Paper Owl Films

Paper Owl Films is an independent animation and television production studio creating original content for children and family audiences. Founded in 2012, it works across 2D animation, live action and mixed media, with a particular focus on inclusive storytelling, emotional development and Irish-language programming. Its operations span Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, supporting productions for broadcasters and international distribution partners.

The studio’s work includes Pablo, a preschool series co-produced with RTÉjr and CBeebies that places autistic perspectives at the centre of its stories. Its sequel, Pablo: Next Level, follows the character into school and was produced with Crayola Studios, CAKE, CBBC and RTÉ Kids. Other productions explore subjects ranging from emotional resilience in Happy the Hoglet to Celtic mythology in Lí Ban.

The animated special Sol addresses childhood grief and healing. Released in 2020, it aired in Irish, Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and English across multiple broadcasters. Alongside animation, Paper Owl produces children’s live-action programming, including the educational series Bía Linn and the nature and citizen science series Na Dúlradóirí.

Development through delivery

Paper Owl’s capabilities extend from original concept development and scriptwriting to design, animation and broadcast delivery. Its animation work encompasses digital 2D production, character rigging, background art and compositing. Live-action and mixed-media production add filming and production coordination to that offering.

The studio also provides in-house editorial, voice recording, sound design, audio mixing, colour grading and mastering. Its expanded Belfast production facility opened in 2025, bringing animation, live-action and post-production teams together within a shared production environment.

International co-production is a significant part of its operating model. Paper Owl works with partners across the UK, Ireland, Europe and North America, while its Republic of Ireland presence supports Irish-language commissions and cross-border financing. Its slate combines original concepts with collaborative productions, including Nikhil & Jay, co-produced with King Banana TV and CAKE for CBeebies.