Mediawan enters into strategic partnership with Chinese manufacturing giant BYD

BYD’s Stella Li and Mediawan’s Pierre Antoine Capton

French media group Mediawan has forged a strategic partnership with BYD, the Chinese conglomerate known for manufacturing cars and electronics.

Under the multi-faceted partnership, the companies said they will develop original formats “inspired” by the BYD brand. One example of the partnership will see Ladybug, a character from the French series Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, introducing a special episode of the YouTube series Miraculous Chibi.

In addition, the BYD brand will be featured in various ways across Mediawan productions, including BYD vehicles being integrated into the theatrical feature Miraculous.

The companies will also establish a new award, the Build Your Dreams award, to recognise emerging creative talents over the next three years. The award will include a €40,000 (US$46,000) grant and be handed out during the Cannes Film Festival each year.

Pierre-Antoine Capton, chairman and co-founder of Mediawan Group, said the partnership embodies the company’s objective to champion creative excellence through innovative new partneships.

“In today’s landscape – where demand for content is booming across every platform – increasingly involving brands as partners in our productions is becoming essential as it allows us to innovate at scale and invest in ambitious projects both locally and internationally.”

BYD executive VP Stella Li added: “By joining forces with one of Europe’s most visionary studios, we’re not just supporting the arts – we’re empowering the next generation of storytellers to dream beyond boundaries and share meaningful stories that move the world.”