Veteran Dreamworks Executive Doug Schwalbe Launches The Co-Production Company

Former DreamWorks exec Doug Schwalbe is launching the US-based The Co-Production Company, a production firm specialising in finance and distribution arrangements for high end international productions.

Schwalbe, who served as SVO of co-production for Dreamworks Animation Television, has forged a partnership with Hannah Montana creator Michael Poryes to develop kids and family programming for the international marketplace.

“I’m thrilled to be working with these wonderful partners on such exciting, original creative content,” said Schwalbe, while Poryes added, “Doug is the perfect collaborator and always has very smart, constructive ideas and solutions both creatively and business wise. I am delighted to be working with him to explore all the interesting international opportunities in the kids and family space that he is opening up for me.”

The company is backed by France’s Superprod Group, whose animation arm co-produced Cartoon Saloon’s Song of the Sea and the cg feature White Fang. Schwalbe, a former svp of co-production at Dreamworks Animation Television, will identify marquee IP and creative talent for Superprod as it expands into live-action family content.

His new venture has also struck a multi-series deal with U.K. private equity firm Impact X Capital, which covers African-inspired shows with Roye Okupe’s Youneek Studios, including Iyanu, Child of Wonder. Dark Horse Comics acquired Youneek’s library of ten graphic novels in January, and it was announced then that Okupe was developing an animated series with investment from Impact X Capital and Schwalbe as executive producer.

Former Dreamworks TV Animation and Nickelodeon evp Mark Taylor is also involved with Schwalbe’s venture. Together with Taylor, Schwalbe will raise equity finance for “highly branded” animated films with animation studios in Asia.

In addition, The Co-Production Company has formed a pact with Hannah Montana creator Michael Poryes, with whom it will develop programming for the international marketplace. It has also partnered with Pukeko Pictures (New Zealand), August Media (Singapore), Chatrone (Brazil), Anima Estudios (Mexico), and Dreamworks Animation Television.

At Dreamworks, Schwalbe structured and managed co-production arrangements for properties for Netflix, TFI/CBS All Access, Nickelodeon/Teletoon, France Televisions, and Universal Kids. He also structured development deals with Sky, Peacock, and CBC.

He was previously evp, managing director, at Classic Media and founder of the production and distribution company Splendid Television. He has also served as international distributor for Miramax Television and held sales roles at HBO, MGM International Television, and Twentieth Century Fox International.