Studio Unagi: A New Animation Venture in Montreal

Animation industry veterans Guillaume Dubois and Anthony Roux have joined forces to establish Studio Unagi, a fresh addition to the vibrant animation landscape of Montreal, Canada. This new studio, poised to make waves in the realms of animation, VFX, and gaming, has unveiled its debut projects under the banner.

Headlining Studio Unagi's inaugural slate are "Bestial" and "Sacré Coeur," both produced in collaboration with Ankama, renowned for cult favorite projects like "Mutafukaz" and the acclaimed video game franchises "Dofus" and "Wakfu." Specializing in 2D animation and Japanese-style animation, Studio Unagi aims to develop content for YouTube and video games, promising an innovative blend of storytelling and visuals.

"Bestial" ventures into the Krosmoz universe, familiar to fans of Ankama's popular online video games like "Dofus" and "Wakfu." A character-driven action-adventure series, "Bestial" tackles themes relevant to young audiences, including animal welfare, survival, and humanist values. The show follows Yrehn, a guardian tasked with safeguarding the last surviving member of a legendary species.

Meanwhile, "Sacré Coeur" follows the journey of a precocious 12-year-old inventor navigating encounters with supernatural beings amidst the enchanting backdrop of Paris. With each confrontation, the young protagonist employs ingenuity and innovation to fend off malevolent forces, ensuring the safety of the French capital.

Since its inception, Studio Unagi has garnered significant attention, receiving over 700 applications from aspiring talents. Boasting a team comprised of 90% Canadian talent and 10% international contributors, the studio prides itself on its notable representation of women, who occupy 75% of positions, including key roles in production and animation. With a roster mainly comprising seasoned professionals, Studio Unagi upholds a commitment to excellence and creativity.

As a premium boutique studio, Studio Unagi prioritizes quality over quantity, carefully selecting projects to deliver exceptional content. With its strategic partnership with Ankama, the studio aims to carve a niche in the animation industry, blending Montreal's creative energy with the technical prowess of Japanese animation.

Guillaume Dubois, Studio Unagi's founder and President, expressed his vision for the studio, emphasizing the fusion of Japanese animation's technical and artistic excellence with Montreal's cultural diversity. He envisions Studio Unagi as a hub for talent to thrive, creating content that resonates with anime enthusiasts worldwide.

Anthony Roux, Ankama's founder, echoed Dubois' sentiments, highlighting the collaborative spirit driving their partnership. With a shared passion for animation and a commitment to innovation, Studio Unagi and Ankama seek to elevate storytelling while honoring the rich legacy of anime and the Ankama universe.