Montreal’s visual effects company Rodeo FX, known for its work on iconic series and films such as Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, The Rings of Power, John Wick: Chapter 4, and Dune, has recently completed the acquisition of Mikros Animation, a former subsidiary of the Technicolor Group.
Mikros Animation, previously part of Technicolor Group, was one of four subsidiaries based in France—including MPC, The Mill, and Technicolor Animations—that went into receivership after the collapse of the group in late February. The Paris Commercial Court was set to make a ruling on the acquisition proposals for these subsidiaries on the following Thursday.
Known for its contributions to PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, Orion and the Dark, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, Mikros Animation is recognized as a leading company in the fields of VFX, post-production, and animation.
“This acquisition is profoundly significant for me and for everyone at Rodeo FX,” stated Sebastien Moreau, Founder & CEO of Rodeo FX.
“Bringing Mikros Animation into our fold is more than just expansion; it’s about merging with a team that shares our dedication to storytelling and our belief in the transformative power of animation. We are crafting a unique creative environment where artists can expand their horizons, challenge the norms, and inspire audiences globally,” Moreau added.
Mikros Animation has been involved in the production of 17 feature films and numerous television series for leading animation studios like Paramount Animation, Netflix, and DreamWorks Animation.
The company has also created over 300 hours of content, which has been broadcast in more than 180 countries on channels including Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, TF1, and France TV.
“Mikros Animation and Rodeo FX have long held a mutual respect and admiration for each other. We are thrilled to start this new chapter together,” commented Julien Meesters, the newly appointed President of Mikros Animation.
“Joining Rodeo FX enables us to explore new creative possibilities and to keep reinventing our approaches. We have crafted incredible narratives with our partners over the years, and now we are ready to tackle new challenges and adapt to the changing industry, ensuring Mikros Animation continues to be a premier destination for filmmakers,” Meesters explained.
This acquisition not only includes all operations of Mikros Animation but also the equipment from Technicolor Canada, ensuring the studio’s activities continue seamlessly despite the recent closures within the Technicolor group.
Rodeo FX emphasizes that this acquisition is a strategic expansion that complements the opening of its fifth international office in Paris in 2023.
“Our main goal is to maintain the unique creative spirit of Mikros Animation,” said Jordan Soles, Senior Vice-President and Partner at Rodeo FX. “We aim to enhance our studio capabilities and continue to deliver high-impact projects by preserving their distinctive flair that has made them a well-respected name in the industry.”
Mikros Animation will keep its brand identity, continue its existing projects and production processes, and retain most of its creative, technical, and leadership personnel.
The studio is actively working on several major projects, including the third installment of the PAW Patrol movie series, directed by Cal Brunker.
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