News Summary:
In early October 2026, David Michel, co-founder of Cottonwood Media, repurchased Federation Studios' entire stake in the French kids and family producer, making it a fully independent company. The move concluded Cottonwood Media's 11-year tenure as a subsidiary of Federation Studios, which had owned the company since 2015. Michel, alongside partners Cécile Laurenson and Zoé Carrera Allaix, now leads the operation. Previously, in July 2026, Cottonwood Media, in partnership with Coolabi Productions, ZDF Studios, and BBC Children’s and Education, greenlit a second season for the live-action tween spy series "The Lady Grace Mysteries." This decision followed the first season's premiere in April on CBBC and BBC iPlayer. Earlier in February 2026, David Michel joined the speaker lineup for The Kids Content Summit @ Content Europe. This follows the April 2025 announcement of principal photography, cast, and writers for "The Lady Grace Mysteries," a series co-produced by Cottonwood Media and Coolabi Productions with ZDF Studios for BBC Children’s and Education, ZDF, and France Télévisions.
Subscribe for full access to Cottonwood Media's profile
Subscribe for full access to Cottonwood Media's products in full detail 
