Empire Cosmic

Empire Cosmic is a London-based boutique media production and concept-development studio founded by writer, producer and director Phoebe Yemi Ara. Operating legally as EMPIRE COSMIC LIMITED and publicly branded as Empire Cosmic Pictures, the studio develops inclusive, high-concept stories for film, television, animation, graphic novels, webtoons and video games.

Its work spans the development of original intellectual property and the adaptation of existing narratives into visual storytelling formats. The studio’s creative focus includes fresh and diverse voices, neurodiverse experiences, mental wellness, and stories intended to create positive social impact.

Creative development and production

Empire Cosmic supports projects from early concept through development and presentation, with capabilities including:

• Concept and IP development
• Screenwriting, script development and storyboarding
• Hand-drawn, frame-by-frame 2D animation
• Graphic novel, comic and webtoon packaging
• Narrative adaptation for books and video games
• Artist scouting, matching, line art, panelling and digital colouring
• Festival packaging and screen-production preparation

A notable animated project is Polar (2024), a short film written, directed and co-produced by Ara. Developed in hand-drawn 2D animation, the film uses metaphor and fantasy to explore lived experiences of bipolar disorder.

Community and talent development

Alongside its production activity, Empire Cosmic runs creative-development initiatives intended to connect and support emerging practitioners. The Creative Tribe provides panels and masterclasses for global majority, neurodiverse and female creatives, while Cosmic Film Club spotlights emerging independent filmmakers and diverse storytellers. Through CosmicZine, the studio also publishes and seeks work from comic writers and visual artists.

The company is active in development and recruitment ahead of its planned public studio launch in April 2026. Its work has received development support and recognition from organisations including the British Film Institute, Creative UK, Games London and the Mayor of London, SWEF, Enterprise Enfield, Essex County Council, Art Clubbers and the King’s Trust.