a best friend who is thousands of miles away, Lucy discovers what the meaning of “When in Rome” is all about as her adventures abroad get underway. As Lucy learns to adapt to her new city,...
Home Sweet Rome is based on a concept by Poryes, and developed and written by DeGrassi alums Matt Huether and Courtney Jane Walker, who will both serve as showrunners.
It centers on 13-year-old Lucy, played by Kensington Tallman (Drama Club), who moves from California to start a new life in Rome with her dad and stepmom, Francesca (Eleonora Facchini) – who happens to be an Italian pop star! With new friends, amazing food, haute fashion, and a best friend who is thousands of miles away, Lucy discovers what the meaning of “When in Rome” is all about as her adventures abroad get underway. As Lucy learns to adapt to her new city,...
- 5/11/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO Max and Cartoon Network has greenlit and acquired several projects for their kids and family live action slate, Variety has learned exclusively. The slate includes two specials based on Mattel’s American Girl franchise and a supernatural romance starring Peyton List.
The first American Girl special has the working title “American Girl: Corinne Tan,” inspired by the doll brand’s 2022 girl of the year and the first doll of Chinese descent. Miya Cech stars as 13-year-old ski enthusiast Corrine, who is still navigating her parents’ recent divorce while her 10-year-old sister Gwynn (Kai Cech), mom Judy (Michelle Krusiec), dad and stepdad Arne have adjusted to their new roles in this blended family. She discovers a new purpose when she challenges herself to train a rambunctious puppy named Flurry to become a search-and-rescue dog.
Angela Tortu serves as director. Fred Soulie and Phil Breman executive produce for Mattel Television while Larry Grimaldi,...
The first American Girl special has the working title “American Girl: Corinne Tan,” inspired by the doll brand’s 2022 girl of the year and the first doll of Chinese descent. Miya Cech stars as 13-year-old ski enthusiast Corrine, who is still navigating her parents’ recent divorce while her 10-year-old sister Gwynn (Kai Cech), mom Judy (Michelle Krusiec), dad and stepdad Arne have adjusted to their new roles in this blended family. She discovers a new purpose when she challenges herself to train a rambunctious puppy named Flurry to become a search-and-rescue dog.
Angela Tortu serves as director. Fred Soulie and Phil Breman executive produce for Mattel Television while Larry Grimaldi,...
- 5/11/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
In a milestone deal, Superights, the distribution arm of France’s Superprod Group, has pacted with ViacomCBS Networks International for Nickelodeon International to roll out “Anna & Friends” across the world outside North America.
Made on a brand-new addition to the Superights catalog, the deal was announced on Monday, the first day of MipJunior, which this year forms part of Mipcom. It also marks the first multi-territory Nickelodeon sale for the Paris-based Superights, and a massive first window distribution ensuring that the series will broadcast in nearly all international territories. Nickelodeon will specifically bring episodes to Asia-Pacific territories, excluding mainland China, as well as to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
In its storyline, “Anna & Friends” looks classic pre-school fare: Six-year-old Anna lives daily adventures with friends including impatient Froga the frog, thoughtful Ron the cat, overly-confident Bubu the dog and naïve Christopher the orange worm. The series’ “engaging” storylines are “full of heart,...
Made on a brand-new addition to the Superights catalog, the deal was announced on Monday, the first day of MipJunior, which this year forms part of Mipcom. It also marks the first multi-territory Nickelodeon sale for the Paris-based Superights, and a massive first window distribution ensuring that the series will broadcast in nearly all international territories. Nickelodeon will specifically bring episodes to Asia-Pacific territories, excluding mainland China, as well as to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
In its storyline, “Anna & Friends” looks classic pre-school fare: Six-year-old Anna lives daily adventures with friends including impatient Froga the frog, thoughtful Ron the cat, overly-confident Bubu the dog and naïve Christopher the orange worm. The series’ “engaging” storylines are “full of heart,...
- 10/11/2021
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Superights, the upscale distribution arm of France’s Superprod Group, a co-producer on Tomm Moore’s Academy Award-nominated “Song of the Sea,” has licensed international rights to three new series, securing properties produced out of France, Spain, Belgium and Switzerland.
The acquisition marks the latest move from Superprod, founded in 2010 by Jérémie Fajner and Clément Calvet, which has made its name producing both animated series and features and runs its own animation studio.
In February 2021, in a new expansive thrust, Superprod acquired a majority stake in startup Italian animation studio Red Monk – an initiative which allows it to meet the increased demand for animation by expanding its own development and production resources, as well as strengthening its foothold in the Italian market.
Of the new Superights acquisition trio, “Croco Doc” is billed by Superights as being the first children’s series dedicated to exploring health issues in an amusing and educational way.
The acquisition marks the latest move from Superprod, founded in 2010 by Jérémie Fajner and Clément Calvet, which has made its name producing both animated series and features and runs its own animation studio.
In February 2021, in a new expansive thrust, Superprod acquired a majority stake in startup Italian animation studio Red Monk – an initiative which allows it to meet the increased demand for animation by expanding its own development and production resources, as well as strengthening its foothold in the Italian market.
Of the new Superights acquisition trio, “Croco Doc” is billed by Superights as being the first children’s series dedicated to exploring health issues in an amusing and educational way.
- 6/14/2021
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Jacob Tremblay (Wonder) has been set to lead voice cast on the animation-sci-fi update of Charlie Chaplin’s 1921 classic The Kid.
The reimagining, now titled The Kid: An Animated Adventure, is set in a futuristic New York City which has been flooded and split vertically into two distinct regions. Tremblay’s eponymous character is a young boy living with his mother in Uptown, a boring, artless place of overprotective safety. When he runs away seeking adventure, he winds up in the mysterious and dangerous Downtown and encounters Chaplin, a robot with a human soul. Together, the two embark on adventures to discover the secret mystery behind Chaplin, while pursued by police, the Kid’s mother, and a colorful cast of modern circus performers.
Christian Volckman (Renaissance) is directing with Rupert Wyatt (Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes) on board as executive producer. Volckman and Wyatt co-wrote the script...
The reimagining, now titled The Kid: An Animated Adventure, is set in a futuristic New York City which has been flooded and split vertically into two distinct regions. Tremblay’s eponymous character is a young boy living with his mother in Uptown, a boring, artless place of overprotective safety. When he runs away seeking adventure, he winds up in the mysterious and dangerous Downtown and encounters Chaplin, a robot with a human soul. Together, the two embark on adventures to discover the secret mystery behind Chaplin, while pursued by police, the Kid’s mother, and a colorful cast of modern circus performers.
Christian Volckman (Renaissance) is directing with Rupert Wyatt (Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes) on board as executive producer. Volckman and Wyatt co-wrote the script...
- 5/2/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has picked up the animated feature White Fang and is planning a 2018 release.
The children's movie, which premiered at this year's Sundance Film Festival, is based on the Jack London story about a wolf torn between domestication and life in the wild. Rashida Jones, Eddie Spears, Nick Offerman and Paul Giamatti voice star.
Superprod, Bidibul Productions and Big Beach are behind the animation that was directed by Alexandre Espigares, who won an Oscar for his 2014 animated short Mr. Hublot.
Dominique Monfery, Philippe Lioret and Serge Frydman wrote the feature, which was produced by Clément Calvet, Jérémie Fajner, Lilian Eche, Christel Henon, Marc Turtletaub...
The children's movie, which premiered at this year's Sundance Film Festival, is based on the Jack London story about a wolf torn between domestication and life in the wild. Rashida Jones, Eddie Spears, Nick Offerman and Paul Giamatti voice star.
Superprod, Bidibul Productions and Big Beach are behind the animation that was directed by Alexandre Espigares, who won an Oscar for his 2014 animated short Mr. Hublot.
Dominique Monfery, Philippe Lioret and Serge Frydman wrote the feature, which was produced by Clément Calvet, Jérémie Fajner, Lilian Eche, Christel Henon, Marc Turtletaub...
- 2/20/2018
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Jack London adaptation from Loving and Song Of The Sea producers secures sales deal.
UK sales outfit Sc Films has secured international sales rights to the animation update of Jack London’s classic novel White Fang.
French animation outfit Superprod, Luxembourg’s Bidibul Productions and New York-based Big Beach are teaming on the feature, currently in pre-production, which will be directed by Alexandre Espirages,
Espirages, an animator on Iron Man 3, Happy Feet 2 and Star Wars: The Clone Wars, won an Oscar for his short Mr. Hublot.
Sc Films will handle international territories (excluding French-speaking) while UTA Independent Film Group is handling North American sales. Wild Bunch will distribute the film in France and is targeting a February 2018 release.
London’s novel, translated into more than 80 languages, charts a canine’s journey from life in the wild to domestication, exploring themes of morality, redemption and love.
Little Miss Sunshine producer Big Beach will be hitting the Croisette...
UK sales outfit Sc Films has secured international sales rights to the animation update of Jack London’s classic novel White Fang.
French animation outfit Superprod, Luxembourg’s Bidibul Productions and New York-based Big Beach are teaming on the feature, currently in pre-production, which will be directed by Alexandre Espirages,
Espirages, an animator on Iron Man 3, Happy Feet 2 and Star Wars: The Clone Wars, won an Oscar for his short Mr. Hublot.
Sc Films will handle international territories (excluding French-speaking) while UTA Independent Film Group is handling North American sales. Wild Bunch will distribute the film in France and is targeting a February 2018 release.
London’s novel, translated into more than 80 languages, charts a canine’s journey from life in the wild to domestication, exploring themes of morality, redemption and love.
Little Miss Sunshine producer Big Beach will be hitting the Croisette...
- 4/21/2016
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Big Beach has teamed with French animation company Superprod and Luxembourg-bassed Bidibul Productions to turn the classic Jack London novel White Fang into an animated film. Alexandre Espirages, who won an Academy Award for his short animated film Mr. Hublot, has been set to direct. It’s the first animated film for Little Miss Sunshine producer Big Beach, whose Marc Turtletaub and Peter Saraf are producing with Superprod's Clément Calvet and Jérémie Fajner…...
- 11/4/2015
- Deadline
Exclusive: UTA has signed French production house Superprod, producer of current Best Animated Feature Oscar nominee Song Of The Sea, for representation in television and film. Founded in 2010 by former Gaumont Alphanim execs Clément Calvet and Jérémie Fajner, the company is currently developing the 2D animated feature film Miles, by book illustrator Rebecca Dautremer, and is in production on 3D animated feature White Fang, based on Jack London’s classic novel and set to…...
- 2/19/2015
- Deadline
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