Major European production and distribution groups: Federation Studios

French industry veteran Pascal Breton made his name running Marathon Entertainment for 23 years, producing shows including crime drama Dolmen and TFI soap Sous Le Soleil. He launched production and distribution group Federation Studios in 2013, and among the company’s early shows were Netflix’s first French-language series Marseille and Canal+ spy thriller The Bureau. More recent titles include In Treatment, Your Honor and Around The World In 80 Days.

Federation ramped up its international business from 2021 after securing a $54m (€50m) investment from French private equity firm Montefiore. Its extensive roster of labels now includes the UK’s Vertigo Films, France’s Bonne Pioche and Italy’s Fabula Pictures.

The company also has a foothold in the US — among its labels there is Picture Perfect Federation, launched in partnership with ex-Lionsgate boss Patrick Wachsberger. Marco Chimenz, the former head of Italy’s Cattleya, recently joined Federation as co-­managing director.

The banner also moved into film sales, launching international sales division Ginger & Fed in October 2023. Federation plans to deliver 25 series and 20 features in 2024, as well as continuing to acquire two to three companies a year and creating new joint ventures with a focus on the UK, South America, Spain and Scandinavia.

Looking ahead, George Clooney is attached as director and producer on a Paramount-­backed US remake of The Bureau.

Montefiore is planning to sell its stake in Federation, so Breton is now looking for a bigger investor to further grow the company.

• In focus: the major European production and distribution groups