Ubisoft Motion Pictures CEO forms new studio

The former CEO of Ubisoft Motion Pictures, Jean-Julien Baronnet, is forming a new studio that will focus on the tricky business of adapting game IP to motion pictures.

"Producing a video game adaptation is a special process that not only requires movie production know-how, but also a deep understanding of gamer values and the video game creative process," Baronnet told Variety.

"The key is to have a close relationship with the game designers and to work with them on the key creative angles that will best cope with the game's DNA. The key is to recognize the passion of gamers, given they spend hundreds of hours in that world. That makes it essential for the 'universe' of the game to be as accurate as possible."

Marla Studios aims to start development on a film by next year, according to Baronnet.

"Marla Studios will help the video game companies consecutively in three areas: determining, along with the video game companies, the artistic angle and the artistic package that will serve best the IP; negotiating with the Hollywood studios a contract that will give the game company a strong creative control and high pay back; and last, but not least, implementing a deep collaborative process with the key creative people at the video game company at each stage of production."

Baronnet was replaced as the CEO of Ubisoft Motion Pictures by Gerard Guillemot (brother of Yves Guillemot) earlier this year.