WildBrain is scaling its computer-generated animation output without giving up creative control. The Canadian children’s content owner has entered a long-term production partnership with India-based animation and VFX studio EightyEight Pictures.
What the deal covers
Under the arrangement, WildBrain and EightyEight Pictures will work through shared workflows and integrated production pipelines. Creative leadership and core production remain with WildBrain and its House of Cool banner, while EightyEight Pictures supplies additional CG execution capacity inside that shared pipeline.
Stephanie Betts, WildBrain’s chief content officer, said the model gives the company “greater capacity, more flexibility” while its own teams keep leading creative vision, filmmaking and production oversight.
The move is part of WildBrain’s broader plan to build a more integrated, flexible model for premium and digital-first animation. It also comes as the company prepares to move its Vancouver studio into a new 47,000-square-foot home in January.
Why the structure matters
This is not a typical work-for-hire arrangement. The partners are building a shared pipeline that splits creative ownership from execution scale, a model that matters when franchises depend on visual consistency.
- WildBrain owns franchises including Strawberry Shortcake, Teletubbies, Yo Gabba Gabba! and Inspector Gadget.
- EightyEight Pictures has credits on Trollhunters, Gremlins, Kung Fu Panda and Star Wars: Visions.
- The deal pairs WildBrain’s franchise pipeline with EightyEight’s high-end CG track record.
What to watch
For platform and licensing buyers, the promise is supply: more premium kids and family animation without handing over franchise identity. The test will be whether shared pipelines deliver production efficiency without flattening each title’s visual style. Early signals will show up in WildBrain project slates and delivery timelines, not just announcements.
Source: C21media
