Netflix acquires Australian animation powerhouse Animal Logic

Netflix revealed it will acquire one of Australia’s most successful studios in a move to bolster its capabilities.

Netflix has bought Australian animation studio Animal Logic, the powerhouse outfit behind Happy Feet, The Lego Movie and Peter Rabbit.

With its headquarters in Sydney, Animal Logic has also worked on a raft of special effects projects for big Hollywood blockbusters including Captain Marvel, Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby, The Matrix and more.

One of Australia’s most successful production houses, Animal Logic was founded 30 years ago and in addition to its Sydney base, it has offices in Los Angeles and Vancouver.

Netflix and Animal Logic have already collaborated on animated features – the upcoming The Magician’s Elephant and the recently announced The Shrinking of the Treehorns, which is to be directed by Ron Howard.

The Magician’s Elephant is based on Kate DiCamillo’s novel and features the voice talents of Noah Jupe, Benedict Wong, Brian Tyree Henry, Mandy Patinkin and Sian Clifford.

The financial terms of the deal was not disclosed and the acquisition is still subject to regulatory approval. If approved, the sale is expected to be completed later this year.

Animal Logic has 800 employees and the cash deal will be funded through Netflix’s existing balance.

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Netflix has bought Animal Logic, the Australian studio behind Happy Feet.

“Netflix has been investing in animation over the past few years and this furthers our commitment to building a world-class animation studio,” Amy Reinhard, Netflix vice president of studio operations, said in a statement.

“Animal Logic is a leading animation studio with innovative technology that will strengthen our existing balance and increase our long-term capacity in the animation space, so that we can better entertain our members around the world.”

Animal Logic chief executive and co-founder Zareh Nalbandian said: “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, producing innovative and engaging stories for audiences around the world.”

The acquisition is expected to boost Netflix’s animation capabilities after the streaming company overhauled its existing department.

Following the tumult of its second quarter results in April, Netflix ousted the head of its animation department, Phil Rynda, as well as a number of staff, and cut several in-production projects including series from Meghan Markle and Ava DuVernay.

Netflix’s animation slate has included the Oscar-nominated Mitchell vs. the Machines as well as Over the Moon, Back to the Outback, Klaus and The Sea Beast.

Netflix’s previous acquisitions have included The Roald Dahl Story Company, Next Games, Boss Fight, StoryBots and visual effects studio Scanline VFX.

Originally published as Netflix acquires Australian animation powerhouse Animal Logic