Expanding horizons: How Studio 100 International is shaping the future of animation

October 16, 2024

Studio 100 International, a powerhouse in global children’s entertainment, has made significant strides since it was founded in 2007 in Germany as part of the Studio 100 Group.

Over the last two decades, the company has transformed from a distribution-focused entity into a diversified studio, driving the international success of beloved brands like “Maya the Bee”, “Vic the Viking”, and “Heidi”. These classic characters were STUDIO 100 INTERNATIONAL revitalized into CGI-animated TV shows, reaching audiences around the world. Studio 100 International has also garnered acclaim with original series such as “Mia and me” and “Wissper”, known for their rich storytelling and high-quality animation.

 

 

In 2019, the company expanded its creative capabilities by launching Studio Isar Animation in Munich, a state-of-the-art production facility that has further solidified its position as an innovative leader in the animation industry, by allowing greater creative control and innovation in the projects. With a commitment to developing, producing and distributing top-tier content, Studio 100 International continues to shape the landscape of children’s entertainment on a global scale.

EAJ interviewed Martin Krieger, CEO at Studio 100 International to learn more about the strategy and next plans of this European content factory key-player.

 

 

Global partnerships are important for a steady production expansion. Is this resulting in a broader program portfolio?

We not only have access to various animation studios across the globe, but we also collaborate with international producers and co-producers, ensuring a steady stream of high-quality output. Last year, Studio 100 International further bolstered its production and distribution capabilities by partnering with Gaumont Animation and acquiring a stake in the 3 Doubles Producciones animation studio. These strategic alliances highlight our commitment to innovation and global reach in the animation industry.

The current program portfolio, encompassing both feature films and series, demonstrates a broader approach in terms of storytelling and target audiences. Studio 100 International is gradually shifting its focus from solely preschool and children’s content to include content for teens and families. This diversification allows us to cater to a wider audience, addressing the entertainment needs of various age groups and our numerous stakeholders on the industry side, while enhancing our market presence. All current projects in development or production follow this new direction.

 

How has Studio 100 International’s feature film production evolved over the last years in order to meet increasing market demands?

This path began over 10 years ago with one movie production with international talent, consequently leading to more international productions which now attract more renowned creatives. For instance, Hollywood writer Carlos Kotkin (Rio 2) wrote the script for “Giants of La Mancha,” while Rob Sprackling (Gnomeo & Juliet, The Queen’s Corgi) developed the idea and script for “Flamingo Flamenco,” currently in production for a 2026 release. Sprackling also wrote the script for “Heidi – Rescue of the Lynx,” set for a 2025 release.

Our commitment to excellent storytelling continues with a focus on high production value for co-viewing audiences, where our aim is not only to entertain children, but the whole family alike.

 

Can you tell anything about new film projects?

Studio 100 International’s current European co-productions lineup includes the aforementioned “Heidi” movie, co-produced with 3 Doubles Producciones; “Flamingo Flamenco,” with partners 3 Doubles Producciones and Telegael; “Dougie Dolittle,” a co-production with Caligari Film, 3 Doubles Producciones, and Telegael, scheduled for delivery in 2026; “On the Edge: Donnie Dares!” with production partners On the Edge and Telegael, planned for early 2027; and “Arnie & Barney”, a hilarious spin-off feature of the “Maya the Bee” movies, targeting kids and families, being available by beginning of 2026. While until recently we had distributed 2-3 feature films per year, we now have 10 films in the pipeline. These include both our own and third-party productions represented by Studio 100 Film. This growth has already been positively received by the market and further establishes our strong position within the film industry.

 

 

 

What’s new regarding development and production of new series content?

Our series strategy focuses on partnering with best-in-class studios and outstanding creative talent. The general goal remains to focus on animated properties targeting preschool up to school-aged kids, while also being open to content for the 12 and up age groups. We aim for every project to co-develop and co-produce content, handling distribution and licensing rights, with a focus on IPs that feel international and appeal to various broadcast and streaming partners. Studio 100 International has a first-look deal with Gaumont Animation, regularly sharing project slates to align on new initiatives. We also have access to various animation studios operating in both 2D and 3D with entities in Australia (Flying Bark Productions), USA, Germany, Spain and in Belgium (for live action content).

 

Are you embracing input from new creative talent?

We are open to working with studios or creatives in the kids and family space interested in co-producing and offering distribution rights, maintaining a constant exchange with big creative players in the market. Together with our Executive Producer Richard Rowe and Creative Producer Manuela Lumb, we have set a scouting process in motion to discover fresh talent and content. Currently, more than three new projects are co-developed between well-known and new market players and Studio 100 International.

 

Any new projects that you are bringing to MIPCOM?

Enriching an extensive library, which already ranks among the largest in the kids & family entertainment sector, we aim to add new content with various genres and animation styles, far beyond what has been traditionally associated with the company. Thanks to our parent company Studio 100 NV, we are also able to introduce a new live-action series to the market. Currently, Studio 100 NV in Belgium is producing the series “Waiko” together with VRT Ketnet, which we will showcase this MIPCOM. The series transforms a cozy retro fairground into a hotspot for aliens. Additional new shows debuting at MIPCOM include the brand-new productions “DINO MATES” and “BFF”, as well as the existing series “Momonsters”, for which a new season will soon be available.

 

What is special about Studio 100 International’s strategy?

Studio 100 International is not only developing, producing and distributing content, we also have a very strong presence on YouTube. With more than 7 billion views, Studio 100 International is one of the largest European kids’ content suppliers on YouTube, providing the platform with a vast array of content from our catalog and operating over 100 dedicated channels. This extensive presence ensures that children worldwide have access to our engaging and high-quality content outside of streaming and TV.

And on top, all the content we produce and distribute benefits from our unique 360-degree strategy, leveraging our exceptional infrastructure across licensing and merchandising, live entertainment, and brand experiences in our theme parks in five European countries, which are part of the Studio 100 Group.

 

Source: European Animation Journal, #02/2024