The brand will continue to be operated under Animal Logic's CEO, Zareh Nalbandian.
Netflix is planning to acquire the Australian animation and visual effects studio Animal Logic.
This acquisition will support Netflix’s ambitious animated film slate, building on films like Over the Moon, Klaus and the recently released The Sea Beast.
Animal Logic has been producing design, visual effects and animation for over 30 years. Headquartered in Sydney, Animal Logic set up a second studio in Vancouver, Canada in 2015 and has worked on Hollywood blockbusters including Happy Feet, Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole, The LEGO Movies and Peter Rabbit 1 & 2, alongside The Matrix, Moulin Rouge!, 300, and The Great Gatsby.
The two companies have previously partnered on projects such as The Magician’s Elephant, directed by Wendy Rogers, and are working on The Shrinking of the Treehorns, directed by Ron Howard.
Commenting on the acquisitions, Amy Reinhard, Netflix Vice President of Studio Operations, said: “Netflix has been investing in animation over the past few years and this furthers our commitment to building a world-class animation studio. Animal Logic is a leading animation studio with innovative technology that will strengthen our existing business and increase our long-term capacity in the animation space, so that we can better entertain our members around the world.”
“Together, we’ll create an animation studio that will produce some of our largest animated feature films,” Netflix said.
Led by CEO and co-founder Zareh Nalbandian, the Animal Logic teams and leadership will remain operating under the Animal Logic brand and will fulfil production of existing and ongoing commitments and continue to collaborate and work with longstanding studio partners.
Nalbandian added: “After 30 years of producing great work with great people, this is the perfect next chapter for Animal Logic. Our values and aspirations could not be more aligned with Netflix, in working with diverse content makers, and producing innovative and engaging stories for audiences around the world. Our collective experience and talent will open new doors for all our teams and will empower a new level of creativity in animation.”
Sharon Taylor, COO of Animal Logic, stated: “The strength of our partnership across a number of projects is a testament to our shared creative vision. Solidifying our future together felt like a mutually beneficial, natural progression and I am so excited to continue to build on our success together.”
Animal Logic Entertainment will remain independent and continue to collaborate with filmmakers and major studio partners to develop and produce elevated family entertainment with universal appeal.
The company did not disclose the purchase price for Animal Logic but said it will fund the acquisition from cash on hand. Netflix expects to close later this year, subject to certain regulatory approvals.