In a major expansion of its US presence, Superprod, the Paris-based global studio that develops, produces and distributes animated and live-action television and feature films, has acquired The Co-Production Company, the New York based boutique firm specializing in finance and distribution arrangements for international productions.
Superprod has named The Co-Production Company founder and CEO Doug Schwalbe, President of Superprod US Inc. Schwalbe founded The Co-Production Company in 2021, after serving as Senior Vice President of Coproduction for Dreamworks Animation Television.
Superprod has also named former Cartoon Network executive Tatiana Krokar, Vice President, Superprod US Inc. Krokar, who will be based in Los Angeles, co-reports to Schwalbe and to Superprod Senior Vice President, Animation, Virginie Creance.
Schwalbe will work closely with Superprod founders CEO Clément Calvet and COO Jérémie Fajner, to expand the company’s North American footprint, as well as help manage and produce a diverse slate of both live-action and animated productions. Superprod US Inc. and The Co-Production Company join other Superprod subsidiaries, including Superprod Animation, Superprod Drama, Superights, Red Monk Studio, and music management firm 440Hz.
The slate of children’s television productions currently under The Co-Production Company banner will remain active within Superprod . These include Home Sweet Rome, a music-filled live-action coming-of-age comedy. Iyanu: Child of Wonder, the African-inspired animated series for HBO Max, Pisces Lane, a new live-action musical teen series created by Michal Cooper Keren and Lior Yaron, Bird’s Eye View, a short form comedy series from Wellington Paranormal writer Nick Ward,
“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. We could not be more excited to welcome him to Superprod .”
“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.”
“It has been my great pleasure both personally and professionally to work with Clement and Jeremie since the inception of Superprod ten years ago,” added Schwalbe. “They have created an incredible production and distribution organization and we see many great opportunities to continue to grow the company while expanding its North American presence.”
Prior to launching The Co-Production Company, Doug Schwalbe was Senior Vice President of Coproduction at DreamWorks Animation Television where he structured and managed coproduction arrangements for numerous properties for Netflix, Netflix, Apple TV +, Sky Peacock and a live action series with BBC Studios.
Previously, he was Executive Vice President, Managing Director, at Classic Media, where he executive produced over 200 episodes of franchise IP including Casper the Friendly Ghost, Lassie, Mr. Magoo, George of the Jungle and Postman Pat. Schwalbe was the founder of the production and distribution company Splendid Television. At Splendid, his productions won Emmy and Golden Globe awards as well as numerous Emmy nominations. The company also served as the international distributor for Miramax Television. Schwalbe was SVP Sales and Co-production for HBO, where he headed global sales. He also served as VP, Marketing and Co-production for 20th Century Fox in Paris and as Director, Sales and Co-production for MGM in Los Angeles.
In addition to its full slate of animation, including Anna and Friends, debuting on Nickelodeon UK in September, Superprod ’s diverse slate includes high-profile feature length films currently being readied for premiere. These include Mr. Blake, At Your Service, starring John Malkovich, The Lulus, starting Francois Damiens, Untitled Steve Box Animated Film from Academy Award®-winning and three-time BAFTA-winning Director Steve Box (Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Of The Were Rabbit) and Superprod Animation, comes a yet to be titled, all original animated family comedy heist movie which is set to premiere on Netflix.
Tatiana Krokar held several positions while at Cartoon Network, including Director of Development, Original Series. While there, she was responsible for acquiring and developing projects, including content from Justin Roiland (creator, Rick & Morty), Andy Ristaino (Emmy winner, Adventure Time) and James Burks (creator, Bird & Squirrel). Since 2019, she has been developing, creating and writing original television content, including movies of the week and animated series.
