Canal+ and Hachette Livre Launch ON SCREEN for Literary Adaptations
đŸ“‹ Key Takeaway: Canal+ and Hachette Livre have formed a joint venture named ON SCREEN to adapt literary works into films, tapping into Hachette’s extensive catalogue.
New Joint Venture Aims to Transform Literary Works into Film
French broadcaster Canal+ and publishing powerhouse Hachette Livre announced on Tuesday the launch of a new joint venture named ON SCREEN. This collaboration aims to capitalize on Hachette’s vast literary catalogue for premium screen adaptations. The initiative seeks to merge the creative talents of both companies, with Canal+ known for its film productions and Hachette recognized for its extensive collection of literary works.
ON SCREEN will provide Canal+ with privileged access to Hachette’s catalogue, which boasts over 100,000 titles across various genres, including fiction, children’s literature, and illustrated works published in multiple languages. This partnership is positioned to leverage the strengths of both entities, with Canal+’s StudioCanal aiming to replicate the success of its Paddington franchise.
Market Potential and Strategic Vision
The companies highlighted the significant market potential for literary adaptations, noting that such films account for approximately 40 percent of the top 100 global box office hits, despite making up less than 10 percent of total film production. This discrepancy presents a clear opportunity for ON SCREEN to build a sustained pipeline of premium adaptations that can achieve global reach.
As part of its strategic vision, StudioCanal has already initiated efforts to adapt literary works through its dedicated label, Stories, launched in 2024. This groundwork sets a solid foundation for ON SCREEN to explore innovative ways to bring literary intellectual property to the screen, potentially reshaping how stories are told in film.
Corporate Background and Shareholding Structure
Both Canal+ and Hachette Livre were spun off from the media conglomerate Vivendi in December 2024, with Canal+ subsequently listed in London and Hachette on Euronext Growth Paris. Despite their separation from Vivendi, the BollorĂ© family remains a significant shareholder in both companies, holding approximately 30 percent of each firm’s equity. This shared ownership may influence future strategic decisions as the two firms collaborate on ON SCREEN.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ON SCREEN?
ON SCREEN is a joint venture between Canal+ and Hachette Livre aimed at adapting literary works into films.
How many titles does Hachette’s catalogue contain?
Hachette’s catalogue includes more than 100,000 titles across various genres.
What is the significance of literary adaptations in the film industry?
Literary adaptations account for about 40 percent of the top 100 global box office hits, highlighting their market potential.
When was ON SCREEN launched?
ON SCREEN was announced on Tuesday, following the companies’ spin-off from Vivendi in December 2024.
Who owns Canal+ and Hachette Livre?
Both companies are significantly owned by the Bolloré family, holding around 30 percent of each.
