South African animation studio Triggerfish is launching a new UK studio.
Building on its established hubs in South Africa and Ireland, the move “brings Triggerfish closer to key clients and creative partners while tapping into the UK’s world-class talent, tax incentives, and creative ecosystem to provide premium animation services.” The studio is now recruiting multiple positions for a TV special as well as a Head of UK to lead projects from the new base.
The expansion follows several years of steady growth across Europe. Triggerfish has collaborated with leading studios, broadcasters, and co-production partners on projects including Netflix’s Supa Team 4, Disney+’s Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, and provided full animation services on six award-winning specials for Magic Light Pictures including Stick Man and The Snail and the Whale.
Stuart Forrest, CEO of Triggerfish, said: “The UK has always been central to our story – many of our most talented collaborators are based here. The animation studio of the future is global by design, built to work with the best talent on the best productions, wherever they are. Expanding our presence in the UK is a natural next step in growing our European business.”
Forrest added: “Tomorrow’s animation studios will be widely distributed, scalable, and connected by technology, with local hubs for training and community. By opening in the UK, we can create new opportunities for talent where they live while offering creative spaces where teams can come together. As Triggerfish looks to the future, it remains committed to delivering world-class animated storytelling, and we look forward to building new relationships with UK clients and co-production partners. This is an exciting chapter for Triggerfish and for the UK animation industry.”
In addition to UK expansion, over the past three years, the studio has “fine-tuned its remote-friendly workflows”. For Disney+’s Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, Triggerfish coordinated over 1,500 crew members across nine studios on three continents. Its CG pipeline, designed around USD integration, “streamlines production while reducing friction in cross-border collaboration.” The system was recently tested on Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: Visions – Aau’s Song, enabling real-time collaboration across countries.
Since 1996, Triggerfish has earned Emmys, Annies, and numerous international awards, collaborating with partners including Disney, Netflix, the BBC, Lucasfilm, Magic Light Pictures, Nickelodeon, and Sony Pictures Animation.
Triggerfish is led by CEO Stuart Forrest, supported by a creative leadership team including Director of Production Mike Buckland, Director of Development Anthony Silverston, Head of CG Chris Cunnington, Head of Talent Cathy Bradley, and Head of Academy Aibe Mawu.
Jon Creamer
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