Duncan Studio

Duncan Studio is an independent animation production company founded in 2007 by character animator Ken Duncan. Based in Pasadena, California, it creates traditional hand-drawn and computer-generated character animation for feature films, television and streaming productions, advertising, and themed entertainment. Its work includes fully animated productions and animated sequences integrated with live action.

The studio provides production services from early story development and concept design through finished animation and compositing. Its pre-production capabilities include character design, visual development, art direction, storyboarding, background layout and painting, and character maquettes. Production work encompasses traditional and digital 2D animation, animation supervision, and CG modeling, texturing, rigging, lighting, and character animation, supported by visual effects and compositing.

Selected production work

For Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns, Duncan Studio created hand-drawn animation for the film’s hybrid live-action sequences, including the music-hall sequence inside the Royal Doulton bowl. The company also worked with director Brad Bird on new animated scenes for The Iron Giant: Signature Edition and produced 2D animation for DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Masters.

Its themed entertainment work includes animation and animation supervision for Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, the Universal Studios and Illumination theme park ride film. Other projects include animated sketchbook sequences for Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life, work on Tom Hanks’ Electric City, and animation production for 9. The studio’s commercial portfolio includes Wreck-It Ralph advertising, Coca-Cola’s Man & Dog, and Barneys New York: Electric Holiday.

Alongside commissioned production, the company develops original animated features and series through its internal Duncan Originals division, launched in 2019. This activity extends the studio’s work beyond service production into proprietary projects and co-development, while retaining its focus on character animation across traditional 2D and CG techniques.