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Studio Unagi: The New Powerhouse in Montreal's Animation Scene

Author

Zion Meiko
June 03, 2024

Montreal has welcomed a new animation studio, Studio Unagi, founded by known animator, Guillaume Dubois, who is collaborating with Anthony Roux’s Ankama. This new studio is poised to blend the best of Japanese animation with Montreal’s vibrant creativity. Here’s everything you need to know:

Kicking Things Off

Since its inception, Studio Unagi has attracted significant interest, receiving over 700 applicants. Currently, 75% of positions are occupied by women, with 90% Canadian talent, and 10% international. 

Studio Unagi's first projects, “Bestial” and “Sacré Coeur,” are being produced with Ankama, the creative powerhouse behind “Mutafukaz” and games like “Dofus” and “Wakfu.”

Partnership Born from Passion

“Our ambition with Studio Unagi is to combine the technical and artistic excellence of Japanese animation with the cultural wealth and creativity of Montreal,” said Guillaume Dubois, founder and President of Studio Unagi. “We want to create works that resonate with anime fans across the world while providing a space where talent can flourish.”

Anthony Roux, Ankama founder, emphasized the mutual benefits of the partnership:

“Our collaboration with Studio Unagi was born from our shared passion for animation and our desire to push the boundaries of creativity. By relying on their expertise, we want to bring a new dynamic to the industry and create compelling stories that honor the spirit and aesthetic of the Ankama universe and anime in general.”

Future Endeavors and Vision

Looking ahead, Studio Unagi plans to expand its pipeline beyond traditional TV content by exploring projects across YouTube and video games.

Studio Unagi is well-equipped to significantly impact North America’s animation landscape. The studio’s ambition promises a bright future filled with captivating, high-quality animated works. With their unique animation techniques and creative flair, they’re about to bring something truly special to the world of animation.

Happy drawing,

Artbeat