Sprite Animation Studios

Sprite Animation Studios is a boutique computer animation studio based in Los Angeles, producing character-driven CGI for feature films, episodic television, streaming, commercials and video games. Its work combines Western storytelling with Japanese animation aesthetics, supporting productions that bring together creative teams and entertainment properties from both markets.

Founded in Honolulu in May 2002 by former Square USA and Square Pictures artists, the studio relocated to Los Angeles in July 2004. Its creative direction developed around expressive, stylized characters and an approach it calls “Spriteness.” The founding team's background in digital filmmaking informed a shift toward distinctive character animation across original projects and established entertainment franchises.

From development to delivery

The studio offers full-pipeline animation production, covering storyboarding, visual development, character design, modeling, rigging, texturing, layout and camera staging through animation, lighting, effects and compositing. Its capabilities also include previsualization, animation direction and creative consulting. Alongside production services, Sprite develops original intellectual property and provides cultural consulting and localization support for international collaborations.

Its portfolio spans preschool programming, action-adventure series, theatrical animation and hybrid productions combining CG characters with live action. Sprite handled full CGI series production for Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures and contributed animation to Kong: King of the Apes. Its feature work includes the CGI remake Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution, co-produced with OLM and OLM Digital. Other productions include the preschool series TINPO and Sanrio's Gudetama: An Eggcellent Adventure. More recently, the studio provided animation production services for Mattel Television's Hot Wheels: Let's Race, which premiered on Netflix in March 2024.

Sprite is part of OLM, Inc., within the wider IMAGICA GROUP. Its relationship with Japanese production partners supports an international production approach while the studio maintains its Los Angeles creative and operational base.