Production and distribution group Watch Next Media is the latest company to forge an alliance with the Superprod Group in an effort to bolster its overall development and production capabilities. Watch Next will benefit from Superprod’s expertise in premium CGI animation and will broaden its financing opportunities and talent pool to maintain creative excellence across its ambitious production slate. Meanwhile, Watch Next will continue to operate independently with CEO and founder Philippe Alessandri at the helm, while extending its reach in a context of increased competition.
A leader in the French TV animation sector, Watch Next has seen steady growth since its creation in 2015. The company is best known for animation series “Nate is Late,” and “Boy Girl Dog Cat Mouse Cheese,” both of which have run for 3 twenty-six half hour seasons, as well as iconic IP Hello Kitty which they have produced in its latest CG iteration (“Hello Kitty: Super Style!”). To date, Watch Next has partnered with top tier commissioning broadcasters and platforms including BBC, Super RTL, Amazon, M6-Gulli, Disney, Canal+, France Televisions, ZDF, Clan, TVO and Rai.
Watch Next is also active in prime time live-action series such as “Algiers Confidential” (Arte / ZDF) and “Nina & The Pig” (France Télévisions). It has its own production facilities in France (Paris, Lille) and Italy (Torino) and sells its 300 half-hours catalog through its distribution arm Kids First.
Watch Next is the latest company to join the Superprod Group after the recent acquisitions of Luxemburg-based Melusine Studio, Milano-based Red Monk Studio, as well as Alexi Wheeler’s Wheel in Motion (UK) and Doug Schwalbe’s The Coproduction Company (USA).
Together with its distribution arm Superights, its music rights platform 440Hz and its live-action unit Superprod Drama, they bring to the Superprod Group a unique position on the global market, with an expert know-how in animation, an extensive access to financing and talent sources and a creative led vision coupled with a deep knowledge of the market.
Philippe Alessandri commented: “I’m proud to team up with Clément and Jeremie who have successfully built an international group over the last decade, without sacrificing their creative ambitions or their positive corporate culture. Our association will allow us to share expertise, find natural synergies and increase our investment capacities, which will help make a difference in a market that has become more competitive than ever.”
Clément Calvet and Jérémie Fajner, founders of Superprod Group, declared: “We have always admired Philippe’s entrepreneurial success and impeccable taste. He has consistently worked with the best partners and talents around the world. We are extremely proud to have Watch Next consolidate with our group. Our ambition remains to build a world class leader in the kids and family space, and beyond.”
The Superprod Group was advised by Hottinguer Corporate Finance (M&A), PWC (Due Diligences) and Alerion Avocats (Legal). Watch Next Media was advised by Mediastone Partners (M&A) and UGGC (Legal).
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