Paris-based production companies Watch Next Media and Monello Productions have joined forces to create Kids First Distribution, a subsidiary focused on the global sale of children’s content. The new company is chaired by Philippe Alessandri, who launched Watch Next Media in 2015 after departing from his role as president of Zodiak Kids-owned Tele Images.

Alessandri has tapped former Normaal Animation, France TV Distribution and Mediatoon exec Marie Lassal to serve as Kids First’s head of sales.

Kids First will distribute animated series from Watch Next Media and Monello Productions, as well as programs produced by third parties. The company will officially launch at Cartoon Forum and MIPCOM with six new animated series: Max & Maestro (Monello), Marble Gen (Monello), Nate is Late (Watch Next), I, Elvis Riboldi (Watch Next), Best Bugs (JSBC, Watch Next, France TV, Disney EMEA) and Rocky Kwaterner (Mondo TV, Monello, France TV and ZDF).

The new company is located in Boulogne-Billancourt on the premises of the Tetra Media Group, which will oversee Kids First’s legal and financial office. It is held equally by both founding prodcos, with additional equity funding from Sofica Sofitvcine.