French animation firms lean on legacy franchises and new IPs to offset market slowdown

French animation companies gathered at the Unifrance Rendez-vous in Le Havre to detail how they are coping with reduced budgets and labor shortages. Mediawan Kids & Family’s global partnerships director Marie Lassalle highlighted the need for selective projects, multiple financing sources and early rights planning, presenting the 26-episode 3D series “Witch Detectives” as a model of pan-European collaboration that retains a French sensibility.

Xilam’s EVP of Distribution Safaa Benazzouz noted that its portfolio relies on enduring franchises like “Zig & Sharko” and “Oggy and the Cockroaches” while also launching new properties such as “Piggy Builders”, “Submarine Jim” and the spin-off “Chickies”. Both firms see family-oriented programming and cross-generational appeal as key trends, and they are expanding into transmedia projects, exemplified by Mediawan’s development of the video-game IP “Pocket Champs” and the upcoming “Astro Boy” reboot. The companies stress that a balanced catalogue, high production standards and flexible distribution—including the new Wonderland Junior TV platform—are essential to maintain the global reach of French animation.