ON Animation Studios

ON Animation Studios was a Montreal-based studio specializing in computer-animated feature films for children and family audiences. Its work combined character animation with technical pipeline development, supporting productions from early visualization and asset creation through lighting, rendering and final compositing. The studio permanently ceased operations in February 2025.

The Montreal operation grew out of feature-production work begun under Method Animation Canada during development of The Little Prince. A dedicated facility was formally established in 2015 and inaugurated in September 2016. It became the group's specialized feature-animation production hub, distinct from the television-focused work of its sister studio, Method Animation.

Feature production

The studio's credited films include Mune: Guardian of the Moon, The Little Prince, Playmobil: The Movie and Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie, also known as Ladybug & Cat Noir Awakening. These projects spanned original fantasy stories, literary adaptation and established entertainment franchises. Its involvement in Mune included CG pipeline development and co-production, while its Montreal team provided primary CG animation and lighting/rendering for Playmobil: The Movie. The Ladybug & Cat Noir feature was co-produced with ZAG.

Its production capabilities covered previsualization, character and environment modeling, rigging, layout, character animation, character effects, lighting, rendering and compositing. Technical development supported this work through proprietary production tools, grooming and hair simulation, rendering optimization and animation research. The combination of artistic production and software engineering was central to its approach to feature filmmaking.

Ownership and closure

The studio operated within ON Entertainment and ON Kids & Family. Mediawan acquired a controlling stake in ON Entertainment in June 2018, bringing the studio into the wider Mediawan Kids & Family group.

A Quebec collective-dismissal notice recorded business closure on February 5, 2025, followed by the studio's public closure announcement on February 24. Following the shutdown, Mediawan indicated that future animated-feature production would be managed through its Paris-based operations and external production partners.