Xilam bolsters China team

French producer Xilam Animation has named a former Amuse exec as head of business development for China.

Manya Zhou

Manya Zhou will develop Xilam’s strategy in China in the newly created role, including managing local linear and digital distribution, L&M and coproduction opportunities.

Zhou will also form strategic partnerships and build market awareness of Xilam’s IP, which includes Oggy and the Cockroaches, Zig & Sharko, Paprika, Mr Magoo and Moka.

Based in Paris, Zhou will report to Morgann Favennec, executive VP of global sales development. She previously worked at digital producer and distributor Amuse, a subsidiary of fellow French firm Millimages, leading the Asian team and handling coproduction, investment and licensing opportunities with Chinese partners.

Zhou has also had spells as at Spideo, the Festival National du Film d’animation and Festival Ciné-Jeune de l’Aisne.

“China represents a huge growth opportunity for us and with her wealth of experience and comprehensive knowledge of the market, we’re confident she will play a pivotal role in not only maximising the local potential of our existing IP, but also forging new partnerships to deepen our presence in the region,” Favennec said of Zhou’s appointment.

Zhou follows her former Amuse colleague Charles Courcier in taking on a senior role at Xilam. Courcier joined the company in June to oversee its expansion across YouTube and other AVoD platforms.