Superprod Adds Kids First to Catalog in Watch Next Media Merger

In a significant development for the animation and digital content industry, Superprod Group and Watch Next Media have announced a groundbreaking strategic merger of their catalogs and digital channels. This merger marks the first major synergy between Watch Next and Superprod following a strategic partnership launched in October 2024.

Starting March 31, series distributed by Watch Next’s Kids First, including “Hello Kitty Superstyle!,” “Nate is Late,” “Mr. Men,” and numerous others, will join the catalog of Superights, the international sales division of Superprod. This integration will offer buyers worldwide a broader selection of high-quality children’s programs, totaling more than 1,000 half-hours of animation and live-action content.

Simultaneously, Kids First, recently rebranded as Kids First Digital, will place a greater emphasis on digital channel publishing and the monetization of children’s programming on revenue-sharing VOD platforms. Having accumulated over 125 million views last year across 20 YouTube channels in four different languages, the company will expand further in 2025 with the addition of “Pat the Dog,” “Hélène’s Little School,” and “Geronimo Stilton,” alongside the launch of new seasons of “Nate is Late” and “Barbapapa.”

Kids First Digital will also utilize its exclusive tools and access to assist third-party producers in enhancing the visibility and revenue of their intellectual properties. Through these two complementary entities, the Superprod Group is solidifying its position in international distribution and digital exploitation, aiming to provide customized solutions that cater to the ever-changing needs of its subsidiaries and third-party producers.

Nathalie Pinguet, Deputy Managing Director of Acquisitions and International Sales at Superights, emphasized the significance of this merger: “This merger marks a crucial step in our growth strategy. By integrating Kids First’s catalog, we are strengthening our ability to offer broadcasters around the world high-quality complementary content to meet their diverse needs.”

Eduardo Nolla, Head of Digital at Kids First, added: “Superprod’s series will enable Kids First Digital to reach a new level in digital distribution, fully leveraging the growth of ADVOD platforms worldwide.”

In October 2024, Superprod Group acquired a majority stake in French animation producer Watch Next Media. Under the terms of that deal, Watch Next will continue to operate independently, with studio founder Philippe Alessandri remaining in charge of the outfit. The move will allow Watch Next to improve its CG animation capabilities and output and give the company access to more financial opportunities8.

Watch Next joined a lineup of Superprod companies that includes Superprod Animation (“Paddington,” “Miffy”), Melusine (“Wolfwalkers,” “The Summit of the Gods”), Redmonk Studio (“Underdog,” “Spirit Rangers”) and The Co-Production Company (“Iyanu”). Superprod Group also produces live-action films and series through its subsidiaries.