‘Nate Is Late’ Producer Watch Next Media Joins Superprod Group, Expanding Its CG Capabilities and Financing Opportunities

Global production-distribution outfit Superprod Group has acquired a majority stake in French animation producer Watch Next Media, which will join Superprod’s impressive list of animation studio partners.

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Under the terms of the deal, Watch Next will continue to operate independently, with studio founder Philippe Alessandri remaining in charge of the outfit. The move will allow Watch Next to improve its CG animation capabilities and output and give the company access to more financial opportunities.

Nearing its 10th anniversary, Watch Next was launched in 2015 and has grown rapidly over the years since. Its best-known original properties are the animated series “Nate is Late” and “Boy Girl Dog Cat Mouse Cheese,” and the company also produces the CG-animated series “Hello Kitty: Super Style!” the latest adaptation of the hit Japanese franchise. Watch Next keeps a packed pipeline, working for broadcasters and platforms around the world, including the BBC, Super RTL, Amazon, M6-Gulli, Disney, Canal+, France Televisions, ZDF, Clan, TVO and RAI. The studio’s catalog titles include “Audrey’s Shelter,” “The Crunchers,” “Big Lizard” and “Wild Kat.”

Watch Next will join a lineup of Superprod companies that includes Superprod Animation (“Paddington,” “Miffy”), Melusine (“Wolfwalkers,” “The Summit of the Gods”), Redmonk Studio (“Underdog,” “Spirit Rangers”), and The Co-Production Company (“Iyanu”). Superprod Group also produces live-action films and series through its subsidiaries.

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Superprod Group co-founders Clément Calvet and Jérémie Fajner explained in a release: “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.”

Alessandri added: “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.”

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