Doug Schwalbe Unveils The Co-Production Company

Former DreamWorks Animation Television exec Doug Schwalbe has launched The Co-Production Company, focused on securing financing and distribution for high-end international productions, with a deal in place with Hannah Montana creator Michael Poryes.

The company launches with backing from France’s Superprod Group. It has in place a deal with Poryes as well as one with Impact X Capital. Other partners include Pukeko Pictures in New Zealand, August Media in Singapore, Chatrone in Brazil, Anima Estudios in Mexico and DreamWorks Animation Television.

Schwalbe and Poryes are partnering to develop content for the global market. The Co-Production Company is working with Impact X Capital, a U.K. private-equity firm, in a multi-series deal. It has also aligned with creator Roye Okupe’s YouNeek Studios for African-inspired shows, including Iyanu, Child of Wonder from Dark Horse Comics. Schwalbe will identify marquee IP and creative talent for Superprod’s European production infrastructure and expand its presence in the live-action family space, starting with Poryes’ Home Sweet Rome.

“I’m thrilled to be working with these wonderful partners on such exciting, original creative content,” said Schwalbe. 

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.”

Schwalbe is also working with Mark Taylor, formerly of DreamWorks and Nickelodeon, on raising equity finance for branded animated films with leading studios in Asia.

Schwalbe was previously senior VP of co-production at DreamWorks Animation Television and executive VP and managing director at Classic Media, among other roles.