Cottonwood Media has established itself as one of the leading companies in the production of high-quality children’s content. Since its creation as part of the Federation Studios group, this French production company has built a diverse catalog that combines animation and live action, seeking unique niches in an increasingly competitive market.
Cottonwood Media began its journey with animated projects, an area in which David Michel has a distinguished track record as co-creator of Totally Spies, a particularly successful global phenomenon in Latin America. However, the real breakthrough came with the diversification into children’s live action, a genre where they managed to establish a style of their own.
The Find Me in Paris series marked a turning point for the company, positioning itself as a global benchmark in the genre. Michel points out that this type of productions tends to be scarce due to their high costs and complexity: ‘We created a niche of premium live-action for children, something that few do. In Canadaand Australia there are some cases, but there is not a large global offer’.
This was followed by the Find Me in Paris reboot Spellbound, which continued the commitment to innovative stories and high production values. Now, his next big project announced a couple of months ago The Lady Grace Mysteries promises to be even more ambitious: a period series set during the reign of Elizabeth I that mixes espionage and adventure. With filming scheduled to begin in spring 2025, the production, filmed on real locations in England, seeks to captivate children’s audiences with a style that Michel describes as “Bridgerton for kids”.
In the field of animation, Cottonwood Media continues to invest in unique projects. Its most recent foray, 20 Dance Street, is an example of this strategy. The CGI series combines elements of drama and self-improvement, telling the story of Maya, a young Caribbean girl who faces the challenges of being admitted to the demanding Paris Opera Ballet School.
With a blend of realism and emotionality, 20 Dance Street uses motion-capture technology to create ultra-realistic dance scenes, an innovation that raises the standard for animated children’s productions. In addition, the series addresses universal themes such as resilience, friendship and love, ensuring its relevance and connection with international audiences.
Michel explains that the choice of unconventional storylines has been key to its success: ‘We didn’t want to do another dinosaur show or generic adventures. 20 Dance Street is an “animated novella” for children that reflects our desire to offer something different’.
Latin America figures prominently in Cottonwood Media‘s plans. According to Jeromine Ader de La Villadiere, the region is a strategic market where they already collaborate with global platforms such as Netflix, Disney and HBO Max, in addition to local partners in Brazil and other countries. Ader anticipates that this expansion will continue in 2025 with the launch of new projects and seasons.
Among them, the fifth season of Simon Super Rabbit produced by GO-N Productions (who operate independently and are part of Federation Studios group of businesses) and one of the studio’s most popular IPs stands out. Based on the books by Stephanie Blake, this preschool series about a super energetic and mischievous little rabbit who exudes all the vitality of childhood has managed to conquer millions of children in more than 150 territories and is preparing for a new chapter in its successful trajectory. With its protagonist now a superhero, the series promises to continue to grow as an iconic brand in the children’s market.
Looking ahead to 2025, Cottonwood Media continues to explore new creative territories. In addition to expanding its existing franchises, the company is looking to strengthen its presence in key markets and consolidate its reputation as a benchmark for high-quality children’s content. Michel reflects on the current market challenges: ‘The landscape is challenging, but we believe in finding niches and telling stories that resonate with audiences. Our goal is always to raise the standard, whether in animation or live action’.
With productions that combine unique narratives, universal values and high production standards, Cottonwood Media is positioned as a key player in global children’s entertainment. Its ability to reinvent itself and offer innovative proposals promises to continue setting trends in the years to come.
