In a significant move for one of Europe’s leading independent animation studios, Marco Balsamo has been appointed as the new President and CEO of TeamTO, following its acquisition by Riva Studios Productions in December 2024. This transition marks a new era for the studio, which has established a strong reputation in the animation industry.
Balsamo, an accomplished Italian-American filmmaker and entrepreneur at just 33 years old, is set to oversee both the operational and creative aspects of TeamTO, aiming to steer the studio towards growth in an ever-changing animation landscape. He expressed his commitment to preserving the studio’s rich legacy while enhancing its global presence, stating, “We aim to expand our collaborations with international partners and solidify TeamTO’s standing as an industry leader in producing original content and premium production services.”
The new ownership group, co-founded by Balsamo and Tara Sibel Demren, has partnered with filmmaker Jay Oliva—known for his work on acclaimed titles such as “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns”—and investor Peter Bekkerman to secure the studio’s future. This acquisition coincides with TeamTO’s 20th anniversary, representing a crucial juncture in its history.
In an effort to maintain TeamTO’s legacy, Riva Studios has decided to keep 90% of its workforce. The new leadership team includes long-standing TeamTO executives such as Clélia Santi (Head of Studios, Paris), Carole Toledo (Head of Studios, Valence), and Jean-Baptiste Spieser (Chief Technology Officer), among others. Balsamo will also serve as a producer, with creative announcements expected soon.
Despite initial plans for the studio’s co-founders, Guillaume Hellouin and Corrine Kouper, to remain post-acquisition, they will not continue with TeamTO. “It’s a tough decision for them, and we respect that,” Balsamo said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the studio’s core spirit while retaining talented staff.
Under the new direction, TeamTO is excited to broaden its creative output. The studio intends to merge its esteemed children’s series like “Angelo Rules” and “Jade Armor” with groundbreaking new content aimed at adult audiences. This includes an ambitious lineup with projects such as “Akira’s Flying Wheelchair” and “The Adventures of Amir Hamza,” among others.
Balsamo highlighted the enthusiasm surrounding adult animation, noting the influence Oliva will have as they develop various projects, for which they are currently exploring a diverse range of styles from comedy to psychological thrills.
Additionally, Balsamo’s strategy as CEO includes diversifying TeamTO’s production catalog to maintain its competitiveness, working closely with Oliva and Demren to innovate new projects that push creative boundaries. Beyond his executive duties, he will also engage in creative roles as a showrunner, writer, and director.
Having witnessed TeamTO’s financial challenges last year, Balsamo and Demren recognized the urgency for solutions, leading to their fortuitous meeting with Oliva, which catalyzed the acquisition process. “The rapid way this deal unfolded feels almost surreal,” Balsamo remarked. “In an industry facing layoffs and potential studio closures, we couldn’t allow a studio of TeamTO’s caliber to disappear. We are committed to preserving its independent spirit, and I’m thrilled to work alongside such a talented team on this journey.”
Read more about this topic:
Animation Studio TeamTo Sets Up Post-Acquisition Leadership Structure
