Mediawan Kids & Family Expands with Microdrama Initiative and Establishes Asia Partnerships in Content Push

Mediawan Kids & Family Bets on Short-form Animation, Navigates Monetization challenges

Paris, France – November 5, 2025 – Mediawan Kids & Family is making a meaningful foray into the rapidly evolving world of short-form video content, announcing plans to launch its frist vertical animation microdrama series next year. The announcement, made at the taiwan Creative Content Fest, signals a major strategic shift for the production and distribution giant.

The Rise of Microdramas and a Changing Landscape

According to a recent report by Statista, short-form video consumption has increased by 60% globally in the last year, driven by platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts. Mediawan Kids & Family President Julien borde emphasized the industry’s readiness for this trend,particularly noting the success of this format in Asian markets. “The writers know very well how to tell a story in very, very short form,” Borde stated during a panel discussion.

The company, wich includes Method Animation – the studio behind the popular “The Little Prince” franchise – operates over 80 production companies worldwide. Borde acknowledged a gap between Asia‘s advanced micro-content ecosystem and that of Europe and North America, but expressed optimism about the format’s untapped potential.

Monetization and Funding: Key Hurdles

The transition to microdramas isn’t without its challenges. Laurent Duvault, Vice President of Business Development and Audiovisual Rights at Media Participations-Mediatoon, highlighted the difficulties in securing appropriate funding in Europe. duvault explained that existing subsidy systems frequently enough fail to recognize short-form content as original work, incorrectly categorizing it as repurposed material.

“People keep thinking it’s recycling content when it’s actually brand new content,” Duvault asserted, stressing the need for “a healthy business model and healthy subsidies model.”

Exploring New Revenue Streams and Partnerships

to address these challenges,Mediawan is exploring option monetization strategies. Borde suggested that micro-payment systems – already prevalent in Asia – could be integrated with traditional subscription models. Several European platforms are currently testing micro-payment options, and Mediawan is closely monitoring their performance.

The company is also strengthening its partnerships in Asia, specifically in taiwan. Jean-Yves Patay,Chief Operating Officer,has made multiple trips to Taiwan,resulting in three co-productions – one television series and two feature films. “We are here for the long run and for building very strong partnerships between Taiwan and France,” Borde affirmed.

Leveraging Evergreen IP and Fresh Voices

Media Participations currently has nearly 200 projects in development globally, with 20% located outside of France, including projects in America, Germany, England, Mexico, and China. A notable project is “Bob & Marley,” an animation featuring a Taiwanese bear character, developed in collaboration with local producers.

The company also places significant value on “evergreen” intellectual properties – characters and stories that have endured for decades. Examples include “The Little Prince” and “Astro Boy”.Duvault noted that Media Participations is currently relaunching “The Marsupilamis” for Nickelodeon, a testament to the potential of revitalizing established franchises. However,he cautioned that revisiting beloved characters carries a risk,as new iterations must meet the expectations of devoted fans.

IP Strategy	Description	Example
evergreen IP	Reviving classic,enduring characters.	“The Marsupilamis” for Nickelodeon
Fresh IP	Developing new properties with existing fanbases.	“Ki and Hi” (French manga)

Navigating the Streaming Landscape

Both Mediawan and Media Participations acknowledge the evolving dynamics of working with major streaming services. Borde noted a decline in opportunities on traditional pay television and a more competitive landscape among streaming platforms. Despite these challenges, he praised the value added by partners like Disney, Warner, and Nickelodeon. Duvault highlighted differing approaches between streaming services regarding animation versus live-action content,noting the legal complexities involved in international co-productions.

“The payback would be better than the paycheck”, Duvault said, pointing to the long-term economic potential of successful animated series.

The Enduring Power of Intellectual Property

The strategy of combining both established and original intellectual property reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry.While classic characters provide a built-in audience and brand recognition, investing in new voices and innovative stories is crucial for long-term sustainability. This balanced approach allows companies to capitalize on nostalgia while together shaping the future of animation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mediawan’s Strategy

• What is a microdrama, and why is it gaining popularity? Microdramas are short-form animated videos, typically designed for vertical viewing on mobile devices, that have seen rapid growth due to their accessibility and engaging storytelling.
• What challenges does Mediawan face in monetizing microdramas? European subsidy systems are not yet fully adapted to support this new format, and finding viable revenue streams beyond traditional models is a key challenge.
• How vital are partnerships with Asian studios to Mediawan’s strategy? Partnerships with Asian studios, especially in Taiwan, are vital for leveraging their expertise in micro-content creation and accessing new audiences.
• What role does ‘evergreen’ IP play in Mediawan’s content strategy? Evergreen IP provides a foundation of established characters and storylines, while allowing for innovative reinterpretations to appeal to new generations.
• What is Mediawan doing to support original content creation? Mediawan is committed to investing in new talent and fresh voices, recognizing that original ideas are essential for sustained growth and innovation.

What new animation trends do you foresee dominating the market in the next five years? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

do you think micro-payment systems will become mainstream for accessing short-form video content?

How might the rise of microdramas impact customary, longer-form children’s television programming?

The Rise of Microdramas in Children’s Entertainment

Mediawan Kids & Family is making meaningful moves to bolster its global presence, focusing heavily on the burgeoning trend of “microdramas” for young audiences.these short-form, high-impact narratives – typically ranging from 5 to 15 minutes per episode – are proving incredibly popular, particularly on platforms like YouTube Kids and TikTok. This strategic shift acknowledges changing consumption habits, with children increasingly favoring bite-sized content.

* Key Characteristics of Microdramas: Fast-paced storylines, relatable characters, and visually engaging animation are hallmarks of this format.

* Platform Focus: YouTube, TikTok, and dedicated streaming services are the primary distribution channels.

* Target Demographic: Primarily aimed at the 6-12 age group, but increasingly attracting younger viewers.

This initiative isn’t simply about shortening existing formats; it’s about crafting stories specifically for this condensed timeframe.Mediawan is investing in dedicated writing and production teams to develop original microdrama concepts. the appeal lies in thier accessibility and shareability, driving organic growth and brand awareness. Related search terms include “short-form kids content,” “digital kids entertainment,” and “children’s video trends.”

Strategic Partnerships Across Asia: A content Expansion

A cornerstone of Mediawan Kids & Family’s expansion is a series of strategic partnerships across key Asian markets. These collaborations are designed to both distribute existing content and co-produce new, locally relevant programming.

Key Partnerships & Territories

* China: Collaboration with a leading Chinese animation studio to co-develop a series based on a popular children’s book franchise. This partnership aims to tap into the massive Chinese animation market.

* South Korea: A distribution agreement with a major Korean broadcaster to air Mediawan’s existing catalog of animated series.South Korea is a significant player in the global animation industry.

* Japan: Exploration of co-production opportunities with Japanese studios known for their innovative animation techniques and storytelling. This aligns with Mediawan’s commitment to high-quality content.

* Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines): Partnerships with regional streaming platforms to increase accessibility of Mediawan’s content to a wider audience. This is a rapidly growing market for children’s entertainment.

these partnerships aren’t just about licensing deals. Mediawan is actively seeking to establish long-term relationships that foster creative collaboration and knowledge sharing. The focus is on creating content that resonates with local cultures and preferences. keywords to consider: “Asian animation market,” “kids content distribution Asia,” “international co-productions.”

Benefits of the Microdrama & Asia Strategy

The combined strategy of embracing microdramas and expanding into Asia offers several key benefits for Mediawan Kids & Family:

1. Increased reach: Access to new and rapidly growing markets in asia.
2. Enhanced Engagement: Microdramas cater to shorter attention spans and drive higher completion rates.
3. Revenue Diversification: New revenue streams from licensing, distribution, and co-production deals.
4. Brand Building: Establishing Mediawan Kids & Family as a leading provider of innovative and culturally relevant children’s entertainment.
5. Content Innovation: Pushing creative boundaries with the microdrama format.

Real-World Example: The Success of “petit Malabar”

While not directly a microdrama, the success of Mediawan Kids & Family’s Petit Malabar demonstrates their ability to create globally appealing content. The series,originally produced for French television,has been sold to over 30 countries and translated into multiple languages.This success highlights the potential for international distribution and the importance of strong storytelling. Petit Malabar‘s success is attributed to its universal themes of friendship and adventure, making it relatable to children across different cultures. This experience informs their approach to Asian partnerships,emphasizing the need for content that transcends cultural boundaries while remaining locally relevant. Related terms: “triumphant kids TV shows,” “international animation sales,” “global children’s programming.”

Practical Tips for Content Creators Targeting the Asian Market

For content creators looking to break into the Asian market, here are a few practical tips:

* Localize, Don’t Just Translate: Cultural nuances are crucial. Adapt content to resonate with local values and traditions.

* Understand Platform preferences: Different platforms are popular in different regions. Tailor content to the specific platform.

* Collaborate with Local Talent: Partner with local writers, animators, and voice actors to ensure authenticity.

* Research Market Trends: Stay up-to-date on the latest trends in children’s entertainment in each target market.

* Focus on Universal Themes: While localization is important,universal themes like friendship,family,and adventure are always appealing.