Xilam Animation Presales Soar: ‘Oggy,’ ‘Zig & Sharko,’ and ‘Chickies’ Secure Major Global Deals Ahead of MIPCOM

Paris, France – Xilam Animation, the renowned French studio, is making waves across the global animation industry with a series of impressive Xilam Animation Presales ahead of the highly anticipated MIPCOM event. These strategic deals secure the future of its beloved comedy franchises, including the long-running Oggy and the Cockroaches, the perpetually popular Zig & Sharko, and the exciting new spin-off, Chickies. The presales highlight the enduring appeal of Xilam’s content and its strategic prowess in navigating the international distribution landscape.

The announcement cements Xilam’s position as a powerhouse in character-driven animation, demonstrating robust demand from major broadcasters and streaming platforms worldwide. This wave of presales ensures that Xilam’s iconic characters will continue to entertain millions, spanning diverse demographics and territories.

Oggy and the Cockroaches: A 30-Year Legacy Continues

Celebrating an incredible milestone, Oggy and the Cockroaches is set to return for its ninth season, marking nearly three decades of hilarious cat-and-cockroach rivalry. Xilam has inked a significant deal with Warner Bros. Discovery EMEA and APAC, bringing 78 new seven-minute episodes to vast audiences across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific regions.

Commissioned by France Télévisions and directed by Julien Daubas and Lucas Pinatel, this new season is slated for delivery between Q3 2027 and Q2 2028. Its release will coincide perfectly with the franchise’s 30th anniversary in 2028, a testament to its unparalleled longevity in the animated series landscape. Oggy is already a global phenomenon, available in over 190 territories, boasting a staggering 32 million YouTube subscribers and 18 billion views. Its presence extends across major social media platforms, with 22 million subscribers combined on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, showcasing its incredible digital reach and sustained engagement.

Zig & Sharko: Diving into New Adventures with Global Partners

The non-dialogue slapstick sensation, Zig & Sharko, is also expanding its universe with two brand-new seasons (fifth and sixth) greenlit by Xilam. These seasons have secured crucial presales with JioStar India Private Limited and Warner Bros. Discovery Italy, alongside longstanding partner Gulli in France.

Directed by Andrès Fernandez, these two 52-episode seasons, each comprising seven-minute installments, are scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028. The new narratives will revolve around a captivating summer vacation theme, with Season 5 focusing on Zig’s idea of a perfect getaway and Season 6 exploring Marina’s. Having celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2025, Zig & Sharko is Xilam’s most established IP on YouTube, commanding over 39 million subscribers and an astonishing 23 billion views across eight dedicated channels. Its social media footprint is equally impressive, with 2.8 million subscribers on TikTok, 3.9 million on Facebook, and 765K on Snapchat, further solidifying the impact of these Xilam Animation Presales.

Chickies: The Next Generation of Short-Form Success

Building on the massive global success of Where’s Chicky?, Xilam is introducing Chickies, a new CG-animated spin-off series. Greenlit last October with France Télévisions already on board, Chickies has secured early presales with Radio-Canada and SVT Sweden, ensuring its immediate international visibility.

Set to deliver by June 2027, the 78-episode series, with seven-minute installments, is directed by Cédric Diestsh and Anh Tu Cao. It follows the adventures of Chicky, Bekky, and Poyo, three curious chicks eager to explore beyond their coop, introducing new characters known as the “Chicklets.” The original Where’s Chicky? is a YouTube phenomenon, generating over 2.5 billion views annually and accumulating 9 billion views and 12 million subscribers across its four seasons. Its social media accounts boast an additional 6 million subscribers, proving the immense potential of this new franchise in the short-form animation space.

The Strategic Significance of MIPCOM and Global Animation Demand

The announcement of these robust Xilam Animation Presales ahead of MIPCOM next month underscores the enduring importance of major industry events for securing global distribution. MIPCOM serves as a crucial marketplace where studios like Xilam can showcase their latest projects and forge partnerships that determine their international reach. The deals with broadcasters spanning EMEA, APAC, India, Canada, and Sweden illustrate a universal appetite for high-quality, character-driven comedic animation.

Safaa Benazzouz, EVP Distribution at Xilam Animation, emphasized this point, stating, “Our legacy brands remain a cornerstone of our business, continuing to resonate with generations of fans, while maintaining highly engaged online communities. The fresh content we’re creating across Oggy and the Cockroaches, Zig & Sharko and our Chickies spin-off will ensure that these iconic IP continue engaging both new and existing audiences. Having such a strong roster of broadcasters already on board is testament to how evergreen these titles are and the ongoing demand for comedic, character-driven animations worldwide.” These sentiments echo the broader industry trend of investing in proven intellectual properties that can thrive across multiple platforms and territories. For insights into how other studios are leveraging global platforms, consider reading about Winsing Animation AI Taking Center Stage at MIPCOM 2026.

Xilam’s Enduring Formula: Character-Driven Comedy and Digital Dominance

Xilam’s success is not just in creating memorable characters but also in understanding and adapting to modern consumption habits. The staggering YouTube views and social media engagement for all three franchises are a testament to their ability to captivate audiences in the digital age. This digital dominance complements traditional broadcast deals, creating a powerful, multi-platform ecosystem for their content. The studio’s commitment to fresh content for these evergreen titles ensures their relevance for new and existing audiences.

The continued investment in these franchises, alongside the launch of new spin-offs like Chickies, highlights a strategic approach to brand expansion and audience retention. This mirrors the growing trend in the entertainment industry where established franchises are being revitalized and expanded upon, demonstrating the immense value placed on proven IPs. This approach is similar to how Brainchild Entertainment is launching with $100M to revolutionize kids’ franchises and animation, underscoring the significant financial and creative investment in this sector.

Behind the Scenes: The Animation Powerhouse and Future Tech

Founded in 1999, Xilam employs over 400 talented individuals across its studios in Paris, Angoulême, and Ho Chi Minh City. This extensive team is critical to producing the high volume of quality animation required for global distribution. Their credits extend beyond lighthearted comedy, including the Academy Award-nominated adult feature I Lost My Body, showcasing their versatility and artistic depth in animated movies and series.

While the source content doesn’t explicitly detail AI or advanced VFX in these specific productions, the scale and global reach of Xilam’s operations inherently rely on sophisticated tech and efficient production pipelines. Modern animation studios leverage advanced software, rendering farms, and collaborative tools to bring these complex worlds to life. The ability to manage multiple simultaneous productions, deliver to diverse international partners, and maintain massive digital platforms speaks volumes about the underlying technological infrastructure that supports such an animation giant.

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Conclusion: A Bright Future for Xilam’s Animated Universe

Xilam Animation’s recent surge in Xilam Animation Presales marks a pivotal moment for the studio, reinforcing its global leadership in animated comedy. By securing major deals for its beloved franchises and a promising new spin-off, Xilam continues to demonstrate its ability to create timeless content that resonates across cultures and generations. As the animation industry continues to evolve with new technologies and platforms, Xilam’s blend of creative excellence and strategic distribution ensures a vibrant future for its animated universe.

The success of these presales is a clear indicator of the robust health of the global animation market and the sustained demand for high-quality, entertaining content. Xilam Animation, with its strong portfolio and visionary leadership, is undoubtedly poised for continued growth and innovation in the years to come. For more information on Xilam Animation and its innovative projects, visit their official website. To learn more about Warner Bros. Discovery, a key partner in these deals, you can visit the Warner Bros. Discovery corporate site.