Athem Studios
- Open roles
- 0
- Founded
- 2016
- Employees
- 1-10
- Offices
- 1
About Athem Studios
Anthem Studios is an independent animation studio based in West London, founded by animator, writer and director Michael Wakelam. Its work centres on original animated television series, feature properties and stylized commercial character animation, with a particular focus on character-driven CG comedy for children and young audiences.
The studio develops concepts through writing, character design, storyboarding and pitch development, alongside CG animation production and co-production services. Its original entertainment projects span programming for ages 6–11 and preschool audiences. Commercial work extends that character-led approach into advertising and branded communications.
Original properties
ForkFish is a planned 13 × 22-minute animated comedy created and written by Wakelam. Presented in a mockumentary style, it follows a fish that gains speech and mobility after swallowing a town statue. The project combines an unusual central character with the studio’s interest in narrative comedy for younger viewers.
Another development property, The Wild Truth, combines live action and animation for children and was pitched at Cartoon Forum in Toulouse. The studio’s development slate also includes The Snake Who Couldn't Hiss. These properties reflect an emphasis on originating characters and stories as well as preparing projects for production partnerships.
Short films and commissioned animation
Anthem’s independent CGI comedy short Life of Bri' n Chris was written and directed by Wakelam and screened at international children’s film festivals. Its commissioned work includes animated character campaigns for Zopa Car Finance and a safety film for Prudential RideLondon, directed by Wakelam in conjunction with Mammoth.
International pitching and collaboration have formed part of the studio’s development activity. Anthem has presented projects at MIPJunior in Cannes and Cartoon Forum, and its relationship with Polish animation studio Rabid Rat developed through original properties and commercial assignments. A formal agreement to co-produce ForkFish was announced in January 2024, following earlier collaboration on The Wild Truth.
More about Athem Studios
Production model
The studio operated with a small core creative team, scaling production through freelance crews and external co-production studios.
Industry recognition
ForkFish was selected as a top-five finalist in the 2021 MIPJunior Project Pitch competition. Life of Bri' n Chris received an official selection at Providence Children’s Film Festival and was a daily pick on Film Shortage.
Founder and corporate leadership
Michael James Wakelam was appointed a director of the legal company on 15 February 2012. Jacqueline Elizabeth Wakelam, appointed on the same date, resigned as a director on 12 June 2024.
Beyond Anthem, Michael Wakelam produces and hosts The Creators Society Animation Podcast and co-founded the London baseball project The 108.
Notable credits
6 creditsOffices
Where Athem Studios is based
- London, England, United Kingdom
London office
HeadquartersAbout this office
West London creative base and headquarters during studio operations. The report retains London as the primary studio location; it does not establish physical closure or a production-premises street address.
Open roles
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