Xilam's Animated Empire: A Comedy of Errors and Endless Success

Legacy Characters, Modern Deals

When I first heard about Xilam Animation's presales at the Unifrance Rendez-vous, my initial reaction was disbelief. In an era where streaming platforms are reshaping content consumption and animation studios are constantly chasing the next viral hit, the studio's commitment to its legacy IP felt like a bold declaration of intent. But as I dug deeper into the details, what emerged wasn't just a story of sales—it was a masterclass in the enduring power of character-driven storytelling.

"Our legacy brands remain a cornerstone of our business, continuing to resonate with generations of fans..."

Executive Vice President Distribution Safaa Benazzouz of Xilam Animation echoed this sentiment during the event. Her words carried weight—this wasn't just about nostalgia or easy money. It was about understanding that some franchises, like Oggy and the Cockroaches, Zig & Sharko, and now Chickies, are not just animated content—they're cultural institutions.

Oggy and the Cockroaches: 30 Years of Chaos

At the heart of this resurgence is the return of Oggy and the Cockroaches, which is entering its ninth season. The series, originally created in the 1990s, has been a global phenomenon for over three decades. It's not just a show; it's a shared memory for millions.

With a new batch of 78 episodes directed by Julien Daubas and Lucas Pinatel, the series continues to be relevant, even in an era where kids are exposed to content from a very young age. This latest season is not just a rehash but a celebration—marking 30 years since the show's inception. The franchise has already sold to broadcasters in over 190 territories, amassing a digital following that spans 32 million YouTube subscribers and 18 billion views.

Zig & Sharko: The Franchise That Never Sleeps

Similarly, Zig & Sharko is seeing its fifth and sixth seasons take flight. This series, which celebrated its 15th anniversary last year, has been a staple of French animation for more than a decade.

The new seasons, directed by Andrès Fernandez, follow the summer vacation theme, with Zig in Season 5 and Marina in Season 6. It's a smart move—by continuing to tap into the universal experience of vacationing, Xilam is not only giving viewers a reason to tune in but also reinforcing their investment in the characters.

Chickies: The New Kid on the Block

Then there's Chickies, the spin-off that's already generating buzz. This series follows the same premise as its predecessor, Where's Chicky?, but with a fresh take and a new set of characters.

The series is a global YouTube hit, accumulating over 2.5 billion views a year, and is now transitioning into a full-fledged TV series format. Directed by Cédric Diestsh and Anh Tu Cao, the show introduces Chicky, Bekky, and Poyo, three curious chicks who have grown tired of their coop and are ready to expand their horizons.

The Big Picture: What It Means for the Industry

As we look at these sales figures, it becomes clear that Xilam is not just playing it safe. They're demonstrating that content built on solid character development, timeless humor, and emotional resonance still commands attention in a rapidly changing industry. The success of their legacy IP at Unifrance Rendez-vous directly contradicts the sales slowdown reported by France's National Film Board and Unifrance earlier in the week.

This is not just about French animation—it's about global storytelling. Xilam's approach to content creation and distribution offers a compelling model for how studios can sustain long-term success through the careful curation of intellectual property.

Looking Forward: The Future of Xilam

The studio's newest IP, Submarine Jim, is also pre-sold to numerous broadcasters across Europe and beyond. This series, with its 52×11-minute episodes, is already proving that the magic of animated storytelling isn't limited to the established franchises—it can extend to new concepts too.

As we navigate a landscape where the definition of success in animation continues to evolve, Xilam's strategy offers a refreshing perspective. It's not about chasing the next big thing; it's about nurturing the ones that have already proven their worth.