Cinesite Acquires ‘Leap!’ Studio L’Atelier Animation

Cinesite has acquired Montreal’s L’Atelier Animation, the studio behind Leap! and the newly-completed Fireheart (pictured at top).
Details:

• Cinesite, which has offices in London, Montreal, and Vancouver as well as vfx partner studios in Germany and Vancouver, has announced a deal to acquire the Montreal-based studio to “expand its creative and production capacity to meet demand in Quebec and elsewhere.”
• The L’Atelier Animation management team, led by general manager Benoit Blouin, will work closely with Cinesite Animation COO Brad Wald to integrate the two companies and expand their Montreal footprint.
• L’Atelier Animation specializes in feature-length 3d animation and series. Located in downtown Montreal since 2012, the company is best known for Leap!, which raked in over $110 million at the international box office. Its most recent feature production was this year’s Fireheart and the studio also worked on the series Robozuna. It’s currently in production on the feature 10 Lives, directed by Chris Jenkins (Duck Duck Goose, effects on The Lion King, The Little Mermaid).
• Cinesite COO Wald said: “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. 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’s Blouin added: “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.”