Longstanding Franchises, Distinctive New IPs Help French Animation Industry Weather Market Slowdown
French animation companies are pushing new intellectual property and beloved franchises to help the sector navigate a broader industry slowdown marked by budget cuts and labour shortages, according to executives speaking at the Unifrance Rendez-Vous market in Le Havre. Firms such as Xilam Animation and Mediawan Kids & Family say the answer lies not purely in economics but in leaning on distinctive creative strengths, international co-productions and diversified financing, while targeting family viewing and cross-generational appeal to sustain demand.
Mediawan is showcasing "Witch Detectives", a 26-episode pan-European 3D series about trainee witches, co-produced with Toonz Media Group and already backed by broadcasters including TF1, Super RTL, BBC and Rai. Xilam is highlighting new titles "Piggy Builders" and "Submarine Jim" alongside spin-off "Chickies", derived from its billion-view YouTube hit "Where's Chicky", while continuing to sell established franchises "Zig & Sharko" and "Oggy and the Cockroaches" worldwide. Both companies also point to nostalgia-driven revivals, including Mediawan's upcoming 2027 "Astro Boy" reboot, as a way to engage both parents and children simultaneously.
In short
- French animation firms counter market slowdown with new and legacy IP.
- Mediawan and Xilam highlight family-focused, internationally co-produced shows.
- Nostalgia reboots like "Astro Boy" aim to appeal across generations.
Explained simply
France has a long-established animation industry, with studios making television series and films for audiences at home and abroad. Children’s shows often reach international viewers through broadcaster partnerships and co-productions, in which companies in different countries share the work and costs.
Xilam Animation and Mediawan Kids & Family are among the French companies producing children’s animation. Their catalogues include newer series as well as continuing franchises such as Oggy and the Cockroaches, and revivals of older properties such as Astro Boy.
Animation production depends on funding, skilled workers and buyers willing to commission shows. When budgets tighten and workers are harder to find, companies may draw on familiar characters to attract viewers while also developing new stories and seeking partners in other countries.
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