MIPJR 2025: Dandeloo expands its pipeline, with a focus on preschool projects

Dandelooo is bringing three animated projects to the international market: the brand-new production "Max and Bunny," the second season of "Billy the Cowboy Hamster," and the new preschool project "Hold on Gaston!". "This is our current production pipeline, so we are putting much focus on it," said Gennarino Romano, International Sales & Head of Acquisitions, in conversation with Señal News. Currently in production, "Max and Bunny" is a preschool series directed by Clément Céard. It focuses on self-discovery, understanding emotions, and the value of friendship. "We are very proud of it," Romano said.

Dandelooo is also producing the second season of "Billy the Cowboy Hamster" with France Télévisions, following the massive success of the first season, which was sold to numerous broadcasters across Europe. "It will be completed by 2027," Romano noted. Finally, "Hold on Gaston!" is a preschool show about Gaston, a unicorn whose hair transforms according to his emotions. "It's the first time we are co-producing with TFOU," Romano highlighted. The new lineup was showcased at Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Le Havre and was also part of Mip Junior, where "Max and Bunny" will premiere its first episode. "We're looking for broadcasters and trying to get as many channels on board as possible. The same goes for the second season of Billy, where we are actively seeking both presales and sales," Romano explained.

Dandeloo is also featuring three new acquisitions, produced in Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Rio: "Under the Sofa", "Pol the Pirate Mouse", and "Tuiga." To expand its global lineup, the company has recently appointed Andrea Parra as International Sales Executive for Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. "I'm thrilled to join the Dandelooo team and excited to contribute to our international Distribution," Parra said. Looking ahead, Dandelooo is also developing "A Day with the Dogs," an upper-preschool comedy series about nine dogs living together in a big house, who must learn how to understand one another. "We are looking for co-production and financing partners for that project," Romano confirmed.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Many of Dandelooo's IPs are based on books, such as "Max and Bunny," "Hold on Gaston!" and "Pompon Little Bear". "It helps a lot to have an IP with a strong background already, as well as all the merchandising around it. The more you build around the IP, the better it is for the property itself and for sales," Romano explained.

According to the latest CNC and Unifrance exports report, animation revenues declined again in 2024, totaling €46.1 million, a -9.9% compared to 2023. The genre has suffered from buyers' reluctance to take risks on new projects and from a rationalization of investments. A significant drop in sales to North America primarily drove this downturn. "It's a situation we definitely feel within the distribution team, we're closing fewer sales than a few years ago," Romano admitted. "On the other hand, demand in Central and Eastern Europe is increasing, and channels there are still actively looking for content. There's enormous potential in those territories, and it represents a major opportunity for us," he concluded.