After facing near collapse last year, renowned French animation studio TeamTO has unveiled a bold reinvention and expansion plan at the Annecy International Animation Festival 2025. Purchased in late 2024 by Italy’s Riva Studios for €2.6 million ($3 million) following a competitive auction, the studio is now under the leadership of new CEO Marco Balsamo, who is steering the company into new creative territories.
Balsamo introduced six upcoming shows, including SKWAD!, TeamTO’s first adult-oriented 2D comedy set in the MMA fighting world, and Infinity, a cinematic adult action-drama from acclaimed director Jay Oliva. The slate also includes Shadow Soccer, an anime-inspired supernatural sports drama reflecting Balsamo’s passion for soccer, as well as What’s Up, Eesha?, a whimsical preschool series co-produced with Italy’s Maga Animation and Belgium’s UMedia. Other titles are the Greek mythology-inspired Next Level: Odyssey and the sci-fi family comedy H.O.M.E., featuring a household living inside a retired intergalactic battle robot.
While CGI remains the core of TeamTO’s expertise, Balsamo emphasized the studio’s commitment to diversifying into 2D animation and adult content. The company plans a balanced approach, splitting resources roughly 50/50 between original intellectual property (IP) development and production services.
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Initially, Balsamo and his team considered acquiring TeamTO to reclaim an IP called Junichiro Jackson, but quickly recognized the value of the entire “turnkey” operation. Despite previous ownership’s failure due to overexpansion and the 2023 U.S. labor strikes, approximately 90% of TeamTO’s staff remain employed under the new management.
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Balsamo acknowledged the industry’s challenges, from layoffs to the rise of artificial intelligence, calling for unity among studios, broadcasters, and partners. “Tribalism has to go… studios, executives, partners and broadcasters really need to champion stories,” he urged.
In addition to content, TeamTO is launching new proprietary technologies at Annecy, including Tangerine, a real-time animation platform that boosts animator productivity by up to 30%, and Yuzu, a production management tool providing real-time workflow visibility.
With renewed vision and innovative tools, TeamTO aims to reclaim its status as a premier animation studio in a rapidly evolving market.
