The Annecy Festival and its MIFA market really don't stop this week: raw figures from the animation industry were shown. TF1 promised a higher investment in children's animation for next year. There were also announcements from players such as Tencent Video, Mediawan Kids & Family, WB Animation and Carton Network Studios, making this a much richer market. The event featured events for all audiences and keynotes to broaden the vision of the attendees.

One of the most important panels yesterday was “Share with Warner Bros. Discovery” at the Imperial Palace's Verdi Theater. Adina Pitt and Zia Sands of WBD, moderated by Agnes Agustin, talked about the acquisition strategy that complements the content coming from their studio. Zia Sands talked about the two main channels in their catalog, Cartoonito, "a leading IP channel that only does animation programs" aimed at the 4- to 6-year-old audience and Cartoon Network, whose target ranges from 6 to 11 years old where comedy is the main theme in all content. Andina explained that WBD is very flexible in its acquisition approach due to the very fragmented nature of the current market: they are in the market for outright acquisitions, pre-purchases and co-production model deals for diverse, engaging and universal content that has longevity. Zia also highlighted WBD's ability to close complex deals in Europe, where languages and particularities are in every market.

Also, the “Share with Disney Branded Television” panel was held at the Imperial Palace's Verdi Theater by Orion Ross, VP, International Animation, and Shamik Majumdar, creative director, original animated series. The panel was highlighted by the commemoration of Disney Television Animation's 40th anniversary during the festival. Executives announced the release next year of an original title for preschoolers called "Magic Campers", and for older kids, they just finished "Chippendale Parklife", a seven-minute, dialogue-free comedy of sorts featuring the classic Disney Chipmunks. 'We have an anime made in France called "Dragon Striker" a show about a fantasy world where the most popular game is a sort of magically supercharged version of soccer' commented Shamik Mahumdat. They have also been working as co-producers on the Miraculous franchise season 6 and 7 "Tales of Ladybug" and "Cat Noir". Orion Ross addressed the market slowdown in content production and how it affected the company, causing Disney at this time to focus on budget, producing "fewer, bigger and better" shows, but stressed that these types of moves come and go in cycles, and Disney continues to create content. "We're now looking at preschool animated comedies and adventures that are 7 minutes long, but more importantly, we're always open to Big Story ideas'.

Crunchytoll presented “The World of Anime”, a panel that took place at La Chambre de Métiers et de l'Artisanat - Mont-Blanc. Mitchel Berger, Senior VP of global commerce at Crunchyroll, spoke about the world of Anime and how the company positioned itself with this particular audience. 'In terms of numbers, anime grew from $14 billion in 2014 to $28 billion in 2022 and projected revenues of $37 billion by 2025. The platform currently has 13 million paying subscribers worldwide and is growing with 25,000 hours of content, around 50,000 episodes in over 12 different languages, subtitled and dubbed and the social footprint is around 160 million followers across platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and YouTube'. The executive also highlighted the role of Sony Pictures who ‘has been an integral player in the growth of anime worldwide'. Faced with the phenomenon, Mitchel explained that 'anime is a medium, not a genre. Anime is really a lifestyle. What I love about anime is that there is something for everyone, and fans don't just watch content, they consume it voraciously. Look around you; you'll see the influence of anime integrated into film, television, art, music, games, sports and politics.'

Testimonials trend? Max Narr, producer of Animachi (Chile): 'I notice more audience than last year. Most of the content producers came to see what's new in technology and AI developments and how they affect the industry. I also notice a very favorable environment to develop co-production networks with several countries'. Safaa Benazzouz, EVP Distribution for Xilam Animation (France): 'We are very happy with this hectic week here at MIFA. We are launching the series 'My Life in Versailles', a dramatic comedy. Regarding the market I notice that buyers are looking for all kinds of comedies for 6 and 10 years, as well as new formats.

Tomorrow, Thursday, YLE is expected to present its panel in the Berlioz Room of the Imperial Palace. Then Adult Swim will present its panel “Defying Expectations”, and finally Rai Kids will present its news for children, youth and families. There is no doubt that MIFA in Annecy is an experience rich in animation that is making a strong mark.

If you want to receive our Daily Reports, please send an email to newsletter@prensario.info with your email and contact details