An Inside Look at the World of Animation: A Conversation with Morgann Favennec

From the diversified portfolio of Mediatoon and Ellipse Animation, catering to various age groups to their latest projects and strategic focuses, Morgann gains valuable insights into the driving forces behind success in the industry and future prospects in the ever-evolving landscape of animation.

Can you tell us more about your diversified portfolio, covering from preschool to young adults audiences, and how much the latter target is becoming relevant within your productions lineup? 

Indeed, Mediatoon’s catalogue counts over 5,000 hours of programming that covers all demographics, from traditional 2D shows for preschoolers to japanim style series for older audiences (i.e. from Trotro to Dreamland), we represent all genres and targets!

With Media-Participations’ in-house production studios, we have dedicated more attention and time to YA and adults over the past few years. As a result, Dreamland (10×30’) is now in preproduction and another couple of projects in final development.

Cartoon Forum is always a crucial time to see what’s next in the Animation Industry. Can you tell us more about Ellipse Animation’s pitch Lost in the future? 

At Ellipse Animation and Mediatoon, we are very excited to be back in Toulouse, all the more so with Lost in the Future in our suitcase.

In this pure comedy for kids – Mei, Sara, Driss, Arnold and Piero find themselves thrown into an unexpected future… A future where humankind has abandoned technology (even smartphones!) to give nature its rightful place. They are welcomed in a surprising village, deep in the heart of a jungle full of weird and wild creatures. Who would have guessed that riding a giant slug would become commonplace, or that ”snake-vine” slime could be used as a powerful sleeping pill? Far removed from everyday comforts, the five spirited and strong-tempered personalities are about to be tested by an unending series of unpredictable adventures. They will discover the best parts of themselves – and others – and above all figure out how to survive and live together – Lost in the Future!

Through comedy, we are addressing important themes such as overcoming one’s handicap, forgiving, not judging other, helping each other… Environmental themes have also an important part to play – taking care of your environment means respecting it, but also respecting oneself, learning from one’s mistakes and understanding that actions have consequences.

Belfort and Lupin will be a highlight at the upcoming MIPCOM. Can you tell us something more on the production, content and distribution? 

Commissioned by France Télévisions, Belfort and Lupin follows a duo composed of an aristocratic dog and a street-smart wolf who share friendship as well as an insatiable thirst for mischief and adventure. Together, they will explore every nook and cranny of the Palace of Versailles, the gardens and the menagerie.  Spanning 26 episodes of 22 minutes each and aimed at kids aged 6-9, the series is currently in production and expected to premiere in the first quarter of 2025. We have already secured deals in several countries, in Europe and beyond, with some long-standing partners, including Germany (SWR), Belgium (VRT, RTBF), Switzerland (RTS), Hungary (MTVA), Canada (RadioCanada) and TV5 Monde. We are confident that MIPCOM will serve as an excellent platform to engage partners from additional territories. 

Beyond traditional broadcasting and streaming, digital platforms, including social media, are becoming more and more crucial to establish IPs awareness. How are you working on this front? 

We are proud to have been one of the first French animation players to seize digital distribution as we have always been convinced of the complementarity of both worlds. Today, the dedicated team manages over 200 channels and generates over one billion views annually. As a result, Mediatoon Digital is fully involved in our international multiplatform strategy.

Which are the main focuses of the group for the upcoming seasons, beyond the launches planned at Cartoon Forum and MIPCOM?

We will keep on strengthening our fruitful collaborations with long-term partners such as Bayard Animation while opening the door to new ones. Although our catalogue is already wide and diversified, we are happy to evaluate new acquisitions if it complements our existing offer. Discussions can be distribution-driven or digital only since this department can be approached independently from international sales.

As far as Ellipse Animation is concerned, we have been busy developing, producing, delivering TV shows and launching a webtoon Academy in association with our South-Korean partner KENAZ, which is only the beginning of a new enthusiastic adventure.