Brown Bag Films

Brown Bag Films is one of the world’s most exciting, original and successful creative-led animation studios. With studio locations in Dublin, Toronto, and Bali, Brown Bag Films creates cutting-edge animation for the international market.

Founded in Dublin, Ireland in 1994 by Managing Director Cathal Gaffney and Creative Director Darragh O’Connell, and acquired by 9 Story Media Group in 2015, we remain 100% creatively-driven with a focus on producing the highest quality, cross-platform animation with strong stories and engaging characters.

The studio’s much-loved TV shows are viewed by millions of children worldwide and include Doc McStuffins, Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood, Henry Hugglemonster, Bing, Peg Cat, Peter Rabbit, Wild Kratts, Olivia, Noddy in Toyland, The Magic School Bus: Rides Again, and Octonauts.

Brown Bag Films is among the most technically-advanced studios in the world, with full animation, picture and audio post-production facilities in-house. Our motto is simple: “We love animation.” In fact, we love it so much we trademarked it! ‘We Love Animation.’

Leadership

• Key People: Cathal Gaffney (Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer), Darragh O’Connell (Co-Founder & Group Creative Director), Caitlin Friedman (EVP, Global Production & Current), Vince Commisso (President & CEO, 9 Story Media Group), Gillian Higgins (SVP of Production, Europe), Lily Wang (SVP of Production, Asia), Coral Schoug (VP of Production, Toronto)

Focus

• Specialization: Creative-led animation production (CGI, 2D, and 3D) for the international kids and family market
• Services: Full animation services, picture and audio post-production, innovation through BBF Labs (AI strategy and production workflows), and digital content development
• Tools: BBF Labs (proprietary artist-first tools), motion capture, and advanced CG pipelines

Vision

• Mission: To produce the highest quality, cross-platform animation with strong stories and engaging characters
• Values: Creatively-driven, “We Love Animation” (trademarked motto), diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a focus on artist-first innovation

Awards: 18 Emmy Awards, 2 Oscar nominations, BAFTAs, Peabody Award, and numerous NAACP Image Awards