Elk Studios
- Open roles
- 1
- Founded
- 2017
- Employees
- 11-50
- Offices
- 2
About Elk Studios
Elk Studios is an independent boutique animation studio founded in 2017 by producer Ian Hamilton and creative director Andrew Hamilton. Working across Ireland and Northern Ireland, the studio combines service production for broadcasters with the development of original, creator-driven screen projects.
Its work spans 2D and 3D character animation, Toon Boom Harmony-based rigged animation, visual effects, compositing, and mixed-media production. The studio also develops original intellectual property, taking projects from early concept and visual development through production, post-production, packaging, and broadcaster pitching.
Production capabilities
- 2D hand-drawn and rigged character animation
- 3D CGI animation, character design, concept art, and background design
- Storyboarding, art direction, rigging, scene preparation, compositing, and visual effects
- Original IP creation, co-productions, and full-service animation production
Elk Studios has worked across children’s and family entertainment, preschool programming, broadcast television, streaming, and short film. Its supported partners and commissioning landscape include Screen Ireland, RTÉ, BBC, WDR, and Northern Ireland Screen.
Selected work
The studio’s slate includes the 2023 2D short The Last Set, which premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh; RTÉ’s mixed-media Halloween special Cliodhna: Queen of the Banshees; and Funny Little Monsters, a 26-episode children’s series co-produced with Mutiny Post for RTÉjr.
Its longer-form development and production work includes Gangsta Granny, a 48-episode 2D comedy series for BBC and WDR; Riona’s Warriors, developed with RedRay Films and Score Draw Music in collaboration with BBC Studios; Chicken Big, made in partnership with Grave Robber Productions and Bejuba!; and the accessibility-focused mixed-media IP Moo and Roo Take The World.
In 2024, the studio introduced new branding alongside an investment in its infrastructure and production pipeline, reinforcing its focus on high-quality animation craft and original storytelling.
More about Elk Studios
Leadership:
- Founder / Managing Director: Ian Hamilton
- Creative Director: Andrew Hamilton
- Head of Studio: Brian Gilmore
- Director/Artist: Aisling Conroy
- Shareholder: Ciara McNeela
Tools & Infrastructure:
- ToonBoom Harmony
- Siro 1GB Broadband for remote pipeline communication
- High-end viewing facilities
Vision & Values:
- Mission: To find unique pipelines to suit stories and ideas while emphasizing a healthy work/life balance away from traditional animation hubs.
- Values: Fairness, diversity, inclusivity, championing new creators, and maintaining a human-centric approach to production despite the rise of AI.
Location Benefits:
Dundalk is located an hour from Dublin and Belfast, offering a lower cost of living than either city. It is the 8th most populous area in Ireland and has been awarded €4 million as part of its town center rejuvenation project. The town combines large town living with easy access to natural beauty as part of the Ancient East, attracting creative people to relocate.
Notable credits
7 creditsOffices
Where Elk Studios is based
- 60 Táin Court, Bridge Street, Dundalk, County Louth, A91 W2TC, IrelandDundalk, County Louth, Ireland
Elk Studios Headquarters
HeadquartersAbout this office
Headquarters and main production studio, with in-house crew, client viewing facilities, and a hybrid three-day in-studio and two-day remote schedule.
- Aubrey Campbell & Company, 631 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7GT, UKBelfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
ELK STUDIOS LTD
Northern Ireland branch and UK registered operating base supporting cross-border projects.
Open roles
Find your next role at Elk Studios
No roles match these filters. Try another location or department, or clear the filters.