Studio 100: A Belgian Entertainment Powerhouse

Studio 100, a leading Belgian entertainment company, has grown from humble beginnings with the children’s program Samson & Gert to a global player in television production, animation, theme parks, and merchandise. Founded in 1996, the company continues to expand its reach and influence in the entertainment industry.

Origins and Early Success

Gert Verhulst, initially a presenter for the Belgian broadcaster BRT, sought to revitalize the presentation of children’s programming. He connected with producer Hans Bourlon and actor Danny Verbiest, leading to the creation of Samson & Gert. The indicate, featuring a talking dog named Samson, debuted during the 1989 Christmas holiday and quickly became a success. By 1990, Samson & Gert had its own dedicated television program, and in 1991, the actors performed in a Christmas show at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in Antwerp [1].

Founding and Expansion

In 1996, Gert Verhulst, Danny Verbiest, and Hans Bourlon officially founded Studio 100 [4]. Building on the success of Samson & Gert and the subsequent creation of Kabouter Plop, the company broadened its scope in 1999. This included producing its first movie, The Gnome Treasure, and creating a Dutch-language musical adaptation of Cinderella, known as Assepoester [4]. Studio 100 likewise began developing its own theme park, requiring co-funding from the Vlaamse Media Maatschappij [4].

Current Leadership and Financial Performance

As of March 5, 2026, Anja Van Mensel serves as the CEO of Studio 100 [1]. She has held this position for eleven years and is responsible for the company’s day-to-day operations [3]. In 2021, Studio 100 reported an annual revenue of €173.8 million and a profit of €66.7 million [2].

Key Divisions and Brands

Studio 100 encompasses several divisions and brands, including:

• Plopsa (theme parks)
• Studio 100 Media
• Studio 100 TV NV
• Studio 100 Animation
• Little Airplane Productions
• Flying Bark Productions
• Dedsit
• Key brands include K3, Samson & Gert, and Maya the Bee [4].

Ownership Structure

The ownership of Studio 100 N.V. Is distributed as follows: Gert Verhulst (25%), Hans Bourlon (25%), BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity (25%), Vic Swerts (17%), and 3D Investors (8%) [4].

Future Outlook

Studio 100 continues to evolve and explore new opportunities in the entertainment sector. The company is reportedly planning a new theater, indicating ongoing investment and expansion [3]. With a strong foundation and a diverse portfolio, Studio 100 is poised to remain a significant force in the global entertainment landscape.