Marco Balsamo on recreating a winning TeamTO
- RIVA Studios
- Mar 18
- 9 min read
Marco Balsamo, the new president and CEO of TeamTO, discusses how he intends to return the previously insolvent French animation prodco to its former glory following its acquisition by Riva Studios.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 by Karolina Kaminska
Why did Riva Studios see the acquisition of TeamTO as a good investment?
We saw TeamTO as more than just a great animation studio – it’s a company with a soul, built over 20 years by a team of passionate artists and storytellers. As one of Europe’s most respected independent animation studios, TeamTO has been a launchpad for countless careers, and losing it would have been a significant blow, especially in such a challenging time for the industry. Despite the obstacles it faced, the foundation remained strong: a talented team of incredible people, a legacy of high-quality animation and a well-earned reputation for creative excellence, technical innovation and a deep library of acclaimed intellectual properties. With the right strategy and leadership team, we knew TeamTO could not only recover but thrive, expanding its influence in the global animation market.
This acquisition allows Riva Studios to strengthen our footprint in Europe as we are a new company with bold ambitions, broaden our production capabilities and build upon TeamTO’s legacy by introducing new ideas and partnerships. That being said, this is a risky investment, one that’s met with surprises along the way in a tumultuous industry going through a trying period. But we are committed to doing the best we can, ensuring TeamTO’s creative spirit not only endures but flourishes. We believe in being anti-fragile – adapting, evolving and coming out stronger despite challenges.
What is the new structure of TeamTO under your leadership?
Our goal was to simplify and sharpen the focus of the company, allowing TeamTO to continue doing what it does best: creating world-class animation. To achieve this, we have restructured the studio into three key divisions:
• TeamTO Films manages our catalogue and develops original IP, ensuring our stories continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.• TeamTO Animation serves as our service studio, collaborating with top-tier partners to deliver high-end animation.
• TeamTO Technology is dedicated to innovation, keeping us at the forefront of animation techniques and production advancements.
We’re especially excited to announce the proprietary software our chief technology officer, Jean-Baptiste [Spieser], and his incredible team have been developing over the past two decades. This groundbreaking technology will make its official debut at the upcoming Annecy Film Festival, where we will also unveil plans to license our in-house animation tools. We believe this will be a gamechanger for the industry, reinforcing TeamTO’s position as a leader in both creativity and technological innovation. This new structure allows us to be more agile, efficient and future-focused.
As TeamTO’s new president and CEO, what do you bring to the company?
What [exec producers] Tara [Sibel Demren], Jay [Oliva] and I bring to TeamTO is a fresh perspective, a global mindset and, above all, a deep love for storytelling. At our core, we’re storytellers and animation lovers first. I genuinely love what I do and the people we now have the privilege of calling our colleagues. What I bring is a new sense of energy and enthusiasm, helping elevate the company with a worldwide vision to be at the forefront and adapt to the quickly changing landscape.
I’ve championed independent filmmaking my whole career and I bring that independent filmmaking attitude to TeamTO, where we’re taking aggressive but smart steps toward being sustainable while doubling down on creative excellence. I’m not just overseeing the business, I’m deeply involved in the creative side, working closely with our team in developing our IP, writing and directing new projects.
Beyond leadership, Riva Studios is bringing new creative energy to TeamTO, developing original IP while continuing to nurture and expand the studio’s existing properties. We believe in the strength of what’s already here and are excited to build upon that foundation with fresh ideas and ambitious new projects. To fully immerse ourselves in this transition, we’re also making a significant shift in our own lives – spending extended time in Paris to be on the ground with our team, working side by side to shape the future of TeamTO together. This is more than just an acquisition for us; it’s a hands-on commitment to ensuring TeamTO not only thrives but reaches new heights.
How do you intend to navigate TeamTO through the very tough and challenging market conditions?
The animation industry is in a period of significant transformation, with increasing consolidation, shifting audience habits and economic pressures reshaping how content is produced and distributed. Our approach to navigating these challenges is rooted in adaptability, innovation and strategic partnerships.
First, we are streamlining operations to ensure efficiency without compromising the artistic and technical excellence that defines TeamTO. By focusing on a leaner, more agile structure, we can respond more effectively to industry shifts and market demands. Second, we are expanding TeamTO’s business model beyond traditional production. This includes licensing our proprietary technology, which we’ll debut at Annecy Film Festival, strengthening our service animation division and broadening our coproduction efforts to develop content with both major studios and emerging platforms. Third, we are leveraging Riva Studios’ global network to secure new financing models, distribution opportunities and strategic partnerships. Animation is an increasingly global business and by tapping into international markets we can create more stability and long-term sustainability for the studio.
Ultimately, we believe by embracing inevitable change, doubling down on creativity, and being proactive in how we operate, TeamTO can not only withstand market challenges but emerge as an even stronger force in the industry.
One of your objectives is to diversify TeamTO’s production slate. How will you achieve this?
Diversifying TeamTO’s production slate is essential to future-proofing the studio and ensuring long-term sustainability. We are taking a multi-pronged approach that balances original IP development with strategic service work and coproductions. On the original IP side, we’re pushing into diverse genres and formats, expanding beyond the studio’s traditional kids’ and family content to include animated features, young-adult stories and even adult-targeted projects. This includes films like Akira’s Flying Wheelchair, Yellow Cello & The Sea of Memories, Infinity and Junichiro Jackson – each representing a bold, artistic vision that stands out in an increasingly competitive industry.
On the service side, we are strengthening our relationships with major studios and streamers. TeamTO has built a reputation for high-quality animation, and we are committed to continuing that legacy with select service projects that align with our values and production strengths. At the same time, we need to find a healthy balance between service work and original content. Being sustainable while taking creative risks is key and we are structuring our pipeline to allow us to pursue ambitious storytelling while maintaining financial stability.
What projects are on TeamTO’s current slate?
We’re currently in production on several exciting projects across television and film. On the television side, we are working on Jade Armor season two, along with Angelo Rules S6 and Creature Cases for Netflix. Beyond our ongoing series, we have a diverse slate of original features and series in development, each marking a new creative milestone for TeamTO.
Akira’s Flying Wheelchair will be our first 2D animated feature film, a deeply moving fantasy-adventure that blends hand-drawn artistry with a powerful, heartfelt story. Yellow Cello & The Sea of Memories is our first animated musical, combining an emotional narrative with an original soundtrack that brings its world to life in a unique and immersive way. Infinity, based on the popular tabletop game from Corvus Belli, is a high-energy sci-fi feature that brings the game’s expansive universe to the screen in a way that will excite both long-time fans and new audiences. Junichiro Jackson is our first adult-animated TV series, a gripping neo-noir about a private investigator who sees demons, blending supernatural elements with psychological depth and cinematic storytelling. SKWAD! is another step into adult animation, an irreverent, hard-hitting animated comedy set in theworld of MMA, pushing boundaries with its humour, action and social satire.
These projects, along with others, will be formally announced as part of our Studio Focus at Annecy in June, where we will showcase the next phase of TeamTO’s creative expansion. Additionally, we are engaged in high-profile service productions with leading international studios, ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality animation while expanding our creative and technical capabilities.
What do you foresee as the biggest challenges for TeamTO this year?
The biggest challenge is the same one facing the entire animation industry: an unpredictable and rapidly evolving market. Studio cutbacks, shifting content strategies at streamers and rising production costs have made it more competitive than ever to secure financing and distribution for original content. At the same time, the service animation space is facing increased competition, with studios pushing to cut costs while maintaining quality. Another challenge is launching our proprietary technology and scaling its adoption.
While we see this as a huge opportunity, introducing new tools and securing licensing deals requires careful execution. Despite these challenges, we are confident in our strategy and the strength of the TeamTO brand. With the right balance of creativity, innovation and financial discipline, we will continue to push forward and find opportunities even in a difficult landscape.
Where do you see the biggest opportunities for TeamTO?
One of our biggest opportunities lies in TeamTO Technology, where Jean-Baptiste and his team have spent the last 20 years developing cutting-edge proprietary software. We are very close to premiering this to the world and plan to license our animation software, project management system and other tools we believe will be game changers for the industry.
Beyond technology, our opportunities also come from strengthening global partnerships and expanding our service and original content pipelines. We’re positioning TeamTO as a leader in high-end service animation, ensuring we are the go-to studio for the most ambitious projects in the industry. Additionally, our original IP strategy is a major focus. We’re leveraging our creative pipeline to develop animated features and series that stand out in an increasingly competitive market. With projects like Akira’s Flying Wheelchair, Yellow Cello & The Sea of Memories, Junichiro Jackson and Infinity, we are creating high-quality, internationally appealing content that will expand TeamTO’s global footprint.
We also see opportunities in coproductions, allowing us to partner with top studios and streamers globally. This maximises TeamTO’s reach while sharing creative and financial resources, making us more resilient and adaptable. By expanding our strategic partnerships and embracing technological innovation, we are ensuring TeamTO remains a powerhouse in the industry for years to come.
What are your expansion plans for TeamTO, including the launch of divisions in other countries?
Right now, our priority is strengthening the core of TeamTO and ensuring the studio stabilises during this transition period while operating at the highest level. However, we are actively exploring measured expansion opportunities in key regions that align with our long-term vision. We are gradually looking into a VFX expansion, which would allow us to broaden our production capabilities and offer a more comprehensive pipeline for animated and hybrid projects.
Additionally, we are considering small expansions in Rome and the US, which would help us strengthen our ties with global partners while opening up access to more creative talent. These expansions would be focused and strategic, ensuring we scale sustainably rather than growing for the sake of growth. We are also working closely with industry veterans such as Lenora Hume, Bill Kinder and Chuck Williams, whose experience and insight will help us navigate this next phase.
At the core of our expansion strategy is a commitment to maintaining TeamTO’s artistic integrity and production excellence. We are not interested in rapid, unsustainable growth – instead, we want to make calculated, strategic moves that reinforce TeamTO’s long-term success.
What are your future ambitions for TeamTO and where do you hope the company will be in three years’ time?
In three years, we want TeamTO to be recognized as one of the most innovative and respected animation studios in the world. We want to continue evolving both creatively and technically, expanding our range of storytelling and pushing the boundaries of what independent animation can achieve.
One of our key ambitions is to expand our production pipeline to include 2D animation, allowing us to embrace a broader range of artistic styles and creative approaches. While TeamTO has been an industry leader in CG animation, we recognise the growing demand and artistic potential of 2D storytelling. Akira’s Flying Wheelchair will be our first step in this direction and we are committed to further exploring the medium in our future projects.
We are also making a deliberate expansion into adult animation, an area where we see incredible opportunities for bold storytelling. With projects like Junichiro Jackson and SKWAD!, we are laying the foundation for this shift, ensuring TeamTO becomes a recognized name in sophisticated, boundary-pushing animated content for older audiences.
Beyond creative growth, we want to strengthen our position in both original IP and high-end service work, ensuring we remain a trusted partner for some of the biggest studios and streamers in the world. Our proprietary TeamTO Technology will also be fully launched and widely adopted across the industry, reinforcing our leadership in animation innovation.
But above all, we want TeamTO to be known for top-tier animation, a studio where artistry, storytelling and technical expertise come together to create some of the best animated content in the world. Whether it’s feature films, television, or cutting-edge animation technology, our goal is to build on TeamTO’s legacy while shaping the future of animation for the next generation.