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In this article we showcase the best animation studios in Vancouver, based on the types of animation they make. This includes business marketing videos, kids’ TV series, animated movies, and visual effects.
Which Vancouver animation studio should you hire? For business videos, marketing, and explainer content, a studio like Creamy Animation that specializes in video marketing and storytelling is the better fit — Vancouver’s larger CG/VFX houses (Netflix Animation Studios Vancouver, Bardel Entertainment, Atomic Cartoons) are built for episodic TV and feature-film pipelines, not brand or B2B video. Budgets for a short business animation are typically scoped by runtime, style, and revisions rather than a fixed rate card, and most 60–90 second projects take several weeks to a few months from an approved script to delivery.
Vancouver, British Columbia is one of the strongest hubs for animation in Canada, with studios supporting everything from kids TV series and CG production to motion design, advertising, and VFX.
This article highlights Vancouver animation studios and animation companies in Vancouver, BC that are known for specific specialties, so you can shortlist options faster.
Here is a quick overview of Vancouver animation studios by specialty, based on the type of animation they focus on. Keep reading to see details about some of the studios.
Disclosure: Creamy Animation and Mammothic Films are affiliated brands. Creamy Animation is the animation division, while Mammothic Films handles our live-action video production projects.
You’ll see a mix of 2D animation studios in Vancouver, 3D/CG animation studios, and motion design studios in Vancouver—plus teams that handle VFX for film and TV. Find out more about the types of animation styles used by video and film production companies in Vancouver and around the world.
Some studios operate across Metro Vancouver (including nearby production hubs), which matters if you’re searching for animation studios in Vancouver BC or comparing animation companies in Vancouver Canada for your project.
| # | Studio | Specialty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Creamy Animation | Video Marketing for Business | Explainer videos, video marketing, and storytelling for business |
| 2 | Netflix Animation Studios Vancouver | 3D/CG animation | Feature-scale CG animation and high-end animation production |
| 3 | Arcana Studios | Animated films / IP studio | Animated features and IP-driven storytelling projects |
| 4 | Atomic Cartoons | Kids series (2D/CG) | Episodic animation production at scale |
| 5 | Bardel Entertainment | Kids & adult series (2D/3D/hybrid) | Episodic series pipelines with large-team production capacity |
| 6 | Giant Ant | Motion design | Brand films, ads, titles, and design-led animated storytelling |
| 7 | Global Mechanic | Mixed-media / boutique animation | Varied formats (series, docs, shorts, and design-driven animation) |
| 8 | Kickstart Productions | Series production (animation + live action) | Kids/family content and multi-format production pipelines |
| 9 | Ordinary Folk | Motion design | Motion graphics and premium animation for brands and products |
| 10 | WildBrain | Kids series (2D + CG) | Script-to-screen episodic production for kids/family titles |
| 11 | Mainframe Studios | Kids series (CG + 2D) | High-volume CG series production and established delivery workflows |
| 12 | ICON Creative Studio | 3D/CG (series + films) | Large-scale CG series and feature work |
| 13 | Scarab Digital | VFX / virtual production | Virtual production, real-time CGI, playback, and production support |
| 14 | Cinesite | VFX + feature animation | High-end VFX and animation for film, TV, and streaming |
Creamy Animation is a Canadian animation studio with 15+ years of experience producing animated videos for business, explainer videos, corporate videos, training and educational video. As the animation arm of Mammothic Films, they have produced more than 1,500 videos for 370 clients and counting.
We have worked with global brands, governments, and nonprofits. These include Responsible Gambling, YWCA Canada, Government of Canada, Fujitsu, Logitech, Canonical, Blockdaemon, Small Business BC, and other organizations across Canada.
CG animation and VFX studio with operations in Sydney and Vancouver, known for feature-film scale work. Now part of Netflix (acquired in 2022), supporting animated features and high-end VFX pipelines.
Notable credits include major animated film work tied to LEGO and other studio features. Runs large multi-disciplinary teams across animation and effects for film/streaming productions.
Burnaby, BC studio that originated as a comics publisher and expanded into animation production. Produces animated films and related IP-driven content, with a slate shown on its feature film pages.
It’s known for adapting original properties into screen projects (animation + entertainment development). Operates at the intersection of publishing/IP and animation production workflows.
Atomic Cartoons is a Vancouver-based animation studio and part of Thunderbird Entertainment. It produces service and original animation for children’s and adult series, with in-house production, direction and writing roles.
Produces TV animation at scale and is part of Thunderbird Entertainment (ownership since 2015). Described as artist-driven, with broad in-house roles spanning direction, production, and writing. Known publicly for work on major animated series across kids and adult animation.
Vancouver-founded studio (1987) producing 2D animation, 3D, and hybrid animation for global audiences. Operates as a major service studio on recognizable series, including adult comedy and kids/family titles.
Often cited for work tied to shows like Rick and Morty, Teen Titans Go!, and The Dragon Prince. Backed by Rainbow (owner since 2015), with multi-project production capability.
Vancouver creative studio working across design, animation, and film-driven brand work. Known for high craft in motion design—often producing premium ads, brand films, and campaigns.
Publicly positions itself as a small, talent-forward studio with strong art direction. Work leans toward polished storytelling.
Vancouver boutique studio (founded 2000) spanning animation, design, branding, and post-production. Works across series, documentaries, projections, advertising, and mixed-media formats.
Known for flexible technique choices rather than a single “house style,” which suits varied briefs.
Describes specialties including stop motion, mixed media, and design-led animation services.
Founded in 1999; produces both animation and live action, with a Vancouver footprint and other locations. Positions itself as a long-running producer with large episodic volume and feature experience.
Shows a slate that includes kids/family brands alongside broader entertainment production.
Operates as a multi-format company (development through production) rather than a single-service shop.
Ordinary Folk is a Vancouver motion graphics and animation studio centred on crafted, design-forward work. The studio positions itself around “good work” and collaborative production, with a portfolio-led presence.
Their portfolio showcased brand montages, product stories, and campaign assets where clarity and style matter. Known for clean design systems, strong pacing, and modern motion language.
WildBrain Studios operates a major Vancouver animation facility producing 2D and CG series. Highlights award-winning, fan-favourite titles and a full script-to-screen studio model.
Runs multidisciplinary pipelines where 2D and CG coexist and cross over for production needs. Part of a larger kids/family entertainment company with multiple studio locations.
This Vancouver CG animation studio was founded in 1993, with a long history in television animation production. Formerly known as Mainframe Entertainment and Rainmaker; now operates as Mainframe Studios.
Focuses on high-volume CG series work and studio partnerships for kids/family content. Public materials emphasize decades of production experience and ongoing pipeline innovation.
Vancouver (Gastown) studio describing itself as one of Canada’s larger independent CG animation studios. Produces CG animated series/features and hybrid work for major entertainment partners.
Built for large-scale production with departments spanning story through finaling and VFX.
Listed as an independently owned animation + live-action entertainment company in Canadian directories.
Vancouver digital production studio specializing in virtual production and real-time content creation. Offers LED-stage/VP support, real-time CGI, motion graphics, playback, and tech rentals for sets.
Positions itself as a long-running film/TV partner with modern VP workflows and on-set practicality.
Also supports corporate visuals and experiential/event content alongside screen productions.
Global VFX and animation group with a Vancouver presence and dedicated facilities in major hubs. Provides visual effects and animation services for film, TV, and streaming, with decades in the field.
Vancouver communications highlight a dedicated studio footprint and expansion of production space.
Operates across multiple divisions (VFX, animation, and related specialty teams under the group).
Animation studios create movement from scratch (2D, 3D/CG, motion design) for series, films, ads, and business videos. VFX studios integrate computer-generated elements into live-action footage (compositing, CG, simulations).
Some Vancouver teams do both, but most specialize based on pipeline and talent.
Budgets vary by style (2D vs 3D/CG), complexity, runtime, and approvals. A short business animation often prices by scope (script, design, animation, sound, deliverables), while series/VFX work is pipeline- and shot-driven.
The fastest way to get a realistic range is to share runtime, references, and delivery specs.
A typical timeline ranges from several weeks to a few months depending on script readiness, number of style options, and review speed.
Clear decision-making and defined revision rounds reduce delays. Series and VFX schedules are usually driven by delivery windows and shot volume rather than total runtime.
Send your goal, target audience, runtime range, reference links, preferred style (2D/3D/motion), deadline, and where the video will be used (website, social, paid ads, training).
Include required deliverables (aspect ratios, cutdowns, captions). This prevents mismatched proposals and keeps estimates comparable.
At minimum: final master file, audio mix, and your required formats (e.g., 16:9, 1:1, 9:16), plus captions (SRT) if needed.
Many projects also require cutdowns, thumbnail frames, and brand-safe alternates. Ask upfront if project files are included or available as an add-on.
Most studios lock the project in stages—script, storyboard, design/style frames, animation, then sound and final delivery—so changes happen early when they’re cheaper.
Ask how many review rounds are included per stage, how feedback should be consolidated, and who approves on your side.
Yes. Many Vancouver studios support remote approvals and deliver broadcast/web-ready files to teams across Canada and internationally. Confirm meeting cadence, file handoff process, and how they handle time zones for reviews and final deliveries.
Start by defining what you’re producing and choose a studio model that fits: series pipelines for episodic TV, motion design for short-form brand assets, or business-focused animation for explainer, training, and internal communications.
Ask how they manage schedules and reviews, who runs the project day-to-day, how approvals work, and how they prevent rework and delays.
Vancouver is home to many excellent animation studios, and the creative scene stretches far beyond this city. If you’re looking for live action videos see Mammothic Films, a Vancouver video production company.
Match the studio to the production model: choose a boutique animation or motion studio for short business explainers and product communication; an episodic or feature-animation studio for long-form character pipelines; and a VFX house when the core requirement is integrating CG or effects into live action, then compare portfolio fit, pipeline, schedule and deliverables. If you’re looking for a creative agency to help tell your story, request a free consultation and we’ll be happy to meet and discuss your project.
Larry is the founder and Chief Storyteller at Creamy Animation, founded in 2009. He leads a team that creates story-driven videos for businesses and nonprofits. 15+ years in video strategy and production, specializing in SaaS, B2B, and nonprofit storytelling. A marketer, designer, and animator, Larry has overseen the production of more than 1,500 videos for Fujitsu, Logitech, Warner Brothers, NFL, Blockdaemon, Astronomer, Canonical, and 370+ others.
For Larry, God is first, and everything else is a blessing that comes from serving Him. When he’s not working, he’s hanging out with his wife and three kids, playing the piano, or pursuing his filmmaking side hustle.
