Jul 20, 2022

Netflix to Acquire Animal Logic, Animation Studio of "The Lego Movie"

More about Animal Logic: Animal Logic is one of the industry's leading independent animation studios. Based in Sydney, Australia, the company also has an office in California. The company recently announced that it is expanding its operations in Vancouver with a new 110,000 square foot studio and plans to hire 300 new employees over the next two years. Animal Logic's recent productions include The Lego Movie series, The Matrix Resurrection, Happy Feet, and the DC League of Super Pets, which opens next week. [Animal Logic has already produced titles for Netflix, including Wendy Rogers' "The Magician's Elephant" and Ron Howard's animated feature debut "The Shrinking of Treehorn."

How else is Netflix increasing its animation slate: In May, Netflix signed a multi-year service with Oscar-winning VFX and animation company DNEG that will cost the company at least $350 million through 2025. signed a renewal. Internally, there are still gray clouds hanging over Netflix Animation after the company announced in May that it would eliminate 70 positions at the L.A. animation studio. But the streaming distributor tells us that it is not the full-time Netflix employees who will be affected. And, of course, the list of Netflix original animated films that have either been canceled or cancelled in the past year is well documented.

What are the terms of the Animal Logic acquisition - neither company has disclosed the purchase price, but Netflix has said it will finance the acquisition with cash on hand. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions, but both companies are confident it will close later this year. After the acquisition is completed, Animal Logic's team and leadership will continue to operate under the Animal Logic brand, carry out production of existing and ongoing commitments, and continue to collaborate and work with longtime studio partners.

Netflix Comments Amy Reinhard, Netflix's Vice President of Studio Operations, said: "Netflix has been investing in animation for the past few years, and this is a great example of our commitment to building a world-class animation studio that This reinforces our commitment to building a world-class animation studio. Animal Logic is a premier animation studio with innovative technology that will enhance our existing business and improve our long-term capabilities in the animation field, allowing us to better entertain our members around the world."

Animal Logic comments CEO and co-founder Zareh Nalbandian: "After 30 years of producing great work with great people, Animal Logic is now entering its next chapter. Our values and aspirations couldn't be more aligned with Netflix in terms of working with diverse content makers to create innovative and engaging stories for audiences around the world. Our combined experience and talent will open new doors for all of our teams and empower new levels of creativity in animation."

COO Sharon Taylor added: "We are thrilled to be working with Netflix. The strength of our partnership on many projects is a testament to our shared creative vision. Solidifying our future together feels mutually beneficial and natural, and we are very excited to continue building on our success together."

Pictured above: 'The Lego Movie' [19]