Of the numerous formats impacted by budget cuts and labor shortage in the entertainment industry, animation ranks high in that rather bleak list. Yet for French production companies, distributors and sales agent who are gathering at the Unifrance Rendez-vous in Normandy’s Le Havre, hope is still a word with 24 animated fps.
For Mediawan Kids & Family global partnerships and new business director Marie Lassalle, there’s strength in unity. “Sure, the market is pushing the entire sector to be more selective and to diversify its models (international co-productions, multiple financing sources, earlier consideration of rights and distribution channels as well as a greater focus on formats and production costs), but the answer can’t be solely economic. French creatives must continue to focus on their strengths, expertise, and the uniqueness of their universes.”
‘Witch Detectives’ Credits Mediawan Kids & Family
To Lassalle’s point, Mediawan brings “Witch Detectives” to the Rendez-Vous. A high-end, 26 half-hour episode 3D-series featuring three inseparable BFF trainee witches, the show is a pan-European new IP, co-produced by Method Animation (part of Mediawan Group) and Toonz Media Group with TF1, Super RTL, BBC and Rai already on board. A perfect illustration on how strong international partnerships can power ambitious projects, all the while retaining their French flavor.
