Illumination Studios Paris
- Open roles
- 0
- Founded
- 2011
- Employees
- 501-1000
- Offices
- 1
About Illumination Studios Paris
Illumination Studios Paris is a French feature animation studio and the European animation production arm of Illumination. Based in Paris, it produces computer-animated theatrical features and associated short films for family and all-audience entertainment. Its work combines character animation, visual development and technical production across a complete 3D filmmaking pipeline.
The company was established in 2011 when Universal Pictures acquired the feature animation division of Mac Guff Ligne. That division had previously contributed CGI character animation to Despicable Me in 2010. The acquisition created Illumination Mac Guff, while Mac Guff Ligne continued independently with its other production activities. The French animation company adopted the name Illumination Studios Paris in 2021, continuing the same business under its current public identity.
Animation production
The studio's capabilities extend from asset creation to finished imagery. Its production work includes character and environment modeling, rigging, look development, 3D layout, character and crowd animation, visual effects, lighting, rendering and compositing. It also undertakes stereoscopic mastering, bringing together artistic departments and technical pipeline engineering for feature-length CG production.
Character modeling, texturing and environmental set design support the development of animated worlds, while software engineering supports the production pipeline. These capabilities serve the studio's continuing work on theatrical films and franchise shorts within Illumination's production slate.
Film work
The studio's production history includes The Lorax, Despicable Me 2, Minions, The Secret Life of Pets, Sing, Despicable Me 3 and The Grinch. Subsequent features include The Secret Life of Pets 2, Sing 2, Minions: The Rise of Gru, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Migration and Despicable Me 4.
Alongside feature films, the studio produces theatrical animated shorts, including work associated with the Minions franchise. Its ongoing production activity forms part of Illumination's long-term relationship with Universal Pictures.
More about Illumination Studios Paris
Leadership and operating model
- Jacques Bled is listed as President and Publication Director, with Nathalie Vancauwenberghe as Co-President for Operations.
- The studio scales its production workforce for feature-film cycles, combining a permanent administrative and R&D base with intermittent production artists, technicians and contractors.
Company history
The company originated when Universal Pictures acquired Mac Guff Ligne’s feature-animation unit in 2011. Mac Guff Ligne retained its separate live-action VFX and advertising business, while the acquired animation operation became Illumination Mac Guff and later Illumination Studios Paris.
Notable credits
18 creditsOffices
Where Illumination Studios Paris is based
- Paris, Île-de-France, France
Paris offices
HeadquartersAbout this office
**Paris Headquarters & Main Studio** Status: active Headquarters Address: 6 Rue de la Cavalerie, 75015 Paris, France Phone: +33 (0)1 53 58 12 12 Opened: 2011 Current company headquarters and main production studio; the registered seat relocated here in July 2011. --- **Suffren Production Studio Annex** Status: active Address: 94 Bis Avenue de Suffren, 75015 Paris, France Active secondary production facility, registered under SIRET 533 478 434 00038. --- **Former Registered Seat** Status: inactive / historical Address: 21 Rue François 1er, 75008 Paris, France Opened: 2011 Closed: 2011 Historical registered seat, registered July 1, 2011 and closed July 29, 2011 upon relocation to Rue de la Cavalerie.
Open roles
Find your next role at Illumination Studios Paris
No open roles right now
Check back for new opportunities at Illumination Studios Paris.
Visit studio website