Luma Animation

Luma Animation is an independent South African animation, visual effects and digital production studio based in Johannesburg. Established in 2001, it began with animated television commercials and expanded into feature films, broadcast television, streaming productions and original intellectual property. Its work combines character-led storytelling with photorealistic imagery for local productions and international projects.

The studio’s capabilities span character creation and performance, creature effects, digital environments and set extensions. Its animation and VFX services cover 3D modelling, texturing, rigging and lighting, alongside editorial, colour grading and final look development. Virtual production services integrate physical and digital production. Commercial assignments include television and digital campaigns, while its wider markets encompass cinema, streaming, game cinematics and publishing.

Screen production and original stories

Luma co-produced the animated science-fiction family feature Headspace, released in 2023 and directed by Paul Meyer and Gerhard Painter. The production represents its expansion from commissioned animation into long-form narrative entertainment and original content. Its portfolio also includes the stop-motion animated short Every Dog Has Its Day.

For television, Luma served as the principal visual effects studio on Shaka iLembe, delivering more than 600 shots involving digital creatures and historical environment extensions. Its work on seasons two and three of Netflix’s Kings of Jo’burg includes supernatural creature effects, including digital mermaids and monsters. These productions draw on the studio’s character animation, creature work and environmental effects capabilities.

Commercial and transmedia work

Commercial projects include CG vehicles and futuristic environments for Changan’s 2026 “Driven to Evolve” campaign, Chester Cheetah character animation for Cheetos Nigeria and PepsiCo, and animation and visual effects for DUPIXENT.

Alongside screen production, Luma is the custodian of Verna Vels’ Liewe Heksie character. It is developing that story world through an illustrated book series with Human & Rousseau and a planned full-length stereoscopic 3D animated feature, extending its original-content activity across publishing and film.