Belgium-based family entertainment group Studio 100 has launched a new animation studio, Studio100 Animation.
Based in Paris, the company's new studio has been established as part of Studio 100's development strategy to create a thriving business in the animation sector through self-funding as well as seeking out co-finance and project development opportuntities.
Heading up the operation is Jo Daris, GM of Studio100 Animation, who will manage the team and spearhead all activities within the division.
Jan Van Rijsselberge joins Studio100 Animation as creative officer. Rijsselberge will be the creative head of the studio and in this capacity will oversee the development of all new brands and will also work on a make-over of the existing Studio 100 IPs.
Since 1997 Rijsselberge has worked as creative producer, creator and designer for independent French animation production and distribution company Alphanim on several prestigious productions winning awards such as the Best TV Animated Series at the Stuttgard Animation Festival 2008 (Germany) and Special Award to the Best Television Series, Children's Jury at Animacor 2008 (Spain) for the hit series HAIRY SCARY. Previous projects include COSMIC COWBOYS, SHORTS OF STEEL, POTATOES AND DRAGONS, ZOMBIE HOTEL, ROBOTBOY, X-DUCKX and SPACED OUT. Prior to joining Alphanim Rijsselberge worked as Co-Director, Designer, Head Animator and Animation Supervisor at France Animation.
Djamila Missoum comes to Studio100 Animation as line producer and will be structuring and coordinating the various productions. Missoum and Van Rijsselberge have both worked together before on the second season of ROBOTBOY.
Thorsten Wegener, who joined Studio100 Media, a subsidiary of Studio 100 (Belgium) in May 2007 as director program & production, will change this position for a role as head of business affairs for Studio100 Animation. In this additional capacity Wegener will deal with production, business development and handle all financial activities. Prior to Studio100 Media, Wegener worked for Munich-based Cross Media as producer and at KirchGruppe/BetaFilm for seven years playing a pivotal role in international co-productions.
The new studio aims to build relationships with partners and prime itself as a leading provider of quality animation programming. It will also focus on and specialize in cartoons for the whole family, both with classic remakes and original creations and will be at the forefront in animation technology.
A 100 percent subsidiary of Studio 100 (Holding), Studio100 Animation will initially have a production capacity of two animations per year, kicking off with SUPER MEGA HYPER PETS, a new joint venture with Canadian production company Amberwood Productions, and RESCUE 4U with Magma Films of Ireland.
