Pernel Media
Pernel Media is a privately held French independent television production company (founded 2009) that creates and co-produces documentaries, scripted drama, and adapted international formats for broadcasters and platforms across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersBoulogne-billancourt, France
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Pernel Media does
Pernel Media is a privately held, independent French television production company founded in 2009 by Samuel Kissous and headquartered in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, with a UK regional headquarters in Wokingham (Pernel Media Ltd). The company produces and co-produces documentary, scripted drama, and adapted-format content for broadcasters and platforms across France, the UK, the US, Canada, Germany, Japan, and Australia. A representative slate spans history, archaeology, science, nature, and crime-investigation documentaries (e.g., Origins of Mammals, Ancient Superstructures, Vikings, Rise and Fall of the Incas, Murder in Millau, The Innocence Project), English-language scripted drama (The Au Pair, Missed Call), and adapted international formats for French audiences (Wheeler Dealers France, Dinner Date, Great British Menu, Cash Cab).
The core production capability combines traditional documentary research and direction with advanced 3D reconstructions, CGI, and immersive docu-fiction techniques used in dramadoc series such as Raiders of the Lost Pharaohs and Master Sapiens. Operations span four product lines: Factual & Docs, Drama (launched in 2024), Formats, and In Production. The company is highly networked with global distributors — ITV Studios, ZDF Studios, BBC Studios, France Télévisions Distribution, Cineflix, Lionsgate, All3Media, ARTE Distribution, and Studiocanal — and with commissioned broadcasters including Canal+ Group, France Télévisions, Channel 5, National Geographic, Netflix, BBC Studios, and Paramount UK.
Commercially, Pernel Media operates a project-based B2B revenue model: it earns production fees, licensing royalties, and adaptation fees from commissioned broadcasters and platforms, supplemented by international distribution through third-party distributors. The company has no public consumer-facing product, app, or API. It claims broadcast outcomes such as 5.1 million viewers for Murder in Millau and 900,000+ first-night viewers for Raiders of the Lost Pharaohs, is recognized on the Realscreen Global 100 list since 2019, and won a Laurier de l'Audiovisuel in February 2026. The disclosed headcount is 1-10 employees; no external funding rounds have been recorded, indicating organic, founder-led growth.
Pernel Media firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Pernel Media
- Legal name
- Pernel Media
- Website
- https://pernelmedia.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Pernel Media is a privately held French independent television production company (founded 2009) that creates and co-produces documentaries, scripted drama, and adapted international formats for broadcasters and platforms across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Pernel Media industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Television Production
- NAICS
- Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers (71151)
- SIC
- Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Arts & Culture Documentaries (MPADADAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Reality & Factual Entertainment (Unscripted) (MPADADAO)
Keywords
Where Pernel Media is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Boulogne-billancourt
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Pernel Media business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Broadcasting Rights and Licensing: Pernel Media produces content for broadcasters and platforms, generating revenue through production fees, licensing rights, and international distribution agreements. Productions are distributed globally by international distributors.
- Format Adaptations: The company adapts existing international formats for French markets (e.g., Wheeler Dealers France) and creates original formats, generating revenue through adaptation fees and production contracts.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Pernel Media product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Pernel Media is an independent television production company that creates and produces factual entertainment, documentary series (including archaeology, history, science, nature, and crime investigation), scripted drama series, and international format adaptations for French, UK, US, and global broadcasters and streaming platforms. The company operates across four content categories — Factual & Docs, Drama, Formats, and In Production — and distributes completed productions internationally through major sales agents.
Product overview
Pernel Media is a French independent television production company founded in 2009 that creates and produces factual entertainment, documentary series, drama productions, and format adaptations. The company operates across four main content categories: Factual & Docs (documentary and dramadoc series covering archaeology, history, science, nature, and crime investigation), Drama (scripted series and adaptations), Formats (international format adaptations for French audiences), and In Production (current projects in development). Productions are distributed globally through international distributors including France Télévisions Distribution, ZDF Studios, ITV Studios, and Cineflix to broadcasters such as Canal+ Group, France Télévisions, Channel 5, Netflix, BBC Studios, and National Geographic.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Factual & Docs Factual entertainment and documentary category of commissioned TV programming covering archaeology, history, science, nature, crime investigation, and dramadocs, produced for French, UK, and international broadcasters.
- Drama Scripted drama content category including limited series, original fiction, and adaptations produced for French, UK, and international broadcasters; division launched in 2024.
- Formats Television formats category for game shows, reality shows, and entertainment programs adapted from international formats for French audiences, as well as original format creation.
- In Production Catalog of current productions in development including documentaries, dramas, and series slated for future release across Pernel Media's slate.
- Raiders of the Lost Pharaohs Dramadoc series following legendary figures of Egyptology exploring archaeological discoveries in 19th century Egypt, featuring 3D reconstructions; originally broadcast on France 5. Achieved 900,000+ viewers on its first night.
- Murders in Millau Crime drama series set near the Millau viaduct following Captain Alice Nerval's investigation of a mysterious murder; produced for France Télévisions. Achieved 5.1 million viewers including 1.2 million on france.tv, a January primetime record across French TV.
- The Au Pair English-language drama series starring Sir David Suchet, produced for Channel 5 and Canal+ Group and co-produced with MK1 Studios; marks Pernel Media's expansion into British TV drama.
- Missed Call Thriller drama about a mother searching for her missing daughter in a French village, created by Samuel Kissous and Matthew Thomas; produced for Channel 5.
- Ancient Superstructures Science and engineering documentary series investigating famous monuments and how they were built without modern technology; distributed internationally by ZDF Studios.
- Origins of Mammals Archeology and paleontology documentary exploring therapsid fossils in South Africa's Karoo region, the ancestors of mammals; broadcast on France 5.
- The Innocence Project Crime and investigation series following the international association that exonerates innocent prisoners; distributed internationally by All3Media.
- Kim, the Diamond and the Grandpa Robbers Four-part docuseries for Canal+ Originals chronicling the 2016 armed robbery of Kim Kardashian during Paris Fashion Week.
- Wheeler Dealers France French adaptation of the classic car-trading format following Gerry Blyenberg and Aurélien Letheux, produced for French audiences.
- Clash of Ancient Warriors History series using forensic science and CGI to investigate legendary battles from ancient civilizations; distributed internationally by Lionsgate.
- Ramses the Great, King of Ancient Egypt Dramadoc series exploring how Ramses II and his dynasty transformed a broken kingdom into the ancient world's most powerful empire; distributed internationally by Cineflix.
- Rise of the Vikings History docu-series about 9th century Danish Viking kings who conquered half of England and seized Paris.
- Record-Breaking Engineering Science and engineering series exploring remarkable French engineering achievements across roads, tunnels, dams, bridges, and aircraft.
- The Magical World of Amphibians Nature documentary exploring over 7,500 amphibian species and their evolutionary adaptations across various habitats; produced for ARTE.
- Cash Cab (Taxi Cash) French adaptation of the quiz-on-wheels game show format with host Alexandre Devoise, where contestants answer questions during a cab ride.
- Dinner Date (L'amour au menu) French adaptation of the dating format where contestants prepare meals for potential partners.
Quantifiable outcome
- 5.1 million viewers for Murder in Millau - January primetime record across French TV
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Pernel Media
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Pernel Media technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Pernel Media partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- ITV StudioscoreITV Studios serves as a key production partner and international distributor for Pernel Media productions, including The Au Pair and various drama and documentary titles.
- France TélévisionscoreMajor French public broadcaster and distribution partner for multiple productions including Origins of Mammals, Murder in Millau, and numerous documentary series.
- Canal+ GroupcorePrimary French pay-TV broadcaster commissioning drama and documentary productions including The Au Pair, Raiders of the Lost Pharaohs, and Kim Kardashian docuseries.
- BBC StudiosmajorInternational content distribution partner collaborating on various documentary and drama productions.
- ZDF StudiosmajorGerman broadcaster and international distributor for documentary productions including Ancient Superstructures and Dino Birds.
- CineflixmajorInternational content distributor and production partner for various documentary series including Vikings and Ramses the Great.
- LionsgatemajorInternational distributor for documentary productions including Clash of Ancient Warriors.
- All3MediamajorInternational distribution partner for productions including The Innocence Project.
- National GeographicmajorGlobal broadcaster for documentary productions including Rise and Fall of the Maya.
- NetflixmajorGlobal streaming platform partner for international content distribution.
- Paramount UKmajorPernel Media has become a trusted supplier for Paramount UK, transitioning into British TV drama production under leadership of Samuel Kissous.
- MK1 StudioscoreCo-production partner for The Au Pair drama series with Canal+ Group.
- ARTEcoreFrench-German public broadcaster partner for documentary productions including The magical world of amphibians.
- PACTminorUK industry trade association membership supporting British production activities.
- USPAminorUS production association membership supporting American market activities.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Pernel Media competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Banijay Group: World's largest international independent content producer, producing unscripted, scripted and documentary content for global broadcasters — directly comparable to Pernel Media's documentary/drama/format mix and listed as a distribution partner for Pernel Media.
- All3Media: Global independent TV production and distribution company producing premium drama, documentary and unscripted content — a listed international distribution partner for Pernel Media and a like-for-like competitor for high-end documentary commissions.
- Fremantle: International content creator producing drama, entertainment and documentaries across 25+ territories — competes with Pernel Media for the same European and international broadcaster commissions and uses a similar format-adaptation model.
- ITV Studios: UK-based global production and distribution arm of ITV — both a Pernel Media distribution/co-production partner and a comparable producer of drama and factual content for UK and international broadcasters.
- Cineflix Productions: Canadian-headquartered international producer/distributor of scripted and non-scripted content including factual entertainment — directly comparable to Pernel Media's factual/drama slate and a listed Pernel Media distribution partner.
- Zodiak Media (part of Banijay): European-originated factual and entertainment indie within Banijay, focused on international co-productions and format adaptations — directly overlaps Pernel Media's factual and format business model.
- Studiocanal (Canal+ group): Paris-based film/TV producer-distributor within Canal+, which is also Pernel Media's biggest commissioning partner — directly comparable in producing international drama and documentary content for global buyers.
- Newen (part of TF1 group): French-headquartered international production and distribution group producing drama, documentary and unscripted content — a direct French/European peer competing for the same broadcaster commissions as Pernel Media.
- Endemol Shine (Banijay): Global format-led production giant producing entertainment, drama and factual programming — overlaps Pernel Media's format-adaptation work (e.g., Wheeler Dealers France, Cash Cab) and global factual slate.
Broad incumbents
- BBC Studios: Commercial arm of the BBC producing and distributing premium content globally — both a distribution/co-production partner of Pernel Media and a broader incumbent that commissions and produces factual and drama in the same categories.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Pernel Media social profiles
Digital presencePernel Media financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Pernel Media leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Pernel Media funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Pernel Media M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Pernel Media
What does Pernel Media do?
Pernel Media is an independent television production company that creates and produces factual entertainment, documentary series (including archaeology, history, science, nature, and crime investigation), scripted drama series, and international format adaptations for French, UK, US, and global broadcasters and streaming platforms. The company operates across four content categories — Factual & Docs, Drama, Formats, and In Production — and distributes completed productions internationally through major sales agents.
Is Pernel Media a public or private company?
Pernel Media is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Pernel Media founded?
Pernel Media was founded in 2009. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Pernel Media based?
Pernel Media is headquartered in Boulogne-billancourt, France, in the Europe region.
How does Pernel Media make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Broadcasting Rights and Licensing is the primary driver. The others are format Adaptations.
Who are Pernel Media's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Banijay Group, All3Media, Fremantle, ITV Studios, Cineflix Productions, Zodiak Media (part of Banijay), Studiocanal (Canal+ group), Newen (part of TF1 group) and Endemol Shine (Banijay). BBC Studios is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Pernel Media have an API?
No public API is recorded for Pernel Media.
What industry is Pernel Media in?
Pernel Media's product category is Television Production. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPADADAI, Arts & Culture Documentaries, with a secondary code of MPADADAO, Reality & Factual Entertainment (Unscripted). Its NAICS code is 71151 and its SIC code is 7812.