Following a highly competitive bidding process, Italy-based RIVA Studios has successfully acquired TeamTO, saving the French animation studio from bankruptcy.
December 5, 2024 By Mercedes Milligan
The acquisition was officially approved by the Tribunal de Commerce de Paris (Commercial Court of Paris) on today.
With a new executive team led by RIVA Co-Founders Marco Balsamo and Tara Sibel Demren, and DC animated universe veteran and Lex and Otis Studios Co-Founder Jay Oliva, the new owners plan to navigate TeamTO toward a brighter future as the studio approaches its 20th anniversary in 2025.
“TeamTO set a world-class standard for animation and this is a pivotal moment for the studio. Under this new direction, we’re not just continuing the studio’s legacy — we’re building a stronger, more ambitious company that’s ready to elevate that standard and redefine what’s possible. With our team’s vast experience, passion, and bold vision for the future, we’re ready to break new ground and shape the future of the industry that we all love,” said Balsamo.
Under this new leadership team, TeamTO will continue delivering acclaimed content, including Sony Pictures Television’s The Creature Cases as well as original hits Jade Armor and Angelo Rules. Additionally, they will focus on developing new original franchises, including Junichiro Jackson, Akira’s Flying Wheelchair, Yellow Cello,Cradle: Unsouled, Era: The Legend of Lugh and Corvus Belli’s Infinity: Paradise Lost.
“Opportunities like this are rare and I couldn’t be more excited to help lead TeamTO into a new era,” enthused Oliva, a director, writer, artist and producer whose recent credits include Twilight of the Gods, RAID: Call of the Arbiter, Trese and Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous. “In today’s evolving animation landscape, this is a golden opportunity to expand the studio into uncharted territories that will push creative boundaries through innovative visual styles and immersive stories that will inspire audiences around the world. I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s next!”
TeamTO will continue operating from Valence and Paris, retaining majority of its staff to ensure a seamless transition on all current and upcoming series and films. Studio founders Guillaume Hellouin and Corinne Kouper will continue as executive advisors while also serving as executive producers on current and upcoming projects. They will work closely with the new leadership team to ensure seamless collaboration on all productions.
“We couldn’t be happier as we know this leadership team will honor our two decades of creative excellence with a visionary plan that will ensure TeamTO’s success for another 20 years and beyond.” said Hellouin.
TeamTO shows continue to enjoy a healthy level of demand from global broadcasters and streamers. This week, distributor APC Kids announced it has secured key international sales for the action-comedy series Jade Armor, which has been nominated for the Unifrance TV Export Award for animation.
New deals for the 26 x 26’ series, produced by TeamTO in association with France Télévisions and Super RTL, with the participation of CNC, the support of Region Ile de France, Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Creative Europe MEDIA, include: PCCW (Hong Kong); MTVA (Hungary); Bell Media (Canada), and Mediacorp (Singapore). They join Téléquébec (Canada); WildBrain (Canada); RTBF (Belgium), and DR (Denmark) which are already on board.
The martial arts action-comedy series, aimed at 6-10 year olds, is currently airing on Cartoon Network (EMEA), France Télévisions (France), Super RTL (Germany); ABC (Australia), Youku Kids (China) and SRC (Canada) with a second season planned for 2025.