Scotland’s Largest Animation/VFX Studio Axis Has Collapsed With 162 Jobs Lost
The company’s closure is attributed to “severe cash flow problems.”
Business
Duolingo Further Commits To Animation With Acquisition Of Second Studio
The new acquisition nearly doubles the size of Duolingo’s Detroit-based animation operation.
It’s A Done Deal: Paramount And Skydance Are Merging
The deal will have huge ramifications for the animation industry, including a major new role for John Lasseter.
Framestore Will Shutter Vancouver Studio Citing ‘Industry-Wide Slowdown In Content Production’
The studio’s last day of operation will be July 5.
Animation+, A Free Channel Focused On Adult Comedy Content, Launches In U.S. And Canada
The company plans to start releasing its own original content in 2025.
Hannah Minghella Takes Over As Netflix’s Head Of Feature Animation
She replaces Karen Toliver, who will leave the company.
‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ Studio Gainax Files For Bankruptcy
After years of mismanagement, the 40-year-old Japanese studio has ceased operation.
Paramount And Skydance Are Nearing A Merger Deal
The deal is valued around $8 billion.
Brown Bag Films And 9 Story Launch Guidelines For AI Use In Their Productions
Brown Bag Films head Cathal Gaffney is also calling for more transparency from other studios about how they intend to use AI in commercial production.
Animation Producer Anton Capital Secures $100M+ Financing Via Blackrock To Expand Production Output
The company is involved in new animated features such as Claude Barras’s ‘Savages’ and Adam Elliot’s ‘Memoir of a Snail.’
Toho Acquires Science Saru Animation Studio
The studio was founded in 2013 by Masaaki Yuasa and Eunyoung Choi.
Pixar Undertakes Biggest Layoffs In History, Hundreds To Be Let Go
Approximately 14% of the studio’s staff is being laid off.
Disney And Pixar Will ‘Lean On Sequels’ In Near Future, Says CEO Bob Iger
The decision to swing back to sequels is part of the company’s decision to “reduce output and focus more on quality.”
MeTV Announces Toons Network, A Free Channel Dedicated To Classic Animation
The network is licensing a significant part of the Warner Bros. Discovery classic animation library, as well as series and shorts from other companies.
Paramount CEO Bob Bakish Steps Down, Will Receive $50 Million Severance Package
Bakish’s departure happens as Paramount continues to negotiate a merger with Skydance Media.
Atlanta-Based Animation Studio Primal Screen To Shut Down After 30 Years
The company was known for its on-air branding and created thousands of bumpers, promos, and IDs for tv networks, particularly Cartoon Network and PBS Kids.
‘The Tiny Chef Show’ Stop-Motion Studio Factory Transmedia Declares Bankruptcy
The Manchester area studio was also behind the high-profile reboot of ‘The Clangers.’
Disney Defeats Billionaire’s Attempt To Take Over Its Board Seats
CEO Bob Iger says Disney can now return to its main priorities: “[G]rowth and value creation for our shareholders and creative excellence for our consumers.”
France’s Superprod Group Acquires Mélusine Productions And Studio 352
Mélusine has been involved in the production of many European animated features, including ‘The Summit of the Gods’ and ‘Wolfwalkers.’
Paramount+ Unceremoniously Drops 10 Kids Titles Including ‘Rugrats,’ ‘Blue’s Clues & You,’ And ‘Big Nate’
The removals come amid uncertainty about Paramount’s future. The company is laying off 800 workers this year and shuttering the Noggin platform.