The Best UK Animation Studios in 2023
Who are the best UK animation studios in 2023? The animation industry in the United Kingdom is a vibrant and thriving one. With a rich history of storytelling and artistic innovation, British animation has long been known for its quality and creativity. Over the years, the industry has grown significantly, and today, the UK is home to some of the best animation production companies in the world.
The UK’s animation industry has been responsible for producing some of the most iconic animated films and television shows in history. From the charming stop-motion animations of Aardman Animations, such as “Wallace and Gromit” and “Shaun the Sheep,” to the groundbreaking computer-generated animations of Framestore, which were used in movies like “Gravity” and “Guardians of the Galaxy,” the UK has been at the forefront of animation innovation for decades.
The animation industry in the UK is not limited to feature films and television shows. There are also many animation production companies that specialise in creating advertisements, music videos, and short films. These companies work with a wide range of clients, from multinational corporations to independent musicians and filmmakers, to produce animated content that engages audiences and helps tell their brand stories.
A+C Studios
One of the standout companies in the UK’s animation industry is A+C Studios. Founded in 2007, A+C Studio has quickly established itself as a leading animation production company in the country. The company’s list of clients includes some of the biggest names in the business, such as Pepsi, Cadburys, British Airways, LEGO, and Disney.
A+C Studio specialises in stop-motion animation, 2D animation, and will be adding CG animation to their arsenal in 2023. The company’s team is dedicated to building creative collaborations with clients, enabling them to convey their thoughts in the most engaging manner possible. A+C Studio’s commitment to excellence is evident in the exceptional work they have produced over the years.
Passion Animation
Another top UK animation production company is Passion Animation. Founded in 1987, Passion Animation has an impressive list of clients, including Vision Express, Fisher Price, Pizza Hut, and Amazon. The company is known for its adorable Christmas advertisements, which often convey a profound message.
Passion Animation specialises in VFX, 2D, and 3D animation, making them one of the best animation production companies in the UK. The company’s ability to work across a range of animation techniques and its talent for storytelling have made it a popular choice among clients.
Framestore
Framestore is another top UK animation production company that specialises in providing services for realistic animation. Founded in 1986, Framestore has primarily worked on feature films and television. The company’s list of clients includes Slumberland, The Sandman, Science Museum, Kohler, and many others.
Although Framestore primarily focuses on 3D animation, they also work on some 2D animation. Framestore specialises in long-form content and has worked with global clients, such as Fantastic Beasts, to produce exceptional animation work.
BlinkInk
BlinkInk is one of the leading animation studios in the UK, with clients such as BBC, Amazon, Carhartt, and Netflix. Founded in 1985, BlinkInk specialises in 3D animation, VFX, live-action, and stop-motion. The company’s unique talent for creating amazing advertisements, short films, and music videos with their magnetism for the bizarre and absurd has made them one of the most sought-after animation production companies in the UK.
Studio AKA
Studio AKA is one of the most respected and admired animation studios in the UK. Founded in 1989, the company has established itself as a leader in 2D animation. Studio AKA is best known for creating the popular pre-school cartoon series “Hey Duggee,” which has won numerous awards and captured the hearts of children and adults alike.
Although Studio AKA is primarily known for 2D animation, they also have a robust 3D section and can generate high-quality videos in both fields. The company’s ability to work across multiple animation techniques has allowed them to take on a wide range of projects and clients.
BlueZoo
BlueZoo Pictures, founded in 2000, is one of the best 2D animation companies in the UK. They have an impressive client list, including BBC, Disney, LEGO, and Nintendo. They work tirelessly to push the UK animation industry forward, having established AnimationUK in 2008, which went on to campaign successfully for the introduction of animation tax reliefs. The studio continues to work closely with various organisations and festivals to ensure a thriving, inclusive future for the whole industry.
Aardman Animation
Last but certainly not least is Aardman, founded in 1972, with clients including Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, and Morph. Aardman is the daddy of UK animation and has become synonymous with stop-motion and 3D stop-motion animation in the UK. They have successfully worked on advertising, music videos, TV series, internet animations, Academy Award-winning shorts, and big-budget feature films. Aardman is best known for its charming stop-motion and clay animation techniques, particularly those featuring its plasticine characters from Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, and Morph.
There you have it – our selection of the best animation companies in the UK.