Newen Studios takes full control of Spain’s Kubik Films as part of Euro expansion

France’s Newen Studios is continuing its European expansion by increasing its stake in Spain’s Kubik Films to a majority holding.

Alberto and Jorge Sánchez-Cabezudo

Kubik Films was founded by brothers Alberto and Jorge Sánchez-Cabezudo in 2016 and its first show was La Zona for Movistar+, which later aired on Starz, Canal+ in France, ZDF in Germany, Amazon Prime Video Italy and in several other European countries and in Latin America on HBO.

Newen acquired a minority stake in the business in May 2021 and today announced it has upped its interest. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Jorge is a renowned director in Spain and both brothers have screenwriter and creator credits on feature film La noche de los girasoles and Spanish series Crematorio.

The pair have also been involved in writing and directing television series like Gran Hotel, Velvet and Bajo Sospecha.

Kubik Films is currently developing multiple television series projects and is in the final stages of post-production for a six-episode series set to premiere on an international platform in the spring of 2024.

Philippe Levasseur, head of the international department at Newen Studios, said: “This investment is the natural continuation of our minority stake in Kubik Films in 2021. Over the past two years, Alberto, Jorge, and the Newen Studios teams have developed very strong bonds. The company has delivered on all its promises, thanks to the creativity and solid presence of Alberto, Jorge and their team in the Spanish creative community.”

The brothers said in a statement: “The collaboration with Newen Studios over the past few years has been excellent and the working relationships have been very enriching. Our goal is to continue developing ambitious projects with international appeal, and for that, we are confident that we have the best partners for the journey ahead.”

The deal marks TF1-owned Newen Studios’ continued expansion into Spanish-speaking territories. The group is already the majority shareholder in the Izen Group, which includes Zebra Producciones, BocaBoca, EuroTV Producciones, Hill Valley and Proima Zebrastur, IndaloYMedia, Capa Espana and Newco.

Izen is also present in Latin America with Cacao Productions, a joint venture created with Argentinian producer Non Stop, which has offices in Madrid and Mexico City and will also produce content for the huge Spanish-speaking market.