Bringing a fresh wave of anime-influenced energy to the Canadian talent pool, Studio Unagi has launched as Montreal, Quebec’s latest independent animation player. Founded by Guillaume Dubois and supported by Anthony Roux, CEO of Ankama, the venture aims to blend a benevolent corporate culture and ambitious vision while tapping the technical excellence of Japanese animation and the rich creativity of the Canadian scene.
“Our ambition with Studio Unagi is to combine the technical and artistic excellence of Japanese animation with the cultural richness and creativity of Montreal to offer a competitive presence in North America,” said Dubois, Studio Unagi’s Founder & President. “We aim to create works that resonate with anime fans worldwide while providing a space where talents can thrive.”
The new studio had already attracted more than 700 spontaneous applications, and now reports a team built on a 90% Canadian talent base, complemented by 10% of international employees. Studio Unagi also points out that women hold 75% of all roles at the studio, including critical production and animation positions.
At launch, Studio Unagi is working on two Ankama productions: Bestiale (7 x 11′; for ADN in France) and Sacré-Cœur (Sacred Heart; 26 x 26′; France TV). The studio is already preparing for future productions and plans to diversify its activities, exploring new segments like YouTube and video games to tell innovative stories.
The strategic partnership with Ankama, known for its game Dofus and the animated series Wakfu, is based on a longstanding relationship between Dubois and Roux. This new collaboration will meet the growing production needs of Ankama while supporting the growth of Studio Unagi. Together, they aim to create high-quality 2D animation stories and develop innovative projects.
“Our collaboration with Studio Unagi stems from our shared passion for animation and our desire to push the boundaries of creativity,” said Roux. “Leveraging their expertise, we want to bring a new dynamic to the industry and create captivating stories that honor the spirit and aesthetics of the Ankama universe and anime in general.”
