The recent rebrand of Newen Studios to Studio TF1 reflects the “strength and agility” of the TF1 Group, according to Pierre Branco.
The Studio TF1 CEO outlined the vision for the TF1 Group-owned production and sales operation during an audience here at Series Mania in Lille, saying, “This new brand reflects our ambitious development strategy both in France and internationally. The group brings together numerous creative talents who know how to produce all genres, for all players in the audiovisual and film industries, with unique expertise and an ability to adapt.”
Newen was rebranded under its new guise in January, several months after former Warner Bros Discovery Europe exec Branco joined as CEO. At the time he noted the moves was aligned with a desire to become more internationally focused.
Studio TF1 currently has 12 production labels across 50 countries, and is currently making 4,000 hours annually in TV and cinema. The sales division has a catalog of 20,000 hours.
Branco said the launch of Tout Pour la Lumière, a soap that will run on both Netflix and the TF1 network was an example of the sorts of business models Studio TF1 will seek to create.
Léonor Grandsire, Managing Director for Production in France for Studio TF1, added Tout Pour la Lumière reflected “a moment where objectives were aligned.”
This allowed Netflix to strike a deal giving it a five-day window on each episode before its linear launch on TF1 and streamer TF1+.
“What was interesting is Netflix really wanted to innovate and wanted something different to what already existed,” she said. “They want to appeal to broader audience, but they wanted a new genre and very high production values. What was funny is we were in discussions with TF1 about a fourth daily soap, but were looking for something totally distinct.”
TF1 acquired 70% of FLCP, which then held Newen, in 2015. Studio TF1 makes the likes of Plus Belle la Vie and is now planning a significant push into theatrical distribution.
