France’s Superprod buys former Dreamworks exec’s Co-Production Company to fuel US push

Doug Schwalbe

French production outfit Superprod has acquired New York-based finance and distribution firm The Co-Production Company as it looks to expand in the US.

The Paris-based firm has named The Co-Production Company founder and CEO Doug Schwalbe as president of Superprod US. Terms of the deal have not been revealed.

Schwalbe founded the company in 2021, after serving as SVP of co-productions for Dreamworks Animation Television.

In a further rejig, Superprod has named former Cartoon Network executive Tatiana Krokar as VP of Superprod US. Krokar, who will be based in LA, co-reports to Schwalbe and to Superprod’s SVP of animation, Virginie Creance.

Schwalbe will work with Superprod founders CEO Clément Calvet and COO Jérémie Fajner to expand the company’s North American footprint, while overseeing its live-action and animated productions.

The Co-Production Company’s slate will remain active within Superprod, with the new addition joining subsidiaries including Superprod Animation, Superprod Drama, Superights, Red Monk Studio, and music management firm 440Hz.

Shows on the Superprod slate include Italian/Canadian copro Home Sweet Rome, HBO Max’s Iyanu: Child Of Wonder and live-action music show, Pisces Lane.

“Doug’s expertise in acquiring exceptional IP, developing projects, securing financing and finding distribution partners is second to none,” said Calvet. “He will be a tremendous asset to Superprod – working on both existing projects and bringing new content and concepts into the company to be developed.”

“Superprod has been aggressively working to expand its global footprint,” said Fajner. “Bringing Doug onto our team, and adding the assets and equity associated with The Co-Production Company, enables us to build upon our North American presence in a way that is immediately impactful and extremely effective.”