“How Marco Balsamo Saved TeamTO in Just 24 Minutes—And What’s Next for the Studio”
A new chapter begins for TeamTO, the acclaimed European animation studio, as Marco Balsamo steps in as President & CEO following its acquisition by RIVA Studios Productions SRL. At just 33 years old, the Italian-American filmmaker and entrepreneur is set to guide the 20-year-old studio into an exciting new era, blending its rich legacy with bold new projects and global expansion.
This leadership transition marks a pivotal moment for TeamTO, one of Europe’s leading independent animation powerhouses known for hits like Angelo Rules and Jade Armor. With Balsamo at the helm, the studio is set to explore new creative frontiers, expand into adult animation and 2D projects, and solidify its position as a top-tier production house in the international market.
The Acquisition That Saved TeamTO from the Brink
TeamTO’s transition to new leadership didn’t happen overnight. Behind the scenes, Balsamo and his team worked relentlessly to save the studio from bankruptcy, navigating a race against time to submit their bid just 24 minutes before the deadline.
- How did it all come together?
- Balsamo and his business partner Tara Sibel Demren had been looking for ways to rescue TeamTO since mid-2024.
- A chance meeting with filmmaker Jay Oliva in New York in October turned into a last-minute deal to acquire the studio together.
- Backed by investor Peter Bekkerman, the team secured TeamTO’s future, ensuring that the studio’s innovative storytelling and technical excellence wouldn’t be lost.
Balsamo reflected on the urgency of the moment:
“The way this deal came together—so serendipitously, so quickly—still feels surreal. In an industry where animation studios are struggling and talented animators are being laid off, we couldn’t let a studio with TeamTO’s pedigree be lost.”
New Leadership, New Vision for TeamTO
Under RIVA Studios’ ownership, TeamTO is maintaining 90% of its workforce, ensuring continuity and stability while embarking on an ambitious expansion.
- Key leadership roles include:
- Clélia Santi – Head of Studios (Paris)
- Carole Toledo – Head of Studios (Valence)
- Jean-Baptiste Spieser – Chief Technology Officer
- Olivier Plazas – Art Director
- Fanny Weber – Executive Producer
Balsamo himself will not only oversee operations but will take on creative roles as showrunner, writer, and director across multiple projects.
📢 Balsamo on TeamTO’s next steps:
“We’re committed to expanding our reach to international partners, strengthening our presence in the global animation industry, and establishing TeamTO as a leader in both original content and premium production services.”
What’s Next? A Diverse Slate of Upcoming Projects
Balsamo’s top priority as CEO is to broaden TeamTO’s creative slate. While the studio remains dedicated to high-quality children’s animation, it will now venture into adult animation and 2D projects.
- Upcoming TeamTO projects include:
- Akira’s Flying Wheelchair
- Junichiro Jackson
- Yellow Cello and the Sea of Memories
- The Adventures of Amir Hamza (based on the legendary South Asian epic)
- Cradle: Unsouled
- Era: The Legend of Lugh
- Corvus Belli’s Infinity: Paradise Lost
This diverse lineup signals a major shift for TeamTO, positioning it as a hub for groundbreaking storytelling across multiple genres.
Final Thoughts: A Bright Future for TeamTO
With Balsamo leading the charge, TeamTO is entering an exciting era of transformation. The studio’s legacy of high-quality animation will now expand into new creative directions, ensuring that it remains a global force in the industry.
- What to Expect:
- Bigger and bolder projects in both kids’ and adult animation
- A stronger international presence
- New creative voices shaping the studio’s future
- Will TeamTO’s evolution redefine European animation? With Marco Balsamo at the helm, all signs point to YES.
- What do you think of TeamTO’s new direction? Let us know in the comments!
