An Overview of Global Animation Hubs

Animation plays an integral part of the global entertainment industry, from influencing movies and TV shows to advertising and gaming. With a growing demand for animated content, who are the key players in a globalised animation market? Let’s have a look at the global animation landscape to find out. 

United States: A World Leader in Animation 

It may not come as a surprise that the United States is the country with the most animation studios. Often being considered as the birthplace of modern animation, the country is home to iconic studios like Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, DreamWorks Animation, Warner Bros. Animation or Nickelodeon Animation Studio who all helped shape the world of animation to the industry standards we see today.  

The United States benefit from a strong entertainment industry. According to Vidico, the North American market, which combines Canada and the United States, is anticipated to grow to $36.73 billion by 2031. As of 2024, the United States animation industry employs more than 220,000 professionals.  

Other Global Hubs 

While the United States may be leading in terms of number of studios and global influence, other countries are also major players in the animation world.  

• Canada: A Rising Star 

As mentioned above, Canada’s animation industry plays a vital role in the North American market. The industry has been growing rapidly, thanks to favourable tax incentives, a skilled workforce and a thriving creative community. The country is home to successful studios like Nelvana, Mercury Filmworks and Guru Studios.  

• Japan: The Home of Anime 

Japan, the home of anime and an animation powerhouse. Some of the country’s most known animation studios like Studio Ghibli, Toei Animation and Madhouse are known for their high-quality, emotionally resonant storytelling. Anime has a massive global fanbase and its influence on the animation industry is profound, shaping everything from art styles to narrative themes.  

• France: The Artistic Innovator 

Contrary to other countries, France takes a more artistic and innovative approach towards animation. Well known studios like Xilam, Illumination Mac Guff and Gaumont Animation have produced stunning work that made France the leader in European animation.  

• United Kingdom: Tradition meets Innovation 

The animation industry in the United Kingdom has made significant contribution in children’s television as well as the independent animation sphere. Well known studios like Aardman Animations are the creatives behind the stop-motion classics Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep. Other known studios like Blue Zoo Animation Studios, Hocus Pocus Studios or Lupus Films produce for both UK and international audiences.  

Most recently, the UK government started supporting the industry through tax relief schemes, which have made it an attractive hub for animation production and co-production. In 2022, the United Kingdom had over 12,000 employed animation professionals, with a median salary of £40.000.  

London holds a prominent position in the animation industry, and that not just in the UK. The city benefits from a highly skilled workforce, and access to international collaborations. The industry is deeply connected to the UK’s culture with animation drawing on British humour, history and storytelling.  

Animation: A Global Tapestry 

While the United States has a dominant influence on the global animation industry, countries like Japan, France and the United Kingdom are not to underestimate in its impact, each contributing unique styles, stories, and innovations.  

As the industry continues to evolve, new technologies are invented and different countries shape the future of animation, former alumni (Escapees) have and will play a crucial part in the industry’s success story. While some stayed in the United Kingdom, some have found work in Spain, Canada or the United States.  

A true representation of creativity has no boundaries.