French Animation Leaders Pitch Unity and New IPs at Unifrance Rendez-vous

Industry analysts note that budget cuts and a labor shortage have hit animation especially hard. At the Unifrance Rendez-vous in Le Havre, Mediawan Kids & Family and Xilam outlined a joint approach that blends tighter financial selection with diversified financing, early rights planning, and a focus on distinctive creative universes. Mediawan’s global partnerships director Marie Lassalle emphasized that while economics drive selectivity, French creators must also lean on their unique storytelling strengths. Xilam’s EVP of Distribution Safaa Benazzouz added that leveraging both legacy franchises and fresh concepts is essential to meet sustained demand on YouTube and streaming platforms.

Variety Magazine

Mediawan showcased “Witch Detectives,” a 26-episode, 30-minute 3-D series co-produced with Method Animation and Toonz Media Group, already backed by TF1, Super RTL, BBC and Rai. Xilam highlighted its long-running titles “Zig & Sharko” and “Oggy and the Cockroaches,” while also promoting preschool hit “Piggy Builders” and the comedy “Submarine Jim.” The company plans to launch a spin-off called “Chickies,” derived from the YouTube series “Where’s Chicky,” which has amassed billions of views through a digital-first distribution model. Both firms cited the upcoming “Astro Boy” reboot (set for 2027) and the classic “Ulysses 31” as examples of cross-generational appeal.

Variety Magazine

Lasselle described Mediawan’s development of “Pocket Champs,” a French video-game IP with 72 million players, into a transmedia franchise slated for a YouTube-first launch in 2027. Benazzouz noted Xilam’s expansion across 2-D hand-drawn to full CG techniques to offer a broad variety of formats for sales. Both executives stressed the importance of short-form digital hits, citing “Miraculous Chibi” as proof of the model’s global reach.

Variety Magazine

Looking ahead, Mediawan’s integrated pipeline—from development through distribution—aims to sustain long-term projects and maximize international potential. The recent launch of Wonderland Junior TV, a free family-friendly channel in the United States featuring more than 1,700 episodes, exemplifies this strategy and includes participation from Xilam. With MIPCOM on the horizon, the companies intend to leverage the Rendez-vous momentum to push high-quality, character-driven French animation onto broader markets.

Variety Magazine