Alessandri’s indie scores France Télévisions deal

Philippe Alessandri’s new Paris-based indie Watch Next Media has scored its first major programming deal.

Nate is LateFrance Télévisions has put Watch Next’s Nate is Late (pictured) into development, with production due to begin in spring 2016.

The 52x11mins show comes from Sylvain Huchet and Peter Saisselin (Gawayn, Alvinnn!!! and the Chipmunks), and follows a pair of school kids whose 30-minute walk to school always runs late as they have amazing adventures in the way.

The deal is the first Watch Next has scored since former Télé Images Productions chief Alessandri launched the animation- and drama-focused company this year, as TBI reported in March. He had left Zodiak Media’s French production division in November last year.

Two of his former colleagues, Pascal Breton and David Michel, this week came together, with the former buying into the latter’s company, Cottonwood Media. At the same time, Michel became head of kids at Breton’s Federation Entertainment.

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