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Cyber Group Studios
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Cyber Group Studios (formerly Cyber Group Animation) was a French developer, producer and distributor of animated television series and movies for children in France and internationally. The company was founded by Pierre Sissmann, Dominique Bourse, Billy "Frédéric" Richard, Olivier Lelardoux and Cécilia Bosselin in 2003 and produced 3D and 2D animation products for television series and movies, web series, and news and documentaries. It also licensed its own and third-party characters.
Key Information
History
[edit]Cyber Group Animation was founded in 2003. The company changed its name to Cyber Group Studios in March 2009.[1]
Cyber Group in 2016 acquired Pictor Media.[2] In January 2017, the company launched Cyber Group Studios USA, a subsidiary located at the Culver Studios in Culver City, California, under president and CEO Richard Goldsmith.[3] In September 2017, the L-GAM investment company bought out the company's minority investors.[2]
On March 1, 2018, Cyber Group hired Thierry Braille, formerly VP and MD at Disney Interactive EMEA, as head of its new interactive division.[4] In November 2018, Cyber Group Studios opened in Roubaix, France an animation studio.[5]
On January 25, 2022, Cyber Group Studios acquired UK-based production company A Productions.[6] On February 8, 2022, Cyber Group Studios acquired Italian animation studio Graphilm Entertainment.[7]
On June 13, 2022, Cyber Group Studios announced they had formed a new joint-venture with Splash Entertainment called CyberSplash Entertainment.[8]
On June 2, 2023, Dominique Bourse was named chairman and CEO of Cyber Group Studios, with Pierre Sissman retiring from the company.[9]
On March 11, 2024, Pierre Belaisch was named chief creative officer of Cyber Group Studios, succeeding Pierre Sissman.[10]
On November 7, 2024, Cyber Group Studios announced it has entered the judicial recovery process from insolvency.[11] On December 18, 2024, four acquisition offers from Cyber Group Studios have been registered: a joint-venture between United Smile, Toonz Media Group and Atlas Global; Solent Productions; Newen Studios; and Hildegarde.[12]
On April 28, 2025, the Paris Commercial Court ruled that Cyber Group Studios would be liquidated.[13]
On November 3, 2025, it was reported that one of its former subsidiaries, A Productions, had returned to 100% independent ownership.[14]
Filmography
[edit]Some are adaptations, while others are licensed from other countries.[15]
- 50/50 Heroes
- Adam's Bakery
- Animalia
- Balloopo
- The Bellflower Bunnies
- Underdogs United
- Bambalayé
- Blondes
- Cloud Bread
- Cotoons
- Calimero
- Crime Time
- Dragon Striker[16]
- Droners[17][18]
- Digital Girl
- Ernest & Rebecca
- Fish 'n' Chips
- Farmkids
- Final Fantasy IX[19] (cancelled)
- G-Fighters
- Gigantosaurus[4]
- Grenadine and Peppermint
- Guess What?
- The Happos Family[20]
- Iqbal: Tales of a Fearless Child[21]
- The Last Kids on Earth
- Leo the Wildlife Ranger
- The Long Long Holiday
- Mademoiselle Zazie
- Manon
- Menino and the Children of the World
- Mia
- Mini Ninjas
- Mirette Investigates[2]
- My Goldfish Is Evil!
- Nina Patalo
- Orange Moocow
- Patch Pillows
- Pet Alien
- The Pirates Next Door (fr)[2]
- Pom Pom and Friends
- Precious Moments
- Press Start![22]
- Raju the Rickshaw
- Sadie Sparks[4]
- Squared Zebra
- The Space Commanders
- Taffy[23]
- Tales of Tatonka
- Tom Sawyer
- Zak Jinks (fr)
- Zorro: The Chronicles[4]
- Zou[4]
References
[edit]- ^ "Company Overview of Cyber Group Studios". Bloomberg. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
- ^ a b c d Whittock, Jesse (8 September 2017). "French investor buys into Cyber Group Studios". TBI Vision. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
- ^ "Richard Goldsmith to Lead LA Cyber Group Subsidiary". Animation Magazine. January 3, 2017. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
- ^ a b c d e Whyte, Alexandra (March 1, 2018). "Former Disney exec gets interactive at Cyber Group". Kidscreen. Brunico Communications Ltd. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
- ^ Hobson, Jane (November 29, 2018). "Cyber Group opens studio in Northern France". Kidscreen. Brunico Communications Ltd. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
- ^ "Cyber Group acquires a Productions".
- ^ "Cyber Group acquires Graphilm Entertainment".
- ^ "Cyber Group & Splash Unite as CyberSplash Entertainment". 13 June 2022.
- ^ Kaminska, Karolina (June 2, 2023). "Cyber Group ups Dominique Bourse to CEO as Sissmann exits". C21 Media. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
- ^ Milligan, Mercedes (March 11, 2024). "Pierre Belaisch Named Chief Creative Officer of Cyber Group Studios". Animation Magazine. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
- ^ Tuchow, Ryan (November 7, 2024). "Cyber Group Studios enters judicial recovery process". Kidscreen. Brunico Communications Ltd. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
- ^ Tuchow, Ryan (December 18, 2024). "Four potential buyers are bidding for Cyber Group". Kidscreen. Brunico Communications Ltd. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
- ^ Tuchow, Ryan (2025-04-28). "A Paris court orders Cyber Group Studios to liquidate". Kidscreen. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ https://www.televisual.com/news/a-productions-mds-take-back-100-ownership/
- ^ "Productions". Cyber Group Studios. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
- ^ "Disney greenlights three spooky new series".
- ^ Jeremy Dickson (27 April 2017). "Droners takes flight for TF1, Cyber Group". kidscreen.com.
- ^ "TF1, Cyber Group to Develop 'Droners'". licenseglobal.com. 6 April 2018.
- ^ "Final Fantasy IX animated series featured at Licensing Expo 2022 on May 24th - 26th". Final Weapon. 2022-05-22. Retrieved 2022-05-23.
- ^ "Another Season for Cyber Group's The Happos Family". Worldscreen. May 24, 2017. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
- ^ "Cyber Group to Rep TV & OTT Rights for Iqbal Film". Worldscreen Network. 16 May 2017. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
- ^ Rosario, Alexandra Del (2022-02-11). "Peacock Bolsters Animated Kids Programming Slate With 'Megamind,' 'Abominable' Series & More". Deadline. Retrieved 2022-02-11.
- ^ "Turner and Cyber Group Studios launches new animated series Taffy". Animation Digest. February 13, 2017. Archived from the original on 30 December 2017. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
External links
[edit]Cyber Group Studios
View on GrokipediaHistory
Founding and early development
Cyber Group Animation was established on August 9, 2005, in Paris, France, by Pierre Sissmann and Dominique Bourse.[12] The studio emerged from the vision of its founders, many of whom had prior experience at major entertainment companies like Disney, to create high-quality animated content for young audiences. From its inception, the company positioned itself as an independent French producer focused on children's programming.[5][13] As an independent entity, Cyber Group Animation specialized in developing, producing, and distributing animated television series and films aimed at children, with a strong emphasis on reaching international markets from the outset. The studio's initial business model centered on creating original intellectual properties (IPs) and engaging in co-productions to build a portfolio of family-friendly content. Early efforts targeted preschool and kids' audiences through accessible storytelling and vibrant visuals, often leveraging both 2D and 3D animation techniques to appeal to global broadcasters. This approach allowed the company to secure early distribution deals and establish a foothold in competitive international markets.[1][14] In the mid-2000s, Cyber Group Animation launched its first key productions, including co-productions and original series that highlighted its creative strengths. A notable early project was the 3D animated preschool series Ozie Boo!, developed in 2005 and premiered in 2006, which followed the adventures of seven baby penguins and emphasized themes of friendship and learning; the series was distributed to over 150 countries and earned recognition for its export success. These initial endeavors focused on building original IPs suitable for young viewers, setting the foundation for the studio's reputation in children's animation while prioritizing engaging narratives over complex plots.[15][16] By March 10, 2009, the company underwent a significant rebranding to Cyber Group Studios, a move designed to encompass its growing involvement in broader production and distribution activities beyond initial animation development. This name change, formalized through updated corporate statutes, signaled an evolution toward a more comprehensive media entity while maintaining its core focus on children's content.[17]Expansion and key milestones
Following its rebranding to Cyber Group Studios in 2009, the company entered a phase of significant operational growth starting in the early 2010s, marked by increased production capacity and international outreach. A pivotal milestone was the 2011 announcement of the preschool series Zou, an adaptation of Michel Gay's popular children's books, co-produced with Scrawl Studios and premiered on Disney Junior in Europe in 2012.[18][19] This series quickly achieved global distribution, airing on Disney channels across multiple regions and later on platforms like Hulu in the United States, establishing Cyber Group as a reliable supplier of family-oriented animated content.[19] In 2017, Cyber Group expanded its footprint into North America by establishing Cyber Group Studios USA, a subsidiary based in Los Angeles dedicated to managing regional distribution, co-productions, and content development to tap into the U.S. market's creative talent pool.[20] This move facilitated closer collaboration with American broadcasters and enhanced the company's ability to secure international deals. The following year, in November 2018, Cyber Group inaugurated a new 4,305-square-foot animation studio in Roubaix, France, adding 15 staff members and boosting production capacity for ongoing series such as the adventure-themed Tom Sawyer.[21] These facilities underscored the studio's commitment to scaling operations amid rising demand for high-quality CGI animation. As part of its strategic evolution in the 2010s, Cyber Group shifted focus toward digital distribution and merchandising licensing to diversify revenue streams beyond traditional broadcasting. The acquisition and development of established IPs like Zou exemplified this approach, with extensive licensing deals for toys, books, and apparel amplifying its preschool appeal worldwide.[19] This trend culminated in the 2019 launch of the flagship series Gigantosaurus, a prehistoric adventure co-produced for Disney Junior, which debuted internationally and spawned video games, merchandise lines, and spin-off content like the 2022 YouTube Kids series Giganto Club, reflecting the company's pivot to streaming-native formats.[22][23]Financial challenges and liquidation
On November 7, 2024, Cyber Group Studios announced its entry into the judicial recovery process, a French legal mechanism for insolvent companies to restructure debts under court supervision, after ceasing payments on bills as of October 22, 2024.[24] The filing, submitted on November 5, 2024, to the Paris Commercial Court, highlighted the studio's inability to meet financial obligations amid a confluence of pressures, including an industry-wide contraction in the animation sector, lingering production delays from the COVID-19 pandemic, and sharply rising operational costs such as salaries and materials.[25] These challenges were exacerbated by reduced investments from broadcasters and streaming platforms, which had scaled back commissioning following a post-pandemic boom and subsequent market correction.[26] Despite efforts to secure recovery, including multiple takeover bids submitted by December 2024 from entities such as Newen Studios and United Smile, the Paris Commercial Court ruled on April 28, 2025, to order the company's total liquidation.[27][7] The decision, effective immediately with a deadline of April 30, 2025, for asset sales, was driven by stalled projects, mounting creditor claims, and the failure to demonstrate viable financial turnaround within the six-month recovery window.[8] This outcome led to the cessation of all operations, resulting in job losses for the studio's approximately 200 employees and the piecemeal sale of its assets to repay debts.[11] In the aftermath of the liquidation, significant developments emerged for Cyber Group Studios' former assets and subsidiaries. On November 3, 2025, A Productions, a UK-based animation studio in which Cyber Group had acquired a majority stake in 2022, returned to 100% independent ownership after founders Katherine McQueen and Mark Taylor reacquired the shares.[28] Key intellectual properties, such as the popular series Gigantosaurus, faced disruptions, with ongoing production halted and distribution rights transferred to new entities as part of the asset liquidation process.[25] These shifts underscored the ripple effects on the studio's portfolio, forcing partners to seek alternative distributors for unfinished projects. The demise of Cyber Group Studios exemplified broader turmoil in the global animation industry during 2024-2025, particularly in France, where the sector grappled with a 10% drop in exports, widespread layoffs at studios like TeamTO and Andarta, and numerous stalled productions due to diminished North American sales and commissioning freezes.[29][25] Political uncertainties, including debates over AI integration and labor regulations, further intensified cost pressures, prompting many European producers to pivot toward digital platforms like YouTube for financing and distribution.[30]Corporate affairs
Leadership and key personnel
Cyber Group Studios was co-founded in 2005 by Pierre Sissmann and Dominique Bourse, with Sissmann serving as the initial Chairman and CEO until 2023, where he emphasized the company's international strategy through global co-productions. Sissmann, drawing from his prior role as President of The Walt Disney Company EMEA, led the studio's expansion into animated content with worldwide appeal, overseeing key developments like the production of series such as Zou and Gigantosaurus. His tenure focused on forging partnerships with international broadcasters and platforms to distribute content across Europe, Asia, and North America.[31] Dominique Bourse, the co-founder and former Chief Operating Officer, was appointed Chairman and CEO in February 2023, succeeding Sissmann amid the company's strategic pivot toward digital content and recovery from financial pressures. Bourse's expertise in content distribution, honed during his 14-year tenure at Disney before founding the studio, enabled him to oversee the catalog's global sales and creative development, strengthening ties with streaming services and international markets. Under his leadership, Cyber Group Studios pursued innovative distribution models, including exclusive deals with entities like Splash Entertainment.[12] Key executives included Richard Goldsmith, who has served as President and CEO of the USA subsidiary since 2017, managing North American operations, co-productions, and market entry for titles like YayToons. Pierre Belaisch was promoted to Chief Creative Officer in March 2024, succeeding Sissmann and reporting to Bourse; in this role, Belaisch directed the studio's creative vision, building on his prior position as SVP of Creative Development to guide story development and production pipelines. Raphaelle Mathieu held the position of Chief Operating Officer from June 2023 until October 2025, when she departed to launch her own venture, Samax Entertainment; during her time, she managed commercial activities and operational growth across the company's international offices.[20][32][33][34] The 2023 leadership transition from Sissmann to Bourse marked a shift toward digital-first strategies and financial stabilization efforts, though the company ultimately entered judicial recovery in November 2024 and faced total liquidation by April 2025. Sissmann's Disney-honed approach to co-productions laid the foundation for Cyber Group's global footprint, while Bourse's distribution acumen supported catalog monetization during challenging market conditions.[3][5]Subsidiaries and partnerships
Cyber Group Studios expanded its operations through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, enhancing its animation capabilities and global footprint. In 2016, the company acquired Pictor Media, a Paris-based animation producer, to bolster its in-house production resources for animated content. This move allowed Cyber Group to integrate specialized animation expertise into its pipeline.[35] To strengthen its presence in the U.S. market, Cyber Group launched Cyber Group Studios USA in January 2017 as a subsidiary based in Culver City, California. Led initially by Richard Goldsmith as president of global distribution and consumer products, the entity focused on connecting American creative talent with European production teams, facilitating distribution deals and localized content strategies.[20] In 2022, Cyber Group acquired a majority stake in the UK-based A Productions, an award-winning animation studio known for preschool series, to expand its European production capacity. However, following Cyber Group's liquidation in April 2025, A Productions returned to full independent ownership in November 2025, with co-founder Katherine McQueen repurchasing the shares to ensure continuity. That same year, the company took a majority stake in Italy's Graphilm Entertainment, an established studio with a track record of award-winning animations; Graphilm continued independent operations following the 2025 liquidation. To facilitate co-productions tailored for European audiences and incorporate Italian creative talent.[36][37][38][39] Cyber Group also formed key joint ventures and alliances to diversify its offerings. In June 2022, it established CyberSplash Entertainment as a 50-50 joint venture with U.S.-based Splash Entertainment, aimed at producing original animated series and family-oriented feature films for global distribution. Additionally, the company acquired a majority stake in Singapore's Scrawl Animation, leveraging real-time engine technology and motion capture for innovative digital shorts and series; Scrawl continued operations independently after the liquidation. In 2019, Cyber Group collaborated with Thunderbird Entertainment's Atomic Cartoons on licensing and development for The Last Kids on Earth, including a video game adaptation with Outright Games, which extended the franchise into interactive media.[40][41][42][43] These subsidiaries and partnerships strategically broadened Cyber Group's international reach, with Graphilm contributing acclaimed European storytelling and CyberSplash emphasizing family features, ultimately supporting a more robust content ecosystem before the company's challenges in 2025.[38][40]Productions
Television series
Cyber Group Studios specialized in producing and co-producing animated television series for children, primarily using 2D and CGI techniques to create content aimed at ages 3 to 11, with themes ranging from preschool adventures to action-packed sci-fi. The studio's portfolio encompassed over 20 series, many developed through international collaborations involving partners from more than 10 countries, including European broadcasters like France Télévisions and American networks such as Disney Junior and Nickelodeon. This co-production model facilitated global distribution, with many shows licensed to platforms in over 180 territories, enhancing their worldwide reach on channels like Netflix, Cartoon Network, and Boomerang. Among its flagship series, Gigantosaurus (2019–2022) stands out as a CGI-animated dinosaur adventure following four young dinosaurs—Rocky, Bill, Tiny, and Mazu—as they explore the Cretaceous period, confronting the massive Gigantosaurus while learning about friendship and bravery. Co-produced with Kaibou and animated by Blue Spirit Studio, the series comprises three seasons totaling 156 episodes of 11 minutes each and aired on Disney Junior in numerous regions, including the U.S. and Europe, contributing to extensive merchandising and licensing success.[44] Another key preschool offering, Zou (2012–2018), is a CGI series acquired and further produced by the studio, centering on a curious young zebra and his family's everyday escapades, promoting themes of imagination and problem-solving across 156 episodes of 11 minutes. Originally inspired by Michel Gay's books, it was co-developed for Disney EMEA and broadcast on networks like PBS Kids Sprout in the U.S. and CBeebies in the UK, achieving broad international acclaim for its gentle humor. The studio's co-production with Turner Broadcasting resulted in Taffy (2017–present), a 2D flash-animated comedy about a mischievous puppy, Taffy, who disguises himself to outwit a cat while protecting his young owner, featuring 156 episodes of 7 minutes each across two seasons. Aimed at ages 4–7, it emphasizes pet antics and friendship, premiering on Boomerang and expanding to Cartoon Network globally.[45][46] In the sci-fi genre, Droners (2020–2024) delivers high-energy drone-racing action, where a team of teen inventors uses customized drones to thwart environmental threats and corporate villains, spanning 52 episodes of 22 minutes across two seasons. Produced with La Chouette Compagnie and Supamonks Studios, it targets ages 6–11 and aired on TF1 in France and Nicktoons internationally, blending technology and teamwork narratives. More recent additions include Press Start! (2024–present), a 2D parody series inspired by Thomas Flintham's books, satirizing video game worlds through the adventures of gamer kids trapped in pixelated realms, planned for 52 episodes of 11 minutes co-produced for Peacock and France Télévisions (6 episodes aired as of 2024). Aimed at ages 6–10, it highlights digital culture and creativity. Other notable series encompass Sadie Sparks (2019–2020), a magical apprentice comedy with 52 episodes of 11 minutes on Disney Channel; Zorro the Chronicles (2015–2016), a 3D CGI reboot of the swashbuckler legend with 26 episodes of 22 minutes on France 3 and Okto; and 50/50 Heroes (2022–present), a superhero duo action show with 52 episodes of 11 minutes on France Télévisions and Gulli.[47]| Series | Years | Format & Episode Count | Target Age | Key Co-Production Partners | Primary Broadcast Networks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gigantosaurus | 2019–2022 | CGI, 156 x 11 min | 3–6 | Kaibou, Blue Spirit Studio | Disney Junior, Disney+ |
| Zou | 2012–2018 | CGI, 156 x 11 min | 3–5 | Disney EMEA | PBS Kids, CBeebies, Netflix |
| Taffy | 2017–present | 2D, 156 x 7 min | 4–7 | Turner/Boomerang | Boomerang, Cartoon Network |
| Droners | 2020–2024 | 2D/CGI, 52 x 22 min | 6–11 | La Chouette Compagnie, Supamonks | TF1, Nicktoons |
| Press Start! | 2024–present | 2D, 52 x 11 min (6 aired) | 6–10 | France Télévisions | Peacock, Canal+ |
| Sadie Sparks | 2019–2020 | 2D, 52 x 11 min | 6–9 | Disney Channels | Disney Channel, OK3 |
| Zorro the Chronicles | 2015–2016 | 3D CGI, 26 x 22 min | 6–11 | France 3, Method Animation | France 3, Okto |
| 50/50 Heroes | 2022–present | 2D, 52 x 11 min | 6–10 | France Télévisions, Gulli | Gulli, France 5 |