Gaumont-Igel pact

Paris, France-based Gaumont Multimedia and Hamburg, Germany-based IGEL Media have reached a multi-year, multi-million dollar first-look distribution agreement giving IGEL all television and home video rights on future Gaumont Multimedia animated series for Germany, Scandinavia, Japan and Korea. The deal, sealed at MIPCOM, reflects both companies' need to address the increased competition and decreased number of broadcast slots available in Germany and Asia. As a result of the agreement, the two companies project launching at least two new animated series each year, throughout the unspecified, multi-year term of the deal. IGEL Media, a 15-year-old company that is on the verge of going public, recently hired managing director Marie-Line Petrequin away from ProSieben [AF 9/22/98], a bold move signaling the company's new commitment to animation. She said, "Our relationship is based on long-term trust and a mutual vision, ingredients that are certain to generate continued success." Gaumont president Marc duPontavice said, "I have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Marie-Line...As an executive, she fully understands all facets of international partnerships and co-productions."