La Chouette Co. Celebrates 10 Years with Launch of New 2D Anime Studio

French animation prodco La Chouette this year marks its 10th anniversary and, ahead of Annecy Festival, is starting its next chapter with the launch of Chouette Studio: A facility dedicated to delivering 2D “anime” animation for international producer- partners. The new outfit is co-founded by Charles Lefebvre, who has served as Director & Creative Director at La Chouette for past seven years.

“We’re proud of how far we’ve come in this decade,” said Mariam Hachmi, CEO of La Chouette Co. “We’re putting a piece back into the machine for another round, this time in the company of our dearest Charles Lefebvre, a brilliant director with exceptional artistic and technical vision. Working with him for many years has been a privilege, and I’m honored that he’s joining us for this new step with Chouette Studio.”

The studio’s initial production slate is highlighted by Dragon Striker for Disney+ and Dreamland for ADN. The Chouette teams are already working on other projects in partnership with major American and Japanese properties, to be announced in 2025.

Dragon Striker (22 x 22′) was announced by Disney TV in 2022. The series is produced by Cyber Group Studios and La Chouette Compagnie for Disney EMEA, created and produced by Sylvain Dos Santos, directed by Lefebvre, with Paul McKeown as head writer.

When the world’s most popular sport combines with magic, awesomeness escalates quicker than a dragon-powered strike! In this action-packed adventure full of comedy and high-stakes sports drama, elite players have magical signature moves they can use on the pitch. Twelve-year-old Key is a farm-boy fanboy who can only dream of entering the famous school where the greatest players train before joining the big leagues — until he discovers he has his own ultra-powerful spell and may even be the legendary Dragon Striker. Key joins a team of hapless underdogs who band together to take on the school champions, all the while fighting to prevent an ancient evil from resurfacing.

Dreamland (5 x 22′) is a YA comedy-adventure-fantasy series based on the French manga of the same name, published by Dupuis. Directed by Joe Celse and written by Antoine Maurel and Jean-Luc Cano, the adaptation is produced by Ellipse Anime, Dupuis Edition & Audiovisuel and La Chouette Compagnie for ADN (Animation Digital Network).

Ever since his mother died in a fire, Terrence has secluded himself in an emotionless world. He goes through his daily teenager life apathetically… with one exception! The simple sight of a flame plunges him into a world of fear, an awaken version of his nightmares — for, every time he falls asleep, he helplessly relieves the tragic event, thus rekindling his pyrophobia. Until that one night he can’t bear it anymore and stops running away from the devilish flames. Little does he know that, by doing so, he overcame his greatest fear and became a Traveler: a very special kind of Dreamer, able to explore Dreamland, the dimension born from mankind’s dreams … and nightmares!

Dos Santos, CCO of La Chouette Co., commented “Chouette Studio is the result of many years of passionate work from our teams for anime culture and traditional 2D animation. We look forward to sharing our savoir-faire with new partners.”

A graduate of the famous Gobelins animation school (2008), Charles Lefebvre has been working in the animation and video game industry for 15 years. He has held various positions, including animator, layout, art director, storyboard manager and director. He is currently director of Dragon Striker and character designer on Final Fantasy IX – The Animated Series. Lefebvre is also co-creator of the Baidir series.

“After almost a decade with La Chouette Compagnie, it is with immense joy and great honor that I take this new step as a partner,” said Lefebvre. “Happy to bring my expertise, I am determined to actively contribute to the growth and influence of our studio. Together, armed with our passion and know-how, let’s continue to innovate and create the projects of tomorrow.”

Founded in 2014, La Chouette Compagnie develops, produces and operates animated series in partnership with leading French and international players in the industry. Its catalog includes Droners (52 x 22’), Imago (26 x 22’) and Azuro & the Dragon Squad (52 x 11’) In 2024, the company is producing Taki (52 x 7′) for France Télévisions, Dragon Striker and Dreamland for ADN. In addition, the studio is developing The Epic Time Leap (10 x 11’) for Adult Swim, as well as numerous original creations and adaptations of famous IPs.

The company has a creative studio in Montreuil and a second production studio in Angoulême, and since September 2022, its international distribution & strategy division.

The Chouette team will be in Annecy for MIFA next week, exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

en.chouetteco.com