French podcast operation Paradiso to launch in the U.S.

Paradiso, a French podcast studio, is making the leap to the U.S. The company is planning to launch a slate of original podcasts and to adapt its existing formats for U.S. audiences and other English speakers. Currently, Paradiso specializes in creating premium scripted, documentary, and children’s content.

The podcast company was founded by Lorenzo Benedetti, former director of digital creation for the Canal Plus Group; Louis Daboussy, former CCO of Konbini; and Denoit Denaigre, formerly of Havas.

The company hired Emi Norris to head up its U.S. efforts. Her resume spans digital publishing, content strategy, and film production. Norris’ past roles include VP of partnerships and distribution of originals at Refinery29, where she worked on the Good As Hell podcast and digital series Strangers.

“I’m honored that Lorenzo, Louis and Benoit have entrusted me to bring their vision of creating ‘cinema for the ears’ to the U.S.,” said Norris. “I admire their commitment to producing true adaptations, rather than simple translations, of global stories across borders and languages.”

Anna Washenko