// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did TeamTO say to the ball? You're on our team to.
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 | |
| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Animation |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Headquarters | 20 Rue de la Pierre Levée, 75011, Paris, FR, , |
Number of locations | Bourg-lès-Valence, France (2015)[1] Los Angeles, California, U.S. (2011)[2] Beijing, China (2016)[2] |
Area served | International |
Key people | Marco Balsamo (President and CEO)[3] Tara Sibel (COO and Deputy CEO)[4] |
| Services | Animations ServicesAnimation ProductionAnimation Software Technology |
| Parent | RIVA Studios (2024–present) |
| Subsidiaries | TeamTO USA TeamTOKO[5] Citrus Software |
| Website | teamto |
TeamTO (pronounced “team-toe”)[a] is a French animation studio headquartered in Paris and Valence, France. The company develops, finances, produces, and provides animation services for animated television series and feature films. Since December 2024, TeamTO has operated as a subsidiary of RIVA Studios, an independent Italian-American production studio founded by Marco Balsamo and Tara Sibel.[6]
Founded in 2005, TeamTO became one of France’s leading independent animation studios. The company is known for producing and contributing to internationally distributed animated series including Angelo Rules, Rabbids Invasion, PJ Masks, Mighty Mike, The Creature Cases, Jade Armor, and Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes. Throughout its history, TeamTO has collaborated with broadcasters, streaming platforms, and production companies including Disney Television Animation, DreamWorks Animation Television, Netflix Animation, Sony Pictures Television Kids, France Télévisions, Ubisoft Film & Television, and The Tetris Company.
Following judicial restructuring proceedings in 2024, TeamTO was acquired by RIVA Studios.[7] Since February 2025, the company has been led by President and Chief Executive Officer Marco Balsamo.[8] Under its new ownership, TeamTO has expanded beyond its traditional focus on computer-generated children’s animation through investments in original intellectual property, 2D animation, anime-inspired productions, proprietary production technology, and productions for teen and adult audiences, while continuing to provide animation production services for third-party clients.
History
[edit]Founding and Growth (2005-2024)
[edit]TeamTO was founded in 2005 by Guillaume Hellouin, Corinne Kouper, and Caroline Souris as an independent French animation studio specializing in computer-generated animation. The company established its headquarters in Paris and later expanded its production operations to Valence,[9] where it developed one of Europe’s largest computer-generated animation production facilities. During its expansion, TeamTO also established international offices in Los Angeles, London, and Beijing to support business development, international co-productions, and client relations.
During the late 2000s and 2010s, TeamTO established itself as both an original content producer and a provider of animation services for international productions. The company produced or co-produced animated series including Angelo Rules, Hareport, Oscar’s Oasis, Plankton Invasion, Rabbids Invasion, Mighty Mike, Jade Armor, The Creature Cases, and Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes.
Alongside its original productions, TeamTO provided animation services for numerous international series, including Sofia the First and Elena of Avalor for Disney Television Animation, Skylanders Academy for Activision Blizzard Studios, City of Ghosts for Netflix Animation, and Dew Drop Diaries for DreamWorks Animation Television.
Over the following two decades, TeamTO became known for its computer-generated television animation and collaborated with broadcasters, distributors, streaming platforms, and production companies throughout Europe, North America, and Asia.
Judicial restructuring and acquisition (2024)
[edit]In October 2024, TeamTO entered judicial restructuring (redressement judiciaire) proceedings following financial difficulties affecting both the company and the wider animation industry.[10] The proceedings were initiated by the Paris Commercial Court to allow the company to restructure while maintaining its operations.[11]
During the restructuring process, RIVA Studios entered negotiations to acquire TeamTO’s assets and business operations. On 5 December 2024, the French Commercial Court approved the acquisition, transferring ownership of the company to RIVA Studios.[7]
The acquisition enabled TeamTO to continue its operations, preserve its production pipeline, maintain relationships with existing clients and partners, and retain a significant portion of its workforce under new ownership.
New Ownership (2025 - Present)
[edit]In February 2025, Marco Balsamo was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of TeamTO[8] with Tara Sibel serving as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer.[12]
Following the acquisition, the company broadened its strategic focus beyond computer-generated children’s programming by investing in original intellectual property, 2D animation, productions aimed at teen and adult audiences, and proprietary production technologies while continuing to provide animation production services.[13][14]
In 2026, TeamTO launched TeamTOKO, a production division dedicated to anime-inspired television series and feature films.[15] The division was established to develop creator-driven projects influenced by Japanese animation while combining European production practices and international co-production models. Its initial development slate included the television series Shadow Soccer and the feature film Akira’s Flying Wheelchair. Further, the division announced the planned development of their first original animated series, named Junichiro Jackson (JJ)[16], with a proof of concept that released on YouTube on July 22, 2026. JJ will be developed in collaboration with the studio Martian Blueberry.
During the 2026 edition of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, TeamTO announced several new strategic initiatives, including the launch of TeamTO Creator Lab, an incubator program supporting professional animation creators in the development of original intellectual property, and expanded investment in proprietary production software and animation technology.[17] At its launch, TeamTO announced animator and creator Havtza as the inaugural recipient of the TeamTO Creator Lab, becoming the first creator selected to participate in the initiative.[18]
At the same festival, the studio announced Tetris: World Builders, an animated television series developed in partnership with The Tetris Company.[19] The announcement featured an on-stage appearance by Maya Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of The Tetris Company, during TeamTO’s Studio Focus presentation.
Organization
[edit]Following its acquisition by RIVA Studios, TeamTO reorganized its operations into three principal business divisions focused on animation production, intellectual property management, and production technology.[20]
TeamTO Animation
[edit]TeamTO Animation is responsible for the development, financing, production, and delivery of animated television series, feature films, and short-form productions. The division develops original intellectual property, manages international co-productions, and provides animation production services for third-party studios, broadcasters, and streaming platforms.
TeamTO Films
[edit]TeamTO Films oversees the company’s intellectual property portfolio and content catalogue. Its responsibilities include project financing, commercial strategy, distribution support, licensing, and the long-term management and commercial exploitation of the studio’s film and television library.
TeamTO Technology
[edit]TeamTO Technology is responsible for the research and development of proprietary animation technologies, production software, and pipeline tools used throughout the studio’s productions. The division works closely with Citrus Software, a technology company established by RIVA Studios to develop and commercialize TeamTO’s proprietary production technologies for the broader animation industry.
TeamTOKO
[edit]TeamTOKO is TeamTO’s anime-inspired production division, launched in 2026.[15] The label develops original animated television series and feature films influenced by Japanese animation while combining European production practices with international co-production models.[21]
TeamTOKO was established as part of TeamTO’s broader strategy to expand beyond its traditional focus on computer-generated children’s programming into productions for teen, young adult, and adult audiences. The label develops creator-driven projects across a range of genres, including action, fantasy, science fiction, sports, and coming-of-age stories.
The label’s initial development slate included the animated feature film Akira’s Flying Wheelchair and the television series Shadow Soccer, an anime-inspired sports drama presented at Cartoon Forum in Toulouse in September 2025.[22]
TeamTO Creator Lab
[edit]TeamTO Creator Lab is an animation development initiative established by TeamTO in 2026 to support professional creators in the development of original animated intellectual property.
The program provides writers, directors, artists, and producers with development support, creative mentorship, production resources, and access to TeamTO’s financing, packaging, and international co-production expertise during the early stages of project development. Its objective is to accelerate the development of original animated television series and feature films while fostering long-term creative partnerships with established and emerging talent.
The program was announced during the 2026 edition of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. At its launch, TeamTO announced animator and creator Havtza as the inaugural recipient of the TeamTO Creator Lab, becoming the first creator selected to participate in the initiative.[17]
Projects developed through TeamTO Creator Lab may receive continued support through TeamTO’s development, production, financing, and international distribution pipeline.
Citrus Software
[edit]Citrus Software is a French software company established by RIVA Studios in 2025 to develop, maintain, and commercialize TeamTO’s proprietary animation software.
The company was created to bring TeamTO’s internally developed production technologies to the wider animation industry while continuing to support the studio’s own productions. Its software portfolio includes Tangerine, Yuzu, and Mikan, all of which originated from TeamTO’s in-house research and development efforts.[23]
Tangerine
[edit]Tangerine is a real-time animation platform developed by Citrus Software. Originally created for TeamTO’s internal productions, the software enables artists to animate collaboratively in real time while providing immediate visual feedback throughout production. It supports both 3D and hybrid 2.5D animation workflows and is designed to accelerate creative iteration and production efficiency.[23]
Yuzu
[edit]Yuzu is a production management platform developed by Citrus Software for animation studios. Designed specifically for animation pipelines, it provides project planning, production scheduling, asset management, workflow automation, analytics, and collaboration across creative, technical, and production departments.[23]
Mikan
[edit]Mikan is a free and open-source rigging toolkit developed by Citrus Software. Originally created for TeamTO’s internal productions, the software was released publicly to support character rigging workflows across the animation industry. Mikan integrates with both Tangerine and third-party animation software as part of Citrus Software’s broader production technology ecosystem. (Kidscreen; Citrus Software)[23]
Since its founding in 2005, TeamTO has developed, financed, produced, co-produced, and provided animation services for animated television series, feature films, and short films.[c] The studio has worked across original productions, international co-productions, and service work for broadcasters, streaming platforms, and production companies worldwide.
TeamTO is best known for original productions including Angelo Rules, Hareport, Plankton Invasion, Mighty Mike, Jade Armor, The Creature Cases, and Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes. The studio has also co-produced internationally distributed series such as Rabbids Invasion, PJ Masks, Oscar’s Oasis, Babar and the Adventures of Badou, and Ricky Zoom.
In addition to its original productions, TeamTO has provided animation services for productions including Sofia the First, Elena of Avalor, Skylanders Academy, City of Ghosts, and Dew Drop Diaries, collaborating with studios including Disney Television Animation, DreamWorks Animation Television, Netflix Animation, Sony Pictures Television Kids, Activision Blizzard Studios, Entertainment One, France Télévisions, and Ubisoft Film & Television.
Following its acquisition by RIVA Studios, TeamTO expanded its original development slate to include productions for preschool, children, teen, and adult audiences. Projects announced under the new ownership include Tetris: World Builders, Junichiro Jackson, and Akira's Flying Wheelchair.[d]
Television series
[edit]| Years | Title | Role | Production partners / Client |
| 2007–08 | Zoé Kézako | Co-production | Télé Images Kids M6 |
| 2010 | Hareport | Original production | Vivi Film |
| 2010–11 | Babar and the Adventures of Badou | Co-production | Guru Studio Pipeline Studios LuxAnimation |
| 2010–present | Angelo Rules[24] | Original production | CAKE Entertainment International Rheingold Productions |
| 2010–11 | Oscar's Oasis | Co-production | Tuba Entertainment CAKE Entertainment Synergy Media |
| 2011–15 | Plankton Invasion | Original production | Vivi Film Tinkertree |
| 2013–17 | Rabbids Invasion | Co-production | Ubisoft Film & Television Anima France Télévisions |
| 2015–19 | PJ Masks | Co-production / Animation services | Frog Box Entertainment One |
| 2016–17 | My Knight and Me | Original production | Thuristar |
| 2019–21 | Mighty Mike | Original production | CAKE Entertainment |
| 2019–22 | Ricky Zoom | Co-production | Entertainment One |
| 2021 | City of Ghosts | Animation production | Netflix Animation Studios |
| 2021–present | Presto! School of Magic[25] | Co-production | Federation Kids & Family |
| 2022–present | The Creature Cases | Production | Sony Pictures Television Kids |
| 2022–present | Jade Armor[26][27][28] | Original production | France Télévisions Super RTL |
| 2023–present | Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes | Co-production | Entertainment One Triggerfish Animation Studios |
| In development | What’s Up Eesha? | Co-production | France Télévisions Dandelooo |
| In development | Tetris: World Builders | Co-production | The Tetris Company |
Feature Films
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Production partners |
| 2014 | Yellowbird | Co-production | On Entertainment Futurikon |
| In development | Akira’s Flying Wheelchair | Original production | — |
Animated shorts
[edit]| Year | Title | Role |
| 2008 | Le Dilemme du beurre | Original production |
| 2017 | Welcome to My Life | Animation services |
Animation services
[edit]| Years | Title | Client |
| 2011 | La Minute du Chat | Salut ça va ? |
| 2013–15 | Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures | 41 Entertainment Arad Productions Bandai Namco Entertainment OLM Digital |
| 2013–14 | Calimero | Gaumont Animation Studio Campedelli |
| 2015–18 | Sofia the First | Disney Television Animation |
| 2016–18 | Skylanders Academy | Activision Blizzard Studios |
| 2016–18 | Elena of Avalor | Disney Television Animation |
| 2023 | Dew Drop Diaries | DreamWorks Animation Television |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Production | Award | Category | Result |
| 2012 | Plankton Invasion | Cartoons on the Bay – Pulcinella Awards | TV Series for Kids | Nominated |
| 2013 | Angelo Rules | International Emmy Kids Awards | Kids: Animation | Nominated |
| 2015 | TeamTO | Cartoon Movie | European Producer of the Year | Won |
| 2022 | Jade Armor | International Emmy Kids Awards | Kids: Animation | Nominated |
| 2023 | The Creature Cases | Annie Awards | Best TV/Media – Preschool | Nominated |
| 2026 | The Creature Cases | Children’s and Family Emmy Awards | Outstanding Editing for a Preschool Animated Program | Nominated |
Logo
[edit]In 2026, the company introduced a redesigned visual identity featuring a flying fish. According to TeamTO[a], the “TO” in the company’s name is derived from the Japanese word tobiuo (飛魚), meaning “flying fish.” The redesigned logo accompanied a broader corporate rebranding following the studio’s acquisition by RIVA Studios and reflects the company’s expanded focus on original intellectual property, anime-inspired productions, and proprietary animation technology.[15][21]
External Links
[edit]Notes
[edit]- 1 2 TeamTO officially stylizes its name with a capitalized “TO”. According to the company, the “TO” is derived from the Japanese word tobiuo (飛魚), meaning “flying fish,” which inspired the studio’s 2026 corporate rebranding and logo.
- ↑ Unless otherwise indicated, production credits listed in the filmography reflect TeamTO’s principal role on each production (e.g., original production, co-production, production, or animation services) and may not represent every participating studio or production entity.
- ↑ Dates shown in the filmography refer to the original release period of each production rather than the duration of TeamTO’s involvement where those differ.
- ↑ Productions listed as In development have been publicly announced by TeamTO or its production partners but have not yet entered general release.
References
[edit]- ↑ Dickson, Jeremy (24 November 2015). "TeamTO opens new production studio". Kidscreen. Retrieved 9 January 2017.
- 1 2 Hopewell, John (1 June 2016). "France's TeamTO Opens Office in China (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 9 January 2017.
- ↑ Tuchow, Ryan (18 February 2025). "Marco Balsamo takes over TeamTO as president and CEO". Kidscreen. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
- ↑ https://ecran-total.fr/2026/07/17/deux-ans-apres-son-rachat-teamto-monte-en-puissance/?fsp_sid=9236.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ↑ Milligan, Mercedes (4 March 2026). "TeamTO Launches Anime-Inspired Production Division TeamTOKO". Animation Magazine. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
- ↑ Milligan, Mercedes (5 December 2024). "RIVA Studios Acquires French Animation Studio TeamTO". Animation Magazine. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- 1 2 Lang, Jamie (9 December 2024). "Riva Studios Gets Paris Court Approval to Purchase French Indie Animation Outfit TeamTO". Variety. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- 1 2 Lang, Jamie (17 February 2025). "TeamTO Names Riva Studios' Marco Balsamo CEO Following Acquisition as Co-Founders Guillaume Hellouin and Corrine Kouper Exit Company (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ Richford, Rhonda (24 November 2015). "French Animation House TeamTO to Open New Studio (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ Choppin, Damien (15 October 2024). "Le studio TeamTO placé en redressement judiciaire". Ecran total (in French). Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ Lang, Jamie (30 October 2024). "TeamTO President Guillaume Hellouin Explains Why His Company Has Agreed to a Riva Studios Buyout (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ Fer, Joseph Le (17 July 2026). "Deux ans après son rachat, TeamTO monte en puissance". Ecran total (in French). Retrieved 18 July 2026.
- ↑ Tuchow, Ryan. "TeamTO launches free tool to make animation rigging easier". Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ Goldbart, Max (10 June 2025). "From Brink Of Bankruptcy, TeamTO Unveils Six New Shows & Adult Animation Push At Annecy". Deadline. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 "TeamTO Launches TeamTOKO Animation Anime-Inspired Production Division". Animation World Network. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ Lang, Jamie (9 June 2026). "TeamTO Expands Into Adult Animation With Anime-Inspired Thriller 'Junichiro Jackson'". Cartoon Brew. Retrieved 24 July 2026.
- 1 2 Tuchow, Ryan. "TeamTO launches lab for experienced creatives to develop their own IPs". Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ "TeamTO launches creator lab to support original animation". C21media. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ Meza, Ed (23 June 2026). "TeamTO and the Tetris Company Team Up on 'Tetris: World Builders' Animated Series (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ Tuchow, Ryan. "RIVA Studios expresses interest in buying TeamTO". Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- 1 2 "Paris studio TeamTO launches anime-inspired production division TeamTOKO Animation". C21media. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ "Shadow Soccer | Cartoon Forum". Cartoon. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 "Citrus Software: Are TeamTO's new animation Tools Worth It?". https://3dvf.com/en/. 4 August 2025. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
{{cite web}}: External link in|website= - ↑ Milligan, Mercedes (29 November 2016). "TeamTO & CAKE Prep Production for 'Angelo Rules' Season 4". Animation Magazine. Retrieved 9 January 2017.
- ↑ "Federation, TeamTO Form Double Act for 'Presto! School of Magic'". 9 September 2020.
- ↑ Dickson, Jeremy (29 January 2016). "Girls take command of TeamTO's Jade Armor". Kidscreen. Retrieved 9 January 2017.
- ↑ "TeamTO Allies with France TV, Super RTL to Greenlight 'Jade Armor'". 2 September 2020.
- ↑ "WarnerMedia Expands Kids & Family Offerings on Cartoon Network and HBO Max Under New Tagline Redraw Your World" (Press release). WarnerMedia. 17 February 2021. Archived from the original on 17 February 2021. Retrieved 17 February 2021.