Last month, French studio TeamTO announced a potential acquisition by Italian-based RIVA Studios. Founded in 2022 by Demren and Balsamo, RIVA Studios is a production company that develops, co-finances, and produces original content across animation and live-action. The acquisition was officially approved by the Tribunal de Commerce de Paris (Commercial Court of Paris) today.
RIVA’s ambitious and visionary plan will take TeamTO toward a brighter future as the studio approaches its 20th anniversary in 2025.
Official details and press release below:
Following a highly-competitive bidding process, Italian-based RIVA Studios has emerged victorious in acquiring TeamTO, saving the beloved French animation studio from bankruptcy. With a dynamic new executive team led by Marco Balsamo, Jay Oliveand Tara Sibel DemrenRIVA’s ambitious and visionary plan will take TeamTO toward a brighter future as the studio approaches its 20th anniversary in 2025. The acquisition was officially approved by the Tribunal de Commerce de Paris (Commercial Court of Paris) today.
“TeamTO set a world-class standard for animation and this is a pivotal moment for the studio. Under this new direction, we’re not just continuing the studio’s legacy – we’re building a stronger, more ambitious company that’s ready to elevate that standard and redefine what’s possible,” shared Balsamo. “With our team’s vast experience, passion, and bold vision for the future, we’re ready to break new ground and shape the future of the industry that we all love”
Under this new leadership team, TeamTO will continue delivering acclaimed content, including Sony Pictures Television Kids’ THE CREATURE CASES as well as original hits JADE ARMOR and ANGELO RULES. Additionally, they will focus on developing new original franchises, including: JUNICHIRO JACKSON, AKIRA’S FLYING WHEELCHAIR, YELLOW CELLO, CRADLE: UNSOULED, ERA: THE LEGEND OF LUGHand Corvus Belli’s INFINITY: PARADISE LOST.
“Opportunities like this are rare and I couldn’t be more excited to help lead TeamTO into a new era. In today’s evolving animation landscape, this is a golden opportunity to expand the studio into uncharted territories that will push creative boundaries through innovative visual styles and immersive stories that will inspire audiences around the world,” added Oliva. “I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s next!”
The studio will continue operating from Valence and Paris, retaining a majority of its staff to ensure a seamless transition on all current and upcoming series and films. TeamTO founders Guillaume Hellouin and Corinne Kouper will continue as executive advisors while also serving as executive producers on current and upcoming projects. They will work closely with the new leadership team to ensure seamless collaboration on all productions.
“We couldn’t be happier as we know this leadership team will honor our two decades of creative excellence with a visionary plan that will ensure TeamTO’s success for another 20 years and beyond,” said Hellouin.
About RIVA Studios
Founded in 2022 by Tara Sibel Demren and Marco Balsamo, RIVA Studios is a production company that develops, co-finances, and produces original content across animation and live-action. The studio’s debut live-action film, FORCE – an upcoming sports drama written and directed by Marco Balsamo—is currently in post-production and slated for theatrical release in the Summer of 2025. This milestone marks RIVA Studios’ first venture into live-action filmmaking. Beyond Forza, RIVA is actively developing a diverse slate of original IPs through a creative partnership with Lex & Otis Studios, led by award-winning director Jay Oliva. These projects span genres, formats, and cultures, further reinforcing RIVA’s commitment to global storytelling. With a mission to push boundaries and celebrate the power of diverse perspectives, RIVA Studios continues to craft stories that resonate with audiences around the globe.
About TeamTO
Founded in 2005 by Guillaume Hellouin, Corinne Kouper, and Caroline Souris, TeamTO is a Paris-based animation studio specializing in original content, creative partnerships, and bringing universal stories to life. TeamTO’s productions air on leading platforms and networks worldwide, including Netflix, Cartoon Network, YouTube, France Télévisions, Canal+, ITV, and Super RTL. The studio’s original series include Jade Armor, Behind the Beats, Mighty Mikethe Emmy®-nominated Angelo Rules, Presto! School of Magicand the feature film yellowbird. TeamTO has also collaborated on high-profile third-party productions such as DreamWorks Animation’s Dew Drop DiariesPlarium’s RAID: Call of the ArbiterSony Pictures Television – Kids’ The Creature CasesNetflix’s City of GhostseOne’s PJ Masks, Kiya & the Kimoja Heroesand Ricky Zoomas well as Activision Blizzard’s Skylanders Academy. With over 500 artists, TeamTO operates two cutting-edge studios in Paris and Valence, along with offices in Beijing and Los Angeles. In 2023, the company relocated its Paris office to one of France’s most eco-friendly, energy-efficient CG studios—a project born from 15 years of environmental research by founder Guillaume Hellouin, CTO Jean-Baptiste Spieser, and their progressive technical team.
