Fresh Fare with a French Flair
Xilam brings a crop of original animated projects to the MIPTV market.
Xilam brings a crop of original animated projects to the MIPTV market.
International animation lovers are accustomed to seeing quality new shows from Paris-based studio Xilam at content markets everywhere. The studio, which was founded by animation veteran Marc du Pontavice in 1995, has delivered popular toons such as Oggy & the Cockroaches, Zig & Sharko, The Daltons and Paprika to the global market for years. This year, at MIPTV, du Pontavice continues
the tradition
“We will be bringing the first episodes of our newest animated comedy Moka to MIPTV this year,” says du Pontavice in a recent interview. “We have strong expectations for the series in terms of global sales as it delivers a unique blend of adventure, comedy and sweetness. We’ll also be focusing on the other two series we currently
have in production: Coach Me If You Can and the third season of Zig & Sharko.”
Another new highlight for the studio is a special new primetime family series titled Lucy Lost. “It’s an adaptation of the bestselling novel Listen to the Moon by the hugely popular British writer, Michael Morpurgo,” notes du Pontavice. “The project will be a 10 x 26-minute animated adventure series. Bringing such a gripping and epic story to the screen is a coup for Xilam, and we hope this will open doors into more family-orientated programming. “
Toons in Transition
Du Pontavice believes that animation producers are facing a transitional period that is both exciting and quite complex. “Kids’ programming has never drawn so much attention and investment, and it has become a strategic vertical among the biggest media players, meaning talent and creatives are very busy,” he explains. “On the other hand, local broadcasters who traditionally provide key support to the local industry are facing fierce competition from global players. As a result, we’re seeing some local studios adapting and carving out fresh opportunities for themselves, but many might be shaken by this rapid evolution. Consolidation could be one of the solutions to this threat.
So what does he see as the biggest challenge for TV animation professionals in 2019.
“As the muscles of the big players are getting stronger and stronger, the animation industry will see acceleration in the split between those who work for hire, and those who work to build IPs themselves,” he offers. “To pursue the latter path requires sizable capital and organization, or a strong brand. How do you resist a major player saying, ‘I will fund it all’? But you need to think about what you’re giving up if they do!” ◆
For more info, visit www.xilam.com.
“Kids’ programming has never drawn so much attention and investment, and it has become a strategic vertical among the biggest media players, meaning talent and creatives are very busy.” Xilam President Marc du Pontavice