Pulse Films co founder, Thomas Benski, Lupin star and producer Omar Sy and director/producer Louis Leterrier (Fast and Furious) have launched Carrousel Studios.
Carrousel is an “artists-first” European independent studio and media company with offices in Paris, London, Los Angeles and Senegal.
Carrousel Studios “harnesses the collective creative expertise of the artistic trio combined with their financial capabilities to disrupt and revamp the traditional entertainment space through the financing and production of high-quality content, including commercial films and television programming.”
While not exclusive to the genres, Carrousel will “lean into” action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy projects. The trio plan to “modernize the process of developing, financing and producing films and series, and take advantage of myriad tax credits, subsidies, cost of production, incredible talent (in front and behind the camera) as well as other European incentives.”
Carrousel Studios will aim to be a home for talent looking to make passion projects “in the most efficient and rewarding manner, both creatively and financially.” Carrousel will also incorporate in-house marketing and communications capabilities for its projects and will embrace the convergence of media, including the role of brands in entertainment.
“By definition, a carrousel’s sole purpose is to entertain, no matter where the riders come from, no matter their age or background,” explained 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 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 co-founded and served as CEO of Pulse Films, before selling and ultimately leaving the company in 2022. His work spans film, television and short form entertainment. Benski’s credits include Cannes Jury Prize winner and Film Independent Spirit Award-nominated AMERICAN HONEY, global action hit series GANGS OF LONDON, AppleTV+’s acclaimed music documentary BEASTIE BOYS STORY and BAFTA-nominated MOGUL MOWGLI, starring Riz Ahmed.
Emmy Award-winning Leterrier recently directed FAST X and will next direct the 11th and final installment of the $7.5 billion FAST AND FURIOUS franchise. His credits include the TRANSPORTER franchise, THE INCREDIBLE HULK, CLASH OF THE TITANS, NOW YOU SEE ME, and the Netflix series THE DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE and LUPIN, starring Sy,.
Sy recently resumed the lead role in the third season of LUPIN, for which he has received multiple accolades including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series, a Gotham Award nomination for Outstanding Performance in a New Series and a Television Critics Association Award nomination for Individual Achievement in Drama. Season One of LUPIN, which debuted in 2021, is ranked third in Netflix’s list of Most Watched Non-English Series on the platform at almost 100 million views. Sy garnered a César Award for Best Actor for his starring role in Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano’s, INTOUCHABLES (Untouchables). The film is the second highest grossing French film in history. He was nominated for a César Award and won a Globe de Cristal for Best Actor for his role in Roschdy Zem’s CHOCOLAT. His other credits include THE TAKEDOWN, Jeymes Samuel’s THE BOOK OF CLARENCE, JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION and X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST. Upcoming, he will star in John Woo’s remake of THE KILLER.
CAA Media Finance architected the financing for the venture.
Sy, Benski and Leterrier are represented by CAA. Leterrier is also represented by Entertainment 360, LBI, Sloane, Offer, Weber and Dern and UBBA in France. Sy is also represented by Agence Adéquat in France.
Photo credit: Sadik Sans Voltaire
Jon Creamer
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