Cinesite has acquired Montreal’s L’Atelier Animation.
Cinesite says the deal will give it further access to Montreal’s talent pool plus further access to favorable exchange rates, and attractive tax credits.
The L’Atelier Animation management team led by General Manager Benoit Blouin will be working with Cinesite Animation COO Brad Wald to integrate the two companies and expand their Montreal footprint to meet the growing demand for animated content.
L’Atelier Animation specialises in feature-length 3D animation and series. Established in downtown Montreal since 2012 it’s best known for “Leap!’ (Caramel Films/Quads), which generated over $110M in international box office revenues. Its most recent production to reach audiences is ‘Fireheart’ (Entertainment One) produced by Les Films Seville, Anton, Main Journey, Caramel Films, and M6 Films SND. The cast is led by Olivia Cooke, Kenneth Branagh, and William Shatner. The studio has also worked on the series ‘Robozuna’ (Kidscave Entertainment and ITV Studios) and is currently in production on the feature ’10 Lives’ (GFM Animation) which is being directed by Chris Jenkins (Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King).
“As one of the largest independent studios producing animation we are always looking to grow our team with talented artists, and the L’Atelier team has a strong track record of producing outstanding work while taking great care of their clients,” says Cinesite COO for Animation Brad Wald. “Bringing our two teams together will allow us to serve our clients even better and on a greater scale in both feature films and episodic television. I know we will have great success working together and continuing to meet the growing demand for animated content.”
L’Atelier General Manager Benoit Blouin says of the partnership, “I am so proud of where our team’s incredible talent has brought L’Atelier. We have been admirers of Cinesite for years, so joining the Cinesite family will allow us to reach new heights together. We believe this deal will have a significant, positive impact on the animation industry in Quebec.”
Th deal comes at a time of increasing demand for animation content globally. To date Cinesite has delivered 10 feature films, recent credits include Paramount Pictures Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank and MGM’s The Addams Family franchise. The studio is in production on Aniventure’s upcoming films Hitpig and Animal Farm as well as the six-part Disney+ series Iwaju and other projects in development.
Jon Creamer
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