Studio is ramping up slate with new animation and hybrid live action drama projects.
Gutsy Animations – the studio behind Moominvalley – has added new investment partners following a recent financing round.
Both the Jansson family-run company, Moomin Characters, and Bulls Holding AB – the parent company of Bulls Press and Rights and Brands – are taking minority stakes in the company with other private investors.
The investment comes at a time of growth for the company as it broadens its slate into non-kids scripted live action and brand new 2D animated kids’ series – both with a strong emphasis on nature and bold female characters.
“We are thrilled at the opportunity to come onboard to develop Gutsy Animations as investors,” said Roleff Kråkström, ceo of Moomin Characters. “Gutsy Animations is a great fit to our cultural ecosystem which has been developed around Moomin Characters over the years.
“The award-winning Moominvalley is naturally one of our greatest interests but we are also looking to develop a co-operational model which would be able to scale to the authors, illustrators and other IP owners that we represent in the competitive market. Gutsy Animations’ top team complement our skills and knowledge beautifully.”
Marika Makaroff, ceo and creative director at Gutsy Animations, added: “We are very grateful to have the support of our fantastic partners and visionary investors especially at a very exciting moment of growth, creativity and ambition for the company.
“Our slate has broadened to include both high quality drama and charming original animation. This exemplifies Gutsy approach and focus on bold, female-led work which draws on the magic and mythology of the natural world to challenge and inspire viewers across generations.”
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