EXCLUSIVE: Former Netflix EMEA Head of Animated Series Alexi Wheeler is launching UK-based production company Wheel In Motion under the auspices of burgeoning French content conglomerate Superprod Group.
The new company will develop new shows and movies targeting diverse audiences, in both animation and live-action genres.
The partnership was announced against the backdrop of France’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival, running from June 9 to 15, where Superprod Group will be out in force at the event’s MIFA market and Wheeler will also be in attendance.
Wheeler spent five years at Netflix EMEA, first in the role of director of kids and family content, and then as head of animated series.
While there, he supported a range of projects from Aardman’s Oscar-nominated short film Robin Robin to series such as coming-of-age rom-com Heartstopper and animated shows The Last Bus, Big Tree City and Sharkdog.
Prior to Netflix, Wheeler served as Vice President of International Production and Development at Nickelodeon and was also production associate on Peppa Pig early on in his 20-year career.
“Having held senior roles at leading media companies, I feel the timing is perfect for me to channel everything I have experienced into Wheel In Motion, fostering innovation and creativity in the UK and beyond,” commented Wheeler.
The partnership also marks a significant step for Clement Calvet and Jeremie Fajner’s burgeoning Paris-based production and distribution company Superprod Group as its first move into the UK.
“We are thrilled to welcome Alexi and Wheel In Motion into the Superprod family,” they said in a joint statement.
“This partnership embodies our commitment to expanding our creative reach and supporting exceptional talent across the globe. Alexi’s vision for Wheel In Motion complements our mission to produce innovative and diverse content that resonates with both kids, YA and family audiences worldwide.”
Wheel In Motion’s addition to the Superprod Group fold follows the latter company’s acquisition in April of Luxembourg-based Studio 352 and Melusine Productions, which are in Annecy this year with Competition title A Boat In The Garden.
Its other subsidiaries comprise Superprod Animation, Superprod Drama and Superprod Films as well as Italy-based live-action and animation producer Red Monk Studio, international distribution arm Superights and 440Hz, a music rights management platform.
As well as the animation studios in Paris, Angoulême, Milan and Luxembourg, the company also has offices in Los Angeles and New York.
Launched in Paris in the late 1990s with a focus on animated works, Superprod Group has since branched into live action content.
Recent production highlights include animation TV series Batwheels, Spirit Rangers and Paddington, live-action movies Mr Blake at your service (starring John Malkovich), and live-action TV series Panda and Home Sweet Rome.
Clients span Passion Paris, Netflix, (HBO) Max, Warner Bros Animation, Universal Pictures, Nickelodeon, Canal Plus, France Télévisions, TF1 M6, SND, BBC, RAI and ARD.
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