The Unifrance Rendez-Vous TV market in Le Havre provided an overview of the French television export sector. Following a decrease in 2025 export numbers, distributors describe the landscape as a period of stabilization. The industry is transitioning from the acquisition volume seen during the pandemic to a rationalization phase, with sellers identifying avenues for content distribution.
Some executives explained that the adjustment in exports stems from a reduction in purchases by subscription SVOD platforms. These services expanded content volume during the COVID-19 period but they are now managing subscriber targets alongside changes in the advertising market. ‘Content consumption remains present among viewers, and thats describes the current buying patterns as a return to balance’.
To navigate the environment, distributors focus on pre-existing intellectual property and period fiction. Wild Bunch offered The Red and the Black, an adaptation of the Stendhal novel. France TV Distribution presented Swapped, a drama set in the 19th century. Julia Schulte, from sales at France TV Distribution, stated that strategy aims to reach multiple age groups on both linear television and digital platforms.
Multi-season series continue to generate transactions. France TV Distribution partnered with NHK in Japan for Bright Minds. The production relocated parts of Season 7 to Japan, initiating discussions for co-productions between the territories. The distributor also licensed Zorro to MHz Choice for the United States and Canada. Data from PlumResearch shows library titles and foreign-language series build viewer retention, supporting the distribution of catalog programming.
In the unscripted sector, broadcasters acquire programs centered on politics and current events. Andana Films reported demand for works like Gaza: A People’s History and My Maga Life, which examines politics in the United States. Java Films distributed Hong Kong: A City Silenced to SBS in Australia and ZDF Info in Germany, while also representing Faith in Power: Brazil’s Evangelicals. APC also secured agreements with Filmin and RTP for the art investigation series An Artful Imbroglio.
The animation sector utilizes brand extensions and co-productions to secure market placement. Mediawan distributed Witch Detectives and Submarine Jim across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Australia. Xilam Animation registered transactions for Oggy and the Cockroaches, Zig & Sharko, and the Chickies spin-off with Warner Bros. Discovery, JioStar, Radio Canada, and SVT.
