Mediawan Group has continued its acquisition quest with a majority stake in Chi-Fou-Mi, the Paris-based prodco who created the upcoming Netflix film “Bac Nord.” “This new association will allow us to amplify the development of Mediawan’s film activity and to offer Chi-Fou-Mi our support in continuing to export major European successes,” co-CEOs Pierre-Antoine Capton said.
The company, which is led by founder Hugo Selignac, has been in operation for a decade and has been behind shows such as Mandibules and “Le Grand Bain.” “Bac Nord,” meanwhile, is heading to Netflix globally following a recent deal with distributor StudioCanal.
Chi-Fou-Mi will now become part of the cinema division Mediawan Pictures, which is overseen by Elisabeth d’Arvieu and joins a rapidly growing group of producers under the Mediawan umbrella.The titles include “The Three Musketeers” firm Chapter 2, “Call My Agent!” outfit Mon Voisin Production, Black Swan, Palomar, and Lagardere Studios among numerous others.
Capton said the acquisition of Chi-Fou-Mi “is in line with our ambition to bring together the best creative talent and create the best IP." Mediawan has also partnered with fast-growing German firm Leonine to create Mediawan & Leonine Studios, which last week took a majority stake in the UK-based Doctor Foster producer, Drama Republic.
Mediawan & Leonine Studios is led by Capton from Mediawan and Leonine’s Fred Kogel. The French side of the business was formed in 2015 by Capton, Xavier Niel, and Matthieu Pigasse, who have consistently spoken of their ambitious growth plans. The company said it is seeking additional creative talent in order to strenghten its production of premium European content with strong international potential.