Spinny Hat Studios

Spinny Hat Studios is an independent, creator-driven 3D and CGI animation studio founded in 2025. Built around the digital entertainment brand of creator John Matthew Barry, the studio develops original, character-led entertainment for a YouTube-first audience and seeks to turn digital engagement into enduring animated intellectual property.

Its work combines stylized, pushed character animation with worldbuilding and visual development. The studio’s capabilities span 3D modelling, rigging, technical animation, cloth and hair simulation, look development, lighting, rendering, compositing, and story consulting. Its production pipeline uses Autodesk Maya and Arnold, with recruitment focused on experienced technical animation and lighting talent.

Original IP and production

The studio’s inaugural project is JOHNNY IRL, an original stylized 3D/CGI animated series in production. The series follows the comedic, mystery-driven misadventures of Johnny alongside Daisy, Gooby and Marty. A teaser was released on June 30, 2026, and the project was featured in a LightBox Expo 2026 panel about building YouTube-first animated series.

Spinny Hat Studios operates through a decentralized, remote-first production model rather than a traditional broadcast-commission structure. Animation writer and producer Pietro Schito is developing and executive producing the inaugural IP, bringing production and writing experience to the project’s development.

Character universe beyond the screen

Alongside animation production, the studio runs a direct-to-consumer merchandise business connected to its animated universe. Limited-edition character plushies, apparel and other consumer products extend its original characters into physical products for its audience.

The studio is active and continuing to scale its creative production pipeline while developing its first original series and expanding its animation team.