Guru Studio

Founded in 2000 by animator and director Frank Falcone, Guru Studio is a Toronto-based animation production studio and entertainment company focused on character-driven storytelling for children and family audiences. The independently owned company develops original intellectual property while also producing animated series, feature-film work and digital content for international partners.

Guru works across 3D CGI and 2D digital animation, supporting productions from early concept development through final delivery. Its capabilities include visual development, character and environment design, storyboarding, animatics, asset creation, rigging, animation, FX simulation, lighting, rendering, compositing and colour grading. The studio also packages co-productions and manages distribution, broadcast sales, licensing and consumer-products opportunities for its properties.

Original properties and production partnerships

The studio entered broadcast television in 2006 through animation work on The Backyardigans, then began producing its first proprietary IP, Justin Time, in 2009. Its original and partner productions include True and the Rainbow Kingdom, Pikwik Pack, Big Blue, Ever After High, Dinopaws, Mecha Builders, Morphle and the Magic Pets and Charlotte’s Web.

Guru is also known for its long-running CGI animation work on PAW Patrol, produced with Spin Master Entertainment and Nickelodeon. Beyond episodic series, its credits include visual development and additional animation for Cartoon Saloon’s The Breadwinner, as well as work on the animated feature Julián.

Production approach

Guru operates as a full-service, scalable hybrid studio. Its production pipeline uses USD (Universal Scene Description) and Houdini workflows alongside its 2D and 3D animation capabilities. This combination supports original development, international co-productions and multi-platform entertainment spanning broadcast television, streaming, feature animation and digital-native content.

The company’s work serves preschool, children’s and family audiences, with projects distributed through broadcasters, streaming platforms and digital channels worldwide.