Omar Sy, Louis Leterrier and Thomas Benski launch Carrousel Studios

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Lupin star Omar Sy, Fast X director Louis Leterrier and former Pulse Films CEO Thomas Benski have launched European studio and media company Carrousel Studios.

With offices in Paris, London, Los Angeles and Senegal, Carrousel Studios describes itself as an artists’ led studio that will focus on the financing and production of high-quality content for global audiences, including commercial films and television programming. While not exclusive to the genres, Carrousel will lean into elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy projects.

1. Carrousel. credit Sadik Sans Voltaire

Carrousel Studios: (L-R) Thomas Benski, Louis Leterrier, Omar Sy

Source: Sadik Sans Voltaire

The trio plan to modernise 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.

Carrousel said one of its aims was to be a home for talent—both emerging and established—looking to make passion projects. 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.

Benski co-founded and served as CEO of Pulse Films, before selling the production company to Vice Films and ultimately leaving the company in 2022. His work spans film, television and short-form entertainment. His credits include Cannes Jury Prize winner American Honey, action series Gangs of London, AppleTV+’s music documentary Beastie Boys Story and BAFTA-nominated Mogul Mowgli, starring Riz Ahmed.

Leterrier recently directed Fast X and will next direct the 11^th and final instalment of the $7.5bn 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 starred in the third season of Netflix hit Lupin. Sy also won 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. His other credits include Roschdy Zem’s Chocolat, 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.

“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.”