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Mikros Animation

Mikros Animation, a Rodeo FX company, is a global computer-generated imagery (CGI) animation studio specializing in end-to-end production services for feature films, episodic series, and commercials, partnering with filmmakers to craft visually striking animated stories.^[1]^[2] Founded in 1985 in Paris, France, by Maurice Prost as Mikros Image—a post-production and visual effects company—the studio expanded into animation, establishing itself as a key player in the industry with operations across multiple continents.^[3]^[4] Acquired by Technicolor SA in 2015 for $14.1 million, Mikros Animation integrated into Technicolor Creative Studios, enhancing its capabilities in digital effects and animation while growing its international footprint.^[4]^[5]^[6] In February 2025, Technicolor announced plans to shutter its U.S. offices, but the studio's acquisition by Rodeo FX in March 2025 preserved up to 287 jobs in Canada and France, aligning Mikros with Rodeo FX's global creative network to foster further growth in high-profile animation projects.^[7]^[2]^[8] The studio's portfolio includes contributions to over 17 feature-length animated films, with notable works such as visual effects and animation for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023), character development in Orion and the Dark (2024), and production support for Thelma the Unicorn (2024) and the PAW Patrol franchise, including its upcoming third installment.^[2]^[9]^[10]^[11]

History

Founding and early years

Mikros Image was founded in 1985 by Maurice Prost in Paris, France, initially specializing in post-production services and visual effects for European cinema. The studio emerged during a period of growing demand for advanced post-production in the French film industry, starting with traditional film processing before incorporating digital technologies. Prost, leveraging his background in graphics and production, positioned the company as a key player in supporting local filmmakers with high-quality finishing services. In its early years, Mikros Image built its reputation through contributions to several high-profile European productions, marking its entry into digital visual effects around the late 1990s. Notable projects included providing visual effects for Roman Polanski's The Ninth Gate (1999), where the team handled compositing and digital enhancements, as well as Mathieu Kassovitz's thriller The Crimson Rivers (2000), featuring complex environment integrations and effects sequences. By the 2000s, the studio's capabilities expanded further, exemplified by its work on the nature documentary Oceans (2009), which involved intricate underwater simulations and creature animations to enhance the film's immersive quality. These endeavors established Mikros Image as a reliable partner for directors seeking sophisticated VFX without relying on larger Hollywood facilities. The transition to animation began in the early 2010s, as the company invested in developing in-house CG pipelines and talent recruitment to diversify beyond live-action VFX. This strategic shift led to the studio's first major animated feature, Mune: Guardian of the Moon (2014), a fantasy adventure co-produced with On Entertainment, where Mikros handled significant portions of character animation, lighting, and rendering. The project showcased the studio's evolving expertise in stylized CG animation, blending European storytelling with technical innovation. During this foundational phase, Mikros Image grew from a boutique post-production outfit to a full-service VFX and animation provider, expanding its operations and workforce. By the mid-2010s, the employee count had reached approximately 400 full-time employees, reflecting steady recruitment in Paris and the recent establishment of international operations such as in Canada.^[3]

Acquisitions and ownership changes

In 2006, Italian media group Mediacontech acquired Mikros Image, the predecessor to Mikros Animation, which facilitated the company's international expansion and integration of its animation and post-production divisions.^[3] In 2015, Technicolor SA purchased Mikros Image from Mediacontech for an undisclosed amount, integrating it into Technicolor Creative Studios as part of its expansion in visual effects and animation services.^[4] In 2022, Technicolor Creative Studios, encompassing Mikros Animation, was spun off from Technicolor SA to operate as an independent publicly traded company, allowing focused growth in visual effects, animation, and related services.^[12] Following Technicolor Group's bankruptcy proceedings in early 2025, Rodeo FX acquired Mikros Animation's feature animation operations, including its Paris and Montreal studios, in March 2025, ensuring continuity of activities and preserving up to 287 jobs in Canada and France.^[8]^[13] In April 2025, OuiDO Productions acquired the episodic and intellectual property divisions of Mikros Animation, along with Technicolor Animation Productions, rehiring approximately 50 former employees in creative, development, and production roles, focusing on French-based operations. The Bangalore studio's operations were wound down, with its core talent joining Assemblage Entertainment.^[14]^[15]^[16] These transactions collectively preserved over 300 jobs across the retained studios, mitigating the impact of the parent company's collapse on Mikros Animation's workforce.^[8]^[14]

Organization and operations

Global locations and facilities

Mikros Animation's headquarters is located in Paris, France, serving as the primary creative and administrative hub. The Paris facility supports comprehensive animation pipelines, including pre-production, modeling, rigging, and post-production processes, with dedicated spaces for collaborative workflows and artistic development.^[1] The Montreal studio, known as Mikros Image Montreal, specializes in high-volume CGI animation production and is equipped with advanced rendering farms. Following the 2025 acquisition by Rodeo FX, this location was retained along with Technicolor Canada's equipment, ensuring continuity in large-scale rendering and animation capabilities.^[17]^[13] Additional locations include the Bangalore studio in India, which provides animation support.^[18] Prior to 2025, Mikros maintained a London studio focused on European VFX work. The Los Angeles studio was shuttered in February 2025 as part of Technicolor’s closure of U.S. offices.^[7] Post-2025, Mikros Animation operates three main studios—Paris, Montreal, and Bangalore—facilitating end-to-end production with specialized departments for modeling, rigging, and compositing. As of March 2025, these facilities drew on a global talent pool, with approximately 287 staff distributed across locations to enable seamless collaborative workflows.^[1]^[8]

Services and leadership

Mikros Animation provides end-to-end CGI animation services, encompassing pre-production phases such as concept art development and storyboarding, production stages including modeling, rigging, animation, and lighting, and post-production processes like compositing and visual effects integration for hybrid live-action projects.^[1] These services support the creation of high-quality animated content for feature films and other formats, leveraging a collaborative pipeline that ensures seamless workflow from initial ideation to final delivery.^[19] The studio specializes in custom animation pipelines tailored for both feature-length and episodic content, with capabilities in photorealistic rendering as well as stylized aesthetics to meet diverse creative visions.^[20] Mikros Animation emphasizes partnerships with global filmmakers and production companies to facilitate co-productions, enabling scalable solutions that adapt to project-specific needs while maintaining artistic integrity.^[2] Leadership at Mikros Animation is headed by President Julien Meesters, who oversees the studio's strategic vision and creative direction following his appointment in March 2025.^[13] The executive team includes key figures such as VP of Production Pierre Escande, who manages production operations, and VP of Creative Operations Sabine Heller, focusing on innovative workflows, supported by studio heads like Nicolas Delval in Montreal and Aurélia Abate in Paris.^[1] The studio's VFX legacy traces back to founder Maurice Prost, whose establishment of Mikros Image in 1985 laid the groundwork for advanced visual effects techniques that continue to influence the company's animation practices.^[21] Following its acquisition by Rodeo FX in March 2025, Mikros Animation has integrated with the parent company's expertise to enhance VFX capabilities, particularly for feature film work, allowing for more sophisticated hybrid animation and effects integration.^[2] Meanwhile, the studio's episodic services have shifted to OuiDO Productions, which acquired those operations and related IP activities in April 2025 to preserve continuity in television animation production.^[14] This restructuring enables Mikros Animation to concentrate on high-impact feature projects while benefiting from Rodeo FX's global resources.^[17]

Productions

Feature films

Mikros Animation has contributed to a total of 17 feature-length animated films, providing services ranging from full animation production to specialized visual effects and CGI sequences.^[17]^[22] One of its earliest major projects was the full animation production for Mune: Guardian of the Moon (2014), a French fantasy adventure directed by Benoît Philippon and Alexandre Heboyan, where Mikros handled character animation and environments to create its mythical world.^[23]^[24] In 2015, the studio provided CGI sequences for The Little Prince, directed by Mark Osborne, blending stop-motion and computer-generated imagery to depict the novella's whimsical universe, with Mikros focusing on the animated segments featuring the titular character.^[25]^[26] Mikros contributed character animation to Sahara (2017), a 3D adventure film directed by Pierre Coré, assisting in the development of expressive animal protagonists navigating the desert landscape.^[27]^[28] For Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017), directed by David Soren, Mikros Animation's Montreal facility served as the primary production hub, delivering cost-effective yet innovative animation that combined 2D-inspired stylization with 3D techniques.^[29] The studio handled animation and visual effects for PAW Patrol: The Movie (2021), directed by Charles E. Bastien, enhancing the franchise's vibrant, kid-friendly aesthetic with dynamic action sequences.^[30]^[20] Specializing in underwater effects, Mikros created immersive environments and fluid simulations for The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (2020), directed by Tim Hill, supporting the film's return to Bikini Bottom.^[31]^[32] More recently, Mikros led full CG animation for Orion and the Dark (2024), a Netflix DreamWorks production directed by Sean Charmatz, crafting dreamlike sequences that blend emotional storytelling with surreal visuals.^[33]^[34] The studio animated action sequences for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023), directed by Jeff Rowe, employing stylized CGI to capture the film's graffiti-inspired, youthful energy and fast-paced fights.^[17]^[35] For Thelma the Unicorn (2024), a Netflix musical directed by Lynn Wang, Mikros handled musical animation elements, integrating vibrant performances and transformations into the narrative.^[36]^[37] Mikros Animation delivered significant animation sequences for Plankton: The Movie (2025), a Netflix feature film directed by Dave Needham, including 30 minutes of CG work from its Bangalore studio, focusing on Plankton's rivalry with SpongeBob while integrating mixed 2D and 3D styles.^[38] Mikros Animation's work has earned recognition for innovations in stylized CGI, particularly in franchises like PAW Patrol and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, where it advanced hybrid techniques for expressive, franchise-defining visuals.^[9]^[17] Select projects, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, received Visual Effects Society Award nominations for outstanding visual effects in an animated feature.^[39]^[35] Following its acquisition by Rodeo FX in March 2025, Mikros continues work on upcoming features such as PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie (2026) and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2, expanding its role in theatrical animation under the new ownership.^[17]^[40]^[41]

Television series

Mikros Animation has contributed to several animated television series and specials, primarily through visual effects, character animation, and full production support for major broadcasters such as Nickelodeon and Netflix.^[14] Notable among these is its ongoing involvement in SpongeBob SquarePants, where the studio provided VFX and animation for multiple seasons and specials, ensuring continuity in the franchise's signature style.^[14] Similarly, Mikros handled character rigging and animation for episodes of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series, enhancing the dynamic action sequences in collaboration with Paramount Animation.^[14] A key project was the full production of Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years, a prequel spin-off series for Paramount+, where Mikros managed CG animation across two seasons, depicting a young SpongeBob at summer camp in the kelp forest.^[42] Additionally, prior to the 2025 divestiture, Mikros partnered with Netflix on the animated event series adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, handling pre-production and animation development based on Roald Dahl's tale.^[43] In these roles, Mikros specialized in episode animation, intellectual property adaptation, and post-production, supporting high-volume output for franchises like SpongeBob SquarePants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, with contributions spanning numerous episodes.^[14] The studio's episodic division facilitated efficient pipelines for serialized content, blending 2D-to-3D transitions and VFX to meet broadcaster demands.^[44] The April 2025 acquisition of Mikros Animation's episodic division by OuiDO Productions marked a significant shift, transferring IP rights and ongoing projects related to SpongeBob SquarePants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles away from the core studio, which refocused on feature films under new ownership by Rodeo FX.^[14] This divestiture preserved jobs but redirected future television work to OuiDO, ending Mikros' direct involvement in these series.^[14]

References

[1]
About - Mikros Animation
We provide end-to-end animation services, uniting industry-leading talent across our global network of creative studios located in Montreal, Paris and Bangalore ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
[2]
Mikros image, soon 30 and going strong - A la Une - Mediakwest
Founded in 1985 by Maurice Prost, Mikros Image went through a fast development phase lasting several years, becoming an international group, listed on the ...
[3]
Technicolor Acquires Mikros Image - The Hollywood Reporter
Apr 8, 2015 · Founded in Paris in 1985, Mikros generated $47.7 million (€44 million) in revenue in 2014 and includes a busy commercial production arm as well ...
[4]
Spotlight on Mikros Animation: A Boutique Culture Embraces Growth
Sep 23, 2022 · Mikros Animation, which was acquired by Technicolor in 2015, has headquarters in Paris, Monreal, Los Angeles, Bangalore and London.Missing: history | Show results with:history
[5]
Technicolor Shuttering U.S. Offices of Mikros Animation, The Mill ...
Feb 24, 2025 · Mikros, previously known as Technicolor Animation, was founded in Paris in 1985, and has studios in London, Brussels, Liege, Montreal and ...
[6]
Mikros Animation Joining Creative Company Rodeo FX
Mar 27, 2025 · Rodeo FX acquired Mikros Animation, including all operations, to align with shared values, preserve its creative magic, and for global growth. ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[7]
Rodeo FX Acquires Former Technicolor Group Studio Mikros ...
Mar 27, 2025 · Rodeo FX's purchase of Mikros Animation will preserve up to 287 animation production jobs in Canada and France.Missing: company history
[8]
New Demo Reel Mikros Animation
From the gritty action of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, the colorful charm of Thelma the Unicorn, the poetic wonder of Orion and the Dark, ...Missing: notable | Show results with:notable
[9]
Award-winning feature films - Mikros Animation
Award-winning feature films · Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2 – Lost in New Jersey · Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie · Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 ...Missing: notable | Show results with:notable
[10]
Rodeo FX Acquires Former Technicolor Studio Mikros Animation
Mar 27, 2025 · The animation studio is currently working on several high-profile titles, including the upcoming third instalment of the PAW Patrol film ...Missing: notable | Show results with:notable
[11]
Technicolor Creative Studios Spins Off as Independent, Publicly ...
Sep 26, 2022 · Mikros Animation, part of Technicolor Creative Studios, has brought hit features like 'Asterix & Obelix' to screens worldwide. Europe ...
[12]
Rodeo FX Acquires Technicolor Group's Mikros Animation - Deadline
Mar 27, 2025 · Mikros Animation was among four France-based Technicolor Group subsidiaries alongside MPC, The Mill and Technicolor Animations placed in ...Missing: history | Show results with:history<|control11|><|separator|>
[13]
OuiDo Productions Acquires Mikros Animation And Technicolor's ...
Apr 1, 2025 · French animation company OuiDO Productions has acquired the episodic division of Mikros Animation as well as Technicolor Animation Productions.Missing: history | Show results with:history
[14]
Mikros Animation Moves Forward with Rodeo FX and OuiDO - 3DVF
Mar 27, 2025 · The brand was created by Boris Hertzog and Sandrine Nguyen around two decades ago and OuiDO was later acquired by Technicolor. Following the ...Missing: Mediacontech | Show results with:Mediacontech
[15]
Technicolor Bankruptcy: Rodeo FX Acquires Mikros Animation
Mar 27, 2025 · It acquired Technicolor's Mikros Animation unit following parent Technicolor's shut down last month. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.Missing: history OuiDO
[16]
Bangalore - Mikros Animation
Contact: hello_bangalore@mikrosanimation.com +91 80 4046 1234 Address: Technicolor India Whitefield Road Bangalore ITPL Bangalore – 66 INDIA<|separator|>
[17]
Mikros Animation - A Rodeo FX Company
We partner with filmmakers and the global animation community to design and craft stories in striking CG animation.CareersProjectsAward-winning feature filmsContactAbout
[18]
Projects - Mikros Animation
Projects. We make every project unique. Feature. Feature. Episodic. Episodic · Let's work together. Contact us to start the process. Contact us.
[19]
French postproduction powerhouses - The Hollywood Reporter
Apr 10, 2007 · Mikros was founded in 1985 and has been developing DI and visual effects for feature films since 1998 with its fully functional visual effects ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
[20]
Mikros Animation Joining Creative Company Rodeo FX
Mar 27, 2025 · The acquisition includes all of Mikros Animation's operations, as well as Technicolor Canada's equipment, as the studio's activities are ...
[21]
Mune: Guardian of the Moon - Mikros Animation
When a faun named Mune becomes the Guardian of the Moon, his lack of experience doesn't prepare him for what's to come.
[22]
Indie Animated Delight: 2014 French Feature Mune: Guardian of the ...
Jan 31, 2023 · Then, with all those designs existing on paper, we created the movie in CG at Mikros Animation Montréal. Benoît Philippon (BP): As for the ...
[23]
THE LITTLE PRINCE - Mikros Animation
... The Little Prince (newcomer Riley Osborne). It's here that The Little Girl's magical and emotional journey into the universe of The Little Prince begins.
[24]
'The Little Prince' director Mark Osborne on bringing the classic
Aug 8, 2016 · Mark Osborne had to overcome plenty of obstacles to bring his independent animated retelling of The Little Prince to the screen.
[25]
Full cast & crew - Sahara (2017) - IMDb
Sahara (2017) - Cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses ... lighting: Mikros Animation. Patrick Parenteau · Patrick Parenteau. visual effects ...
[26]
SAHARA PRESENTED AT PIDS 2017 - Mikros Animation
Feb 1, 2017 · On January 28 th , the Paris Images Digital Summit will organize a very special screening of Sahara, ahead of its official release on February, 1 st !Missing: animated | Show results with:animated
[27]
'Captain Underpants' and the New Push to Make Cheaper Animated ...
Jun 2, 2017 · Mireille Soria, who produced Captain Underpants with Mark Swift, says the decision to make the film at the Montreal facility of Mikros Animation ...
[28]
John Malkovich's 'A Winter's Journey' Launches Trioscope Platform
Aug 11, 2022 · Mandel previously served as COO of Technicolor's global animation division Mikros Animation, the creative force behind “Paw Patrol: The ...
[30]
BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE ON ...
Mar 7, 2021 · Deep dive into Bikini Bottom and listen to our team who tells you everything about the making of The SpongeBob Movie : Sponge On The Run !
[31]
'Orion and the Dark' Review: Netflix Animation From Charlie Kaufman
Jan 29, 2024 · Full credits. Production: DreamWorks Animation, Mikros Animation Distributor: Netflix Cast: Jacob Tremblay, Paul Walter Hauser, Werner Herzog, ...
[32]
https://www.mikrosanimation.com/en/news/spongebob-behindthescenes/
[33]
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem - Mikros Animation
Full credits on IMDB. VES Awards 2024. Outstanding visual effects in an Animated feature - Nomination. VES Awards 2024
[34]
'Thelma the Unicorn' Review: Brittany Howard in Netflix Animated Film
May 17, 2024 · Full credits. Production: BuzzFeed Motion Pictures, Buzzfeed Studios, Matchbox Hero, Mikros Animation, Netflix Animation, Netflix Studios, ...
[35]
https://www.mikrosanimation.com/en/project/tmnt-mutant-mayhen/
[36]
Visual Effects Society Announces Nominees for 22nd Annual VES ...
Jan 16, 2024 · Visual Effects Society Announces Nominees for 22nd Annual VES Awards ... Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem; Superfly Gregory Coelho
[37]
Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie - Mikros Animation
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie. The third adventure of the hero puppies is scheduled for July 24, 2026! Studios. Spin Master Entertainment, Paramount Animation.
[38]
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 - Mikros Animation
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2. Donnie, Raph, Leo, and Mikey are back for their next adventure with Master Splinter, the Mutants, April, and a new villain ...
[39]
Kamp Koral: Spongebob's Under Years - Mikros Animation
At the age of 10, long before he became a Krusty Krab cook, SpongeBob went to summer camp with his friends.
[40]
Plankton: The Movie - Mikros Animation
Failing to dominate the world, Plankton continues running the Chum Bucket, aided by his computer wife Karen, in his never-ending rivalry with Mr. Krabs.
[41]
We're Hiring for Charlie & The Chocolate Factory - Mikros Animation
Feb 23, 2022 · Mikros Animation is happy to announce a new collaboration with Netflix on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the upcoming animated event series ...
[42]
Spotlight on Mikros Animation: A Boutique Culture Embraces Growth
Sep 20, 2022 · Among the recent shows Mikros has helped produce with studios such as DreamWorks, Paramount, Sixteen South and Tencent Kids are Kung Fu Panda: ...