Favennec exits Superights for Xilam

Superights deputy managing director Morgann Favennec is joining rival French toon house Xilam Animation.

She has been appointed executive VP of development and global sales at Paris-based Xilam, and will begin her role on July 3.

Favennec had launched Superights in May 2013 after French prodco Superprod hired her from French commercial broadcaster M6 to create a sales division. She went on to secure rights to series such as Emmy and Gooroo, Pat the Dog and The Big Bad Fox.

At Xilam, she will work under founder and president Marc du Pontavice, and be responsible for developing commercial activity, both in new markets and new business.

She will also source acquisitions and coproductions in France and internationally at the Oggy and the Cockroaches distributor.

Furthermore, Xilam has placed her in control of developing new IP within the company, and will reorganise the business along marketing, sales, digital and licnensing lines.

Xilam last year restructured its sales division, with Jessica Delahale joining from Mediatoon Distribution as EVP of media distribution in EMEA and Canada, and Marie-Laure Marchand, Leyla Formoso and Giulia Fittante.

Favennec, a well-known name in European animation circles, was head of children’s programmes at RTL Group-owned M6 Group, and also worked as acquisitions manager for The Walt Disney Company’s TV arm.

“Morgann has an impressive track record and incredible expertise in programming for the youth market sector,” said du Pontavice. “She masters and understands all key areas of activity, from the creative process to distribution, from acquisition to negotiation.

“She has proven credibility in all of the international markets, and we are extremely happy that she has agreed to put her know-how at the service of helping Xilam and all of its brands as the company continues to grow.”