Former Studiocanal Boss Didier Lupfer Teams With Édouard Boccon-Gibod, Tariq Krim to Launch Media Company With AI-Enhanced Projects (EXCLUSIVE)

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Previously leading Studiocanal and co-creating Ubisoft’s film and television division, Didier Lupfer has teamed up with ex-TF1 executive Édouard Boccon-Gibod and tech innovator Tariq Krim to establish The Media Company. This creative production company is leveraging artificial intelligence technology.

At The Media Company, all films and TV productions will be created with a diverse set of AI tools. According to Lupfer, Boccon-Gibod, and Krim, these tools are designed to streamline script development, accelerate production through previsualization, and manage budgets effectively. Notably, Krim – the founder of AI Netvibes, Jolicloud, and Dissident AI – emphasized that they will be employing a broad spectrum of advanced AI software for these projects.

The initial project being worked on by the Media Company is “Jules Verne vs Nemo,” a detective thriller set in 1882 and inspired by a top-selling book by Céline Ghys. This story has been scripted by Victoria Musiedlak and Julien Despaux, who are also responsible for “Paris Police 1910.” In addition to writing the screenplay, Despaux will direct this film as well. The company is also developing a mainstream comedy titled “La Fille du Terrassier,” written by Guillaume Clicquot and directed by Olivier Baroux. Notably, Baroux has previously worked on “Les Tuche,” one of the most successful French comedy franchises in recent times.

In “Jules Verne vs Nemo,” Lupfer pointed out that AI was utilized right from the start in the creative process. “Once we acquired the rights to the book, our AI specialists began crafting proposals inspired by the text. These proposals encompassed imagining characters, their interactions, and the visual settings of various locations mentioned in the book such as train stations, canals, and streets in Amiens, and Verne’s residence,” Lupfer explained. “It continually sparks new ideas and streamlines the process of creating 2D and 3D environments.

Krim emphasized that although numerous AI-generating tools exist today, they’re frequently employed to create uninspired work. Instead, he asks, “How can we employ these tools not only for the creation of products, but also for art and creativity?” To this end, the company aims to identify individuals who possess a unique blend of technical proficiency, artistic sensibility, and a passion for using these tools to create more than just ordinary pieces.

Lupfer, known for creating “Assassin’s Creed” and the cartoon TV series “Raving Rabbids” during his time at Ubisoft, advocates that European cinema can leverage AI to set itself apart from American productions. He explains that while the film industry is traditionally handcrafted, The Media Company represents a new wave of producers who employ modern technology: forecasting, budget management, and creative AI programs. In essence, Lupfer aims to establish a “novel cinematic movement in Europe that can attract investment and produce globally recognized works.

Boccon-Gibod boasts an abundance of knowledge and connections within the industry and beyond. Throughout his professional journey, he has held key positions such as the head of EuropaCorp USA, worked at Christie’s France, served as the chairman and CEO of Publications Metro France, and assumed the role of executive chairman at TF1 Production.

A commonly held belief is that AI poses a threat to creators and eliminates jobs; however, we aim to contradict this notion. Instead, we believe that AI can actually facilitate the creation of more films, as stated by Boccon-Gibod.

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2025-03-25 11:16