Omar Sy, Louis Leterrier, Thomas Benski Launch Carrousel

Actor and producer Omar Sy, director and producer Louis Leterrier and entrepreneur and producer Thomas Benski have launched Carrousel Studios, an artists-first studio and media company.

With offices in Paris, London, Los Angeles and Senegal, Carrousel Studios harnesses the creative expertise of the trio combined with their financial capabilities to “disrupt and revamp” the traditional entertainment space through financing and production, including commercial films and TV programming.

Carrousel Studios will develop and produce multi-generational, high-quality and high-concept entertainment for the global audience, leaning into elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy projects.

The trio plans to modernize the process of developing, financing and producing films and series and take advantage of myriad tax credits, subsidies, cost of production, talent (in front and behind the camera), as well as other European incentives.

“By definition, a carrousel’s sole purpose is to entertain, no matter where the riders come from, no matter their age or background,” said Sy, Leterrier and Benski in a joint statement. “Additionally, the word carrousel is understood around the globe and associated with magical moments. Our Carrousel will have that same feel, with a modern approach to making global content in an artists-first environment. This principle is the driving force and the culture of our company. It is not just for us but also for our creative partners, and we will transmit this joy to our audience. We have a great deal of respect for our diverse backgrounds and varied experiences and what they both bring to the company.”

Benski is a BAFTA-, Grammy- and Emmy Award-nominated producer who co-founded and served as CEO of Pulse Films before selling and ultimately leaving the company in 2022.

Leterrier, an Emmy Award winner, recently directed FAST X and will next direct the 11th and final installment of the $7.5 billion Fast and Furious franchise.

Sy recently resumed the lead role in the third season of Lupin, for which he has received multiple accolades, including a Golden Globe nomination. Sy garnered a César Award for best actor for his starring role in Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano’s Intouchables (Untouchables).