“Lupin” star Omar Sy, “Fast X” director Louis Leterrier and “Gangs of London” producer Thomas Benski have launched Carrousel Studios, a European independent production company with offices in Paris, London, Los Angeles and Senegal.
The banner will finance and produce film and TV projects, with an emphasis on elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy. The company will look to tap into tax credits, European incentives and brands to finance content. CAA Media Finance architected the financing for the venture.
Sy, Leterrier and Benski, who have worked together on several series and films, said the name of the company, Carrousel, reflects its inclusive DNA. “A carrousel’s sole purpose is to entertain, no matter where the riders come from, no matter their age or background,” explained the trio 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.”
They said this principleis the “driving force and the culture of our company.” We have a great deal of respect for our diverse backgrounds and varied experiences, and what they both bring to the company,” they added.
A BAFTA, Grammy and Emmy award-nominated producer, Benski co-founded and served as the CEO of Pulse Films before selling and ultimately leaving the company in 2022.His credits include Andrea Arnold’s Cannes Jury Prize winner “American Honey,” as well as the series “Gangs of London,” the AppleTV+ music documentary “Beastie Boys Story” and the BAFTA-nominated “Mogul Mowgli” starring Riz Ahmed.
Leterrier, meanwhile, recently directed “Fast X” and will next direct the final installment of the $7.5 billion “Fast and Furious” franchise. His credits include the “Transporter” franchise, “The Incredible Hulk,” “Clash of Titans,” “Now You See Me” and “Lupin” starring Sy.
Sy recently resumed the lead role in the third season of “Lupin,” which debuted in 2021 and is ranked third in Netflix’s list of most-watched non-English series at almost 100 million views. His credits include “Intouchables,” “The Takedown,” Jeymes Samuel’s “The Book of Clarence” and “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” He’ll next be seen in John Woo’s remake of “The Killer.”
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.
