Autour de Minuit

Autour de Minuit is an independent French animation studio, film and television production company, and international distributor based in Paris. Founded in 2001 by producer and director Nicolas Schmerkin, it develops, produces and co-produces animated shorts, feature films, television series and specials. Its editorial approach emphasizes distinctive visual worlds, experimental techniques and unconventional storytelling, spanning auteur animation for adults and teenagers alongside productions for children and families.

Hybrid filmmaking is a central part of its work. The studio combines live-action footage with digital graphics and works across 2D computer animation, 3D CGI and stop-motion. Its production services cover development, scriptwriting and graphic design through animation, cleanup, color, compositing and rendering. Executive production and fabrication services also encompass technical direction, CG supervision, pipeline tooling and production management.

Film and television

The company's short-film productions include Logorama, directed by the H5 collective, David Coquard-Dassault's Peripheria, and Alberto Vázquez's Decorado. Other projects include Édouard Salier's Flesh, Luis Nieto's Carlitopolis and Hendrick Dusollier's Obras.

Its feature-film work includes associate production on Psiconautas, the Forgotten Children and co-production of Alberto Vázquez's Unicorn Wars. Television productions include the preschool series Non-Non, Jean-Michel Super Caribou, the adult comedy Babioles, and the short-format series Flippé. The company also produces A Town Called Panic television specials, extending its slate across different audiences, formats and animation approaches.

International distribution

Autour de Minuit established a dedicated international distribution and sales branch in 2004. Its catalog now encompasses more than 400 short films, television specials and digital works, serving broadcasters, theatrical programs and international festival circuits. Distribution sits alongside original production and co-production as a core part of the company's business.

As of October 2026, its developing slate includes the stop-motion animated musical feature The Midnight King, with music by Patrick Watson, and Ada et Uzu, based on the graphic novel Les Ombres. The animated adaptation Putain de chat is also in production.