Last month, French studio TeamTO announced that it might be acquired by Italian RIVA Studios. Founded in 2022 by Demren and Balsamo, RIVA Studios is a production company that develops, co-finances and produces animated and live-action original content.
As the studio celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025, RIVA’s ambitious and visionary plans will lead TeamTO into a brighter future.
Official details and press releases are below:
After a fierce bidding process, Italy’s RIVA Studios successfully acquired TeamTO, saving the beloved French animation studio from bankruptcy. Has a dynamic new executive team consisting of Marco Balsamo, Jay Olivaand Tara Siebel et al.As the studio celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025, RIVA’s ambitious and visionary plans will lead TeamTO into a brighter future.
“TeamTO has set a world-class standard for animation, and this is a pivotal moment for the studio. In this new direction, we are not just continuing the studio’s legacy, we are building an even stronger and more ambitious company.” company, ready to raise the bar and redefine what’s possible,” Balsamo shared. “With our team’s deep experience, passion and bold vision for the future, we are ready to break new ground and shape the future of the industry we all love”
Under new leadership team, TeamTO will continue to deliver critically acclaimed content including Sony Pictures Kids biological case and original hits jade armor and Angelo Rules. Additionally, they will focus on developing new original franchises including: Junichiro Jackson, Akira’s Flying Wheelchair, Yellow Cello, Cradle: Soulless, Time: The Legend of Lugerand Corvus Bailey’s Infinity: Paradise Lost.
“Opportunities like this are rare, and I couldn’t be more excited to help lead TeamTO into a new era. In today’s ever-evolving animation landscape, this is the perfect opportunity to expand the studio into uncharted territory, through innovative visual styles and identity Immersive stories to push creative boundaries and inspire audiences around the world,” Oliva added. “I can’t wait for everyone to see what happens next!”
The studio will continue to operate out of Valence and Paris, retaining the majority of its staff to ensure a seamless transition for all current and upcoming series and films. TeamTO founders Guillaume Hellouin and Corinne Kouper will continue to serve as executive advisors and will also serve as executive producers on current and upcoming projects. They will work closely with the new leadership team to ensure seamless collaboration across all productions.
“We are extremely excited because we know this leadership team will honor our two decades of creative excellence with a visionary plan that will ensure TeamTO’s success for the next 20 years and beyond,” said Hellouin. .
About RIVA Studio
Founded in 2022 by Tara Sibel Demren and Marco Balsamo, RIVA Studios is a production company that develops, co-finances and produces animated and live-action original content. The studio’s first live-action film, Forza Motorsport – The upcoming sports drama written and directed by Marco Balsamo is currently in post-production and is expected to be released in theaters in summer 2025. In addition to Forza, RIVA is actively developing a diverse range of original IP through creative collaboration with Lex & Otis Studios, led by award-winning director Jay Oliva. These projects span genres, formats and cultures, further strengthening RIVA’s commitment to global storytelling. RIVA Studios’ mission is to push boundaries, promote the power of diverse perspectives, and continue to create stories that resonate with audiences around the world.
About TeamTO
Founded in 2005 by Guillaume Hellouin, Corinne Kouper and Caroline Souris, TeamTO is a Paris-based animation studio focused on original content, creative collaboration and bringing universal stories to life. TeamTO’s productions are broadcast on the world’s leading platforms and networks, including Netflix, Cartoon Network, YouTube, France Télévisions, Canal+, ITV and Super RTL. The studio’s original series includes jade armor, behind the beat, Mighty MikeEmmy Award Nominated Angelo Rules, urgent! magic academyand feature films yellow bird. TeamTO also works with high-profile third-party productions such as DreamWorks Animation Dewdrop DiaryPralim’s RAID: Call of the ArbiterSony Pictures Television – Kids biological caseNetflix ghost cityeOne’s pajama mask, Kia and Kimoja Heroesand Ricky Zoomand Activision Blizzard’s Skylanders College. TeamTO has more than 500 artists, two cutting-edge studios in Paris and Valence, and offices in Beijing and Los Angeles. In 2023, the company will move its Paris office to one of the greenest and most energy-efficient CG studios in France. The plan is the result of 15 years of environmental research by founder Guillaume Hellouin, chief technology officer Jean-Baptiste Spieser and their advanced technology team. .