Lionel Uzan succeeds Pascal Breton as president of Federation Studios amid restructure

Federation Studios co-founder and MD Lionel Uzan is succeeding fellow co-founder Pascal Breton as president of the French producer, which has a new majority shareholder.

Lionel Uzan

Breton is transitioning to chairman of the supervisory board and remains “fully involved” in Federation’s development as both a shareholder and producer, according to the company.

The restructure also includes a change in Federation’s ownership structure, with investment firm Montefiore becoming majority shareholder, having previously held a minority stake. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Uzan will be supported by an executive board comprising deputy MD Éric Broet, chief productions officer Cosette Liebgott, chief operating officer Simona Rapino and chief legal officer Chiraz Zribi.

It comes after Uzan became sole MD of the Paris-headquartered company earlier this year, when Marco Chimenz stepped down as co-MD after two and a half years in the role.

Pascal Breton

Meanwhile, Federation said it will refocus its strategy on its “most promising markets” and on scripted content.

The company said in a statement: “This move will strengthen Federation Studios’ equity base and significantly reduce its debt level, providing the means to accelerate its growth.”

Launched in 2013, Federation Studios initially focused on high-end French dramas and kids/family content, before expanding the range and depth of its portfolio.

The group includes Federation Studio France, Bonne Pioche, Cheyenne Federation, Federation Stories, Fabula Pictures, Empreinte Digitale, Habanita Federation, Picture Perfect Federation and Federation Spain, while it also operates distribution arm Federation International.

It has been behind series such as The Bureau, Around the World in 80 Days, Bardot, Deadly Tropics, Sherlock & Daughter and Lucky Luke.