Nation’s animation sector unveils bold identity at world’s top animation market, eyes international investment and talent growth
Animation Scotland is celebrating its third anniversary with a bold new look—and even bolder ambitions.
Launched in 2022 to unify Scotland’s animation and visual effects (VFX) community, the organisation unveiled a fresh brand identity this week at MIFA 2025 in Annecy, France, the world’s largest animation market. The move signals a new phase for Scotland’s creative sector as it seeks to scale its global influence and attract further investment.
“This new identity reflects our collective strengths, our ambition, and our growing influence in the global market,” said Sueann Rochester, Chair of the Animation Scotland Board. “It’s more than cosmetic—this marks a turning point in how we represent Scotland’s world-class animation and VFX talent.”
A National Voice with Global Vision
Backed by Screen Scotland, the rebrand positions Animation Scotland as the sector’s national voice—a coordinating force that brings studios together under a single creative banner.
Since its inception, the group has built a networked community of animators, VFX artists, and studios, enabling collaboration through joint initiatives, academic partnerships, and industry events. The aim: to support the commercial and creative potential of Scotland’s animation sector while developing the next generation of talent.
Key supporters have included Scottish Enterprise, Dash Accounting Services, and Scotland’s higher education institutions, who have helped Animation Scotland focus on sustainable growth, training, and global competitiveness.
“We’ve worked with Animation Scotland to support their evolution,” said David Smith, Director at Screen Scotland. “Their presence at MIFA 2025 signals just how far the sector has come—and where it’s headed.”
Tartan, Gin, and Animation: Scotland’s Cultural Showcase
At MIFA 2025, Scotland’s animation sector isn’t just showing content. It’s showing character.
Visitors to Stand B.02 are being treated to more than sizzle reels. A bespoke Animation Scotland tartan weaves heritage into design, while a curated tasting—courtesy of Raasay Distillery and Edinburgh Gin—brings a literal taste of Scotland to Annecy’s cobbled streets.
More than branding, these elements speak to Animation Scotland’s strategy: position the country’s animation sector as uniquely Scottish, but globally relevant.
Studios in the Spotlight
Under the new creative umbrella, the following studios are flying the flag for Scottish animation:
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The 2D Workshop
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Bigmouth Audio
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Bonnie and Braw Cartùns
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Curious Dreamers
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Heehaw
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Motif
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Revenant
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Wild Child Animation
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…and a dozen more across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, and beyond.
Many of these studios have already made waves internationally. The sector has recently welcomed Halon Entertainment, the Hollywood previs and VFX powerhouse, to Scotland—a direct result of Animation Scotland’s investment-friendly narrative.
From MOVE Summit to World Animation Summit
In three years, Animation Scotland has quietly become a mainstay of key industry events—from the Glasgow Film Festival and Manipulate Arts to Animation Magazine’s World Animation Summit in Los Angeles.
That rising visibility has made Scotland more than a scenic backdrop. It’s now seen as a viable production base and talent pipeline for global animation projects—animated films, TV series, and immersive media alike.
Next Up: Workforce Growth and International Deals
While the rebrand is symbolic, the real transformation lies ahead. Animation Scotland plans to expand studio capacity, improve graduate retention, and deepen international co-productions.
A major focus is Scotland’s growing VFX workforce, increasingly involved in major global IPs. From children’s programming to cinematic blockbusters, Scottish animators are no longer peripheral—they’re central.
And if the momentum from Annecy holds, Scotland’s role in the animation world is only set to grow.
