French Production Giant Mediawan to Enter Microdrama Space with Vertical Animation Short-Form Content
Mediterranean production and distribution company Mediawan is set to launch its first vertical animation short-form content next year as part of a broader strategy to tap into the burgeoning microdrama trend in Asia. According to Julien Borde, president of Mediawan, the industry is "really ready" for this format, citing its ability to tell compelling stories in very short form.
This move marks a significant shift for the Paris-headquartered company, which operates over 80 production companies globally and includes Method Animation behind hits like "The Little Prince." While acknowledging that Asian markets have already adopted micro-content, Borde expressed enthusiasm about the format's potential. However, challenges around monetization and subsidies remain a concern.
Laurent Duvault, vice president of business development and audiovisual rights at Media Participations-Mediatoon, noted that European subsidy systems have yet to keep pace with Asia. "People keep thinking it's recycling content when it's actually brand new content," he said, highlighting the need for innovative solutions like micro-payment systems.
Both executives emphasized their commitment to Asian partnerships, particularly in Taiwan, where Mediawan has established three co-productions with local studios. The company is focused on building long-term relationships and partnering with existing fanbases. Recent examples include adaptations of French manga series that have performed well in Asia.
As the industry navigates evolving challenges such as working with major streamers, Duvault cautioned about the need for "authentic, real voices" with originality and freshness. He noted that platforms like Netflix prioritize content with strong local appeal, making it essential to adapt IPs that resonate with Asian audiences.
For Mediawan and Media Participations-Mediatoon, the economics of microdrama production remain a crucial consideration. The companies must weigh the challenges against potential rewards, as Duvault aptly put it: "The payback would be better than the paycheck." By embracing innovation and finding authentic voices, these French companies aim to capitalize on the growing demand for micro-content in Asia.
Mediterranean production and distribution company Mediawan is set to launch its first vertical animation short-form content next year as part of a broader strategy to tap into the burgeoning microdrama trend in Asia. According to Julien Borde, president of Mediawan, the industry is "really ready" for this format, citing its ability to tell compelling stories in very short form.
This move marks a significant shift for the Paris-headquartered company, which operates over 80 production companies globally and includes Method Animation behind hits like "The Little Prince." While acknowledging that Asian markets have already adopted micro-content, Borde expressed enthusiasm about the format's potential. However, challenges around monetization and subsidies remain a concern.
Laurent Duvault, vice president of business development and audiovisual rights at Media Participations-Mediatoon, noted that European subsidy systems have yet to keep pace with Asia. "People keep thinking it's recycling content when it's actually brand new content," he said, highlighting the need for innovative solutions like micro-payment systems.
Both executives emphasized their commitment to Asian partnerships, particularly in Taiwan, where Mediawan has established three co-productions with local studios. The company is focused on building long-term relationships and partnering with existing fanbases. Recent examples include adaptations of French manga series that have performed well in Asia.
As the industry navigates evolving challenges such as working with major streamers, Duvault cautioned about the need for "authentic, real voices" with originality and freshness. He noted that platforms like Netflix prioritize content with strong local appeal, making it essential to adapt IPs that resonate with Asian audiences.
For Mediawan and Media Participations-Mediatoon, the economics of microdrama production remain a crucial consideration. The companies must weigh the challenges against potential rewards, as Duvault aptly put it: "The payback would be better than the paycheck." By embracing innovation and finding authentic voices, these French companies aim to capitalize on the growing demand for micro-content in Asia.