Newen Studios, which now operates under the name Studio TF1, is in a new phase in which it wants to significantly expand its role in the cinema film sector and international markets. Under the leadership of Pierre Branco, who took over as the new CEO in April 2024, the company intends to manage the cinema market in France itself from 2026. This means that Studio TF1 will distribute its own films in cinemas in future, giving it greater control over initial release windows and stronger relationships with talent. This mirrors the strategy pursued by other players in the industry such as Studiocanal.
The company has changed its name to emphasise its expansion strategy and the increasing importance of film production and exploitation in a global context. Under Branco's leadership, Studio TF1 aims to become more international and capitalise on the global recognition of the TF1 brand, particularly in markets such as the US. The company currently has 50 production companies in 12 countries, mainly in the television sector, and plans to produce 10-15 films per year by 2027 - a doubling of its current production capacity. In 2025, around 3,750 hours of programme will be produced and the distribution library already comprises 20,000 hours, including 1,000 films.
Studio TF1 also has a long tradition in TV production, particularly in daily soaps, and will continue to utilise its expertise in this area. Its successful daily series include "Demain Nous Appartient", "Ici Tout Commence" and "Plus Belle La Vie". The company also produces around 120 TV films a year, in particular in collaboration with the Canadian company Reel One. This experience and industrial production capacity gives Studio TF1 a competitive advantage in the field of television production.
In the coming years, Studio TF1 will also increase its activities in the area of international co-productions. Successful examples from the past, such as the Netflix series "Undercover", which is based on a Belgian original, and the upcoming series "The Seduction", which is based on the French classic "Dangerous Liaisons", are to be expanded further. Studio TF1 is also pursuing a strategy of developing well-known IPs, focussing on remakes and co-productions with international partners. One example of this is the collaboration with Amazon in the production of the anime series "Cat's Eyes".
Through the planned expansion of film production and distribution, Studio TF1 aims to strengthen its position in the French market, which has seen robust growth in recent years. Branco emphasises that French films, together with Hollywood blockbusters, continue to play an important role at the French box office.
Another strategic focus of Studio TF1 will be the development of intellectual property with international appeal. The company is planning major investments in co-productions and remakes, where existing international distribution activities, such as the rights sales for successful French productions like "HPI" and "Jamais Sans Mon Psy", will play a crucial role.
Branco and Studio TF1 are also focussing on strategic partnerships within the TF1 Group. In future, the company will work closely with TF1 Film Production, which invests in films for the TF1 television channels. Overall, Studio TF1 aims to use its strong production and distribution expertise to grow both in France and internationally and establish itself as a major player in the global film and television market.
