Xilam Series ‘Piggy Builders’ Widen Euro TV Buyers Pact

Xilam Animation, the acclaimed French studio behind the Academy Award-nominated film “I Lost My Body,” has recently secured a series of licensing deals for its latest flagship CG-animated preschool show, “Piggy Builders.” Commissioned by the BBC, France Télévisions, and ZDF, the show has garnered significant interest from broadcasters worldwide.

Among the new broadcasters that have signed on to air “Piggy Builders” are Warner Bros. Discovery in Italy, SVT in Sweden, Yle in Finland, VRT Ketnet in Flemish Belgium, Téléquebec in French Canada, and RTS in Switzerland. The show, consisting of 52 episodes with a runtime of 11 minutes each, follows the adventures of a trio of charming pigs – Cornelia, Cesar, and Charlie – as they use their building skills and teamwork to solve problems in the Fine Forest where they reside.

At the Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Le Havre, Xilam Animation’s distribution team, led by executive vice president Safaa Benazzouz, will be engaging in further negotiations with potential partners. Additionally, the newly appointed licensing agent, France TV Distribution, will focus on securing deals in France, Belgium, and Switzerland.

Romain Villemaine, known for his work on “Ricky Zoom” and “Maya the Bee,” serves as the director of “Piggy Builders.” The show made its debut on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer on July 28, enchanting young audiences with its humorous storytelling and messages of teamwork. Alongside “Piggy Builders,” Xilam is also showcasing “Submarine Jim,” a preschool comedy created by Frédéric Martin, at the Unifrance Rendez-Vous.

In addition to its new offerings, Xilam Animation continues to enjoy success with its existing properties. “Where’s Chicky,” a non-dialogue comedy series, has been renewed for a fourth season by France Télévisions. The show, produced by Xilam’s CGI specialist studio Cube Creative Productions, has amassed over 6.3 billion views and 10 million subscribers on YouTube across its four seasons.

Another fan favorite, “Zig & Sharko,” has garnered over 37 million subscribers on YouTube and 20 billion views globally. The show, created by Olivier Jean-Marie, has been a hit on Netflix and is currently celebrating its 15th anniversary with a merchandise campaign.

Xilam’s CEO, Marc du Pontavice, oversees a diverse portfolio of over 2,800 TV episodes and three feature films, including the critically acclaimed “I Lost My Body.” The studio’s presence at the Unifrance Rendez-Vous underscores its commitment to expanding its reach and connecting with industry partners.

The Unifrance Rendez-Vous, a prestigious event showcasing French programs, provides Xilam Animation with a valuable platform to engage with both new and existing collaborators. The event, scheduled to run from September 1-5 in Le Havre, offers a prime opportunity for the studio to showcase its latest projects and forge strategic partnerships within the global entertainment industry.