Following the reveal last week of a new CGI animation for Miffy, Copyrights Group has appointed Françoise Guyonnet as ceo and evp kids’ brands, STUDIOCANAL.
Françoise (pictured) has held the role of director of TV series at STUDIOCANAL since 2017. She will take up her new role in early 2024 and will continue to report to STUDIOCANAL ceo and CANAL+ group deputy ceo Anna Marsh.
As the new ceo for Copyrights Group, Françoise will be responsible for accelerating its growth, as well as diversifying its income – the STUDIOCANAL Paddington franchise being the most iconic IP with three animated series now produced, BAFTA nominated Paddington films 1 & 2 which boast $500 million in cumulative global box office revenue with the highly anticipated Paddington in Peru coming to cinemas worldwide in 2024.
Furthermore, STUDIOCANAL has successfully distributed kids’ series such as Sammy, Esther’s Notebook and The Adventures of Paddington all around the world, as well as films such as Shaun the Sheep, Ernest & Célestine and Around the world in 80 days.
The arrival of Françoise as evp Kids’ Brands aims to strengthen the group’s activity in this space where, in addition to Paddington, other ambitious developments are currently in play including Pippi Longstocking, Miffy and the Woodwalkers franchises.
Katheryn Needham, who has been the interim ceo for Copyrights over the past year, will return to STUDIOCANAL in early 2024 as Francoise moves formally into her new role.
“STUDIOCANAL’S TV business has grown extensively since its inception and now boasts a network of 14 television production companies, in nine major markets,” commented Anna Marsh, ceo at STUDIOCANAL. “Françoise has deftly contributed to the success of kids’ content throughout her career and her deep knowledge in this field, coupled with her experience in television production, will ensure that our ambitions are in very capable hands.”
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