In a groundbreaking move for the animation and digital content industry, Superprod Group and Watch Next Media have announced a strategic merger of their catalogs and digital channels. This merger, which follows a partnership launched in October 2024, signifies a significant development in the industry.
Effective March 31, series distributed by Watch Next’s Kids First, such as “Hello Kitty Superstyle!,” “Nate is Late,” and “Mr. Men,” will now be part of the Superights catalog. This integration will offer buyers worldwide a wider selection of high-quality children’s programs, totaling over 1,000 half-hours of animation and live-action content.
At the same time, Kids First, now rebranded as Kids First Digital, will focus more on digital channel publishing and monetization of children’s programming on revenue-sharing VOD platforms. With over 125 million views across 20 YouTube channels in four languages last year, the company plans to expand further in 2025 by adding popular shows like “Pat the Dog,” “Hélène’s Little School,” and “Geronimo Stilton,” along with new seasons of “Nate is Late” and “Barbapapa.”
Kids First Digital will also use its exclusive tools and access to assist third-party producers in enhancing the visibility and revenue of their intellectual properties. Through these initiatives, the Superprod Group aims to solidify its position in international distribution and digital exploitation, offering tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of its subsidiaries and third-party producers.
Nathalie Pinguet, Deputy Managing Director of Acquisitions and International Sales at Superights, highlighted the importance of this merger, stating, “By integrating Kids First’s catalog, we are enhancing our ability to provide broadcasters worldwide with high-quality complementary content to meet their diverse requirements.”
Eduardo Nolla, Head of Digital at Kids First, added, “Superprod’s series will elevate Kids First Digital to a new level in digital distribution, taking full advantage of the growth of ADVOD platforms globally.”
In October 2024, Superprod Group acquired a majority stake in French animation producer Watch Next Media. As per the terms of the deal, Watch Next will continue to operate independently under the leadership of studio founder Philippe Alessandri, enabling the studio to enhance its CG animation capabilities and output while gaining access to more financial opportunities.
Watch Next now joins a lineup of Superprod companies that includes Superprod Animation (“Paddington,” “Miffy”), Melusine (“Wolfwalkers,” “The Summit of the Gods”), Redmonk Studio (“Underdog,” “Spirit Rangers”), and The Co-Production Company (“Iyanu”). In addition to animation, Superprod Group also produces live-action films and series through its subsidiaries.
This strategic merger between Superprod Group and Watch Next Media is set to reshape the landscape of the animation and digital content industry, offering a wider range of high-quality programming to audiences worldwide.
