France’s Superprod Group has bought Luxembourg-based Studio 352/Melusine Productions in order to strengthen its ability to produce and finance animated films and series. 

Melusine has a solid reputation for its 2D and CG animation work on high-quality feature films such as Cartoon Saloon’s Oscar-nominated Song of the Sea (pictured)—which was a co-pro with both Superprod and Melusine—and Lupus Films’ British Animation Award winner Kensuke’s Kingdom. This pedigree, along with a strong slate of upcoming projects, is what sparked  Superprod’s interest, according to founders Clément Calvet and Jérémie Fajner. 

The acquisition also gives Superprod direct access to Luxembourg’s tax incentives, which can cover between US$1.6 million and US$3.4 million of budgets for animated films and TV series, depending on key crew hires and international partner involvement.

Stéphan Roelants founded both Studio 352 and Melusine in 1997, and the companies have since produced feature-length films and series such as Ernest and Celestine, The Breadwinner and Richard the Stork. Post-acquisition, Roelants plans to hand over the reins to long-time Studio 352 production manager Fabien Renelli, but he will remain involved in the studio’s current projects as a producer. 

Both studios should benefit from access to Superprod’s development and production facilities in France (Superprod Animation), Italy (Red Monk Studios) and the US (The Co-Production Company), as well as its sales division (Superights) and music rights company (440Hz). 

Superprod and Studio 352/Melusine’s latest project together is a 2D/CG-animated film for adults called The Sunrise File, which has just gone into development as a co-production.