DreamWorks alum 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.”

During his tenure at DreamWorks Animation Television, Schwalbe structured and managed co-production arrangements for various properties for companies including Netflix, TFI/CBS All Access, Nickelodeon/Teletoon, France Televisions and Universal Kids.

Schwalbe also has multi-series deals with UK Private Equity Firm Impact X Capital, for African-inspired shows with creator Roye Okupe’s YouNeek Studios, including Iyanu, Child Of Wonder from Dark Horse Comics. In addition, Schwalbe is charged with identifying marquee IP and creative talent for Superprod’s growing European production infrastructure and expanding their presence in the live action family space, starting with Poryes’ Home Sweet Rome.

Other strategic partners for the company include Pukeko Pictures in New Zealand, August Media in Singapore, Chatrone in Brazil, Anima Estudios in Mexico and Schwalbe’s former employers DreamWorks Animation Television.

Schwalbe is also working with former DreamWorks and Nickelodeon EVP Mark Taylor, raising equity finance for highly branded animated films with leading animation studios in Asia.

Outside of the kids’ space, Schwalbe is executive producing Group, a web series debuting on PBS All Arts later this spring, alongside writer/director Alexis Lloyd, producer Jack Lechner and executive producers Ronald Guttman and Dr. Elliot Zeisel.