French production and distribution company Dandelooo has promoted Marion Claret (pictured) to head up its Valence-based animation studio Ooolala in the wake of Frederic Deval’s departure.

Claret, who started in her new position on February 21, will spearhead a development slate of original productions and oversee pre-production teams for both original content and third-party service work.

Having previously worked at French prodcos Stromboli Films and Medialab Technology, Claret joined Dandelooo in 2016 as a producer on hybrid preschool series The Treehouse Stories. She worked her way up into a director of production position, and helped launch Ooolala three years ago with company co-founders Jean Baptiste Wéry and Emmanuèle Pétry.

Ooolala, which operates independently from its parentco, was established to support Dandelooo’s growing development slate, diversify its pre-production capabilities (from writing to background art) and take on service work.

The studio is currently in production on 2D-animated preschool series Billy the Cowboy Hamster for France Télévisions. It also recently co-produced a 2D-animated special called Mum is Pouring Rain with Laïdak Films and Canal+, as well as France Télévisions’ slapstick comedy series Stinky Dog with producing partners Folivari (France), Panique! (Belgium) and Pikkukala (Spain).