StudioCanal promotes Aska Yamaguchi to SVP of worldwide TV production financing and US film sales

MIPCOM: France’s StudioCanal is promoting Aska Yamaguchi as to senior VP of worldwide TV production financing and US film sales.

Aska Yamaguchi

Based in Paris, Yamaguchi will report to Anne Chérel, chief commercial officer at StudioCanal, it was announced on Tuesday here in Cannes.

In this newly created role, Yamaguchi will lead the financing strategy in support of StudioCanal’s worldwide TV expansion while continuing to oversee US film sales alongside Chloé Marquet, working across both the company’s film and television divisions.

She will be responsible for structuring and fostering partnerships with major broadcasters and platforms primarily on StudioCanal’s recently launched English language in-house TV productions. Given the studio’s presence in other regional markets, Yamaguchi will also support initiatives to finance local language productions.

A Los Angeles native, Yamaguchi relocated to Paris in 2015 to join StudioCanal where she held various senior executive roles.

Chérel said: “Aska Yamaguchi’s promotion marks a significant step in StudioCanal’s ongoing global growth. She combines deep market expertise with a passion for bold storytelling and a track record of cultivating world-class business partnerships. Her leadership will be key as we expand our co-production ambitions.”

Yamaguchi adds: “The company has a rich legacy of supporting visionary filmmakers and series creators across borders. I look forward to furthering that mission by championing ambitious, globally minded stories and forging meaningful partnerships that resonate with audiences everywhere.”

StudioCanal’s current international TV slate includes Ronan Bennett’s political thriller Army of Shadows (Channel 4/Canal+), the forthcoming thriller Hit Point (UKTV), and Apollo Has Fallen, the second installment of the global hit Has Fallen franchise.

On the Films side, StudioCanal is currently in post-production on Pressure from Anthony Maras starring Brendan Fraser and Andrew Scott and Glen Powell starrer Huntington – working title – both coming to cinemas worldwide in 2026.

Last week the company reorganised its Worldwide Television division under managing director M-K Kennedy and made a number of senior appointments.