Sally Aitken and Aline Jacques (credit: Jacquie Manning) and Manuel Catteau
In a strategic move aimed at maximazing opportunities for global co-production, Australian independent production company, SAM Content, celebrates its second anniversary by joining forces with French producer-distributor ZED, on a slate of projects for the international market. Together with celebrated senior ZED producer, Christine Le Goff, the team has successfully collaborated in the past on various projects including "Living Universe" and "The Birth of Shopping". Both companies recognize the support within French and Australian funding opportunities, in state and federal tax offsets along with shooting and post-production incentives to maximize budgets.
Despite being in business for just two years, SAM Content has quickly established itself with a reputation for entertaining premium factual content. Co-founder Sally Aitken stating, "Our journey with SAM Content so far has been a testament to the power of positive thinking. Partnering with ZED propels us into a new realm of global co-production possibilities. It's a powerful relationship built on existing trust and understanding. And of course, the inherent thrill of any creative collaboration holding hands across the globe making resonant stories for our world."
ZED, with an unparalleled reputation in producing and distributing global stories, recognizes the unique opportunities working with Australia in an evolving media landscape. ZED president, Manuel Catteau, commented, "In an industry where collaboration is key, our relationship with SAM Content cements our long-standing respect for Australian producers, particularly Aline Jacques with whom we have enjoyed several successful productions over the last decade. Co-production requires very specific skills and know-how, that both our companies have. Success is always tied to understanding co-producing's complex mechanisms which few know how to handle, together we have this in store."
TITLES IN PIPELINE
Projects on the slate includes "Atomic Paradise", the epic untold story during the nuclear testing era in the Pacific, "Terra Futura", a bold reimagining of the Earth without humans in CGI and animation. The companies also have "No Sex Required" (working title), a series about the booming global fertility industry and profitable business of making babies.
SAM Co-founder Aline Jacques sees this collaboration as a game-changer for Australian storytelling and talent to be seen in Europe and around the world. She says, "Our alliance with ZED is an exciting chapter for both companies. It's not just about creating content; it's about reimagining the possibilities of global co-production and partnerships in an era that demands dynamic thinking."
Christine Le Goff remarked on the storytelling strengths inherent to this venture: "At ZED, we pride ourselves on our openness to great talent and we admire the originality and style of Australian creatives. Together with our team in Paris and Sally and Aline in Sydney, I know we will have fresh thinking, with revealing and engaging projects, all of which also acts as accelerators for new talent pathways for both French and Australian crew."
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE
This new alliance includes: 1.Strategic Global Co-Production: SAM Content and ZED are poised to lead the way in global co-production endeavours, leveraging SAM's ambitious ideas and ZED's network expertise.
2. Innovative Storytelling Ventures: The collaboration aims to pioneer new narratives and storytelling formats, exploring uncharted creative territories that resonate with global audiences.
3. Thinking Alike, Thinking Differently: SAM Content and ZED bring a collective commitment to strategic thinking, ensuring that each co-production venture is not only creatively rich but also well positioned for success in the global market.
4. Maximizing Creative Opportunities: The alliance aims to capitalize on the wealth of creative opportunities presented by the global entertainment landscape, fostering an environment which can ladder up other Australian creative talent. SAM and ZED are commited to inclusive practice and a collaborative spirit that transcends borders and traditional barriers to market.