WildBrain Studios explained

WildBrain Studios
Former Name:DHX Studios (2016–2019)
Type:Division
Industry:Animation
Live action
Hq Location City:Vancouver, British Columbia
Hq Location Country:Canada
Num Employees:>700
Products:Animated television series
Num Employees Year:2020
Parent:WildBrain
Footnotes:[1]

WildBrain Studios is the in-house television studio arm of Canadian entertainment company WildBrain based in Vancouver, British Columbia, which was established in 2016 as DHX Studios.

History

In January 2016, DHX Media announced that they would be building a 60,000 square-foot studio in Vancouver, British Columbia, that would focus on both animated and live-action productions.[2] [3] The production teams of the former Studio B Productions, which DHX Media acquired in 2007 and Nerd Corps Entertainment, which DHX acquired in 2014 were relocated to the new building later in the year.

The studio consists of two production teams: the former Nerd Corps team, which focuses on the production of CGI animated shows, and the former Studio B team, which focuses on the production of 2D animated shows (including those animated with Adobe Animate).

As of 2019, the Vancouver studio is the only one remaining in the division, as the other studios were either sold off or closed.

Filmography

See main article: List of WildBrain programs.

Animated series

TitleCreator(s) / Developer(s)Year(s)NetworkCo-production withNotes
DHX Studios
Blaze and the Monster Machines2015–presentNick Jr. ChannelNickelodeon Animation StudioSeason 2 onward. Previously produced by Nerd Corps Entertainment in season 1. Produced as DHX Studios from seasons 2 to 5.
The Mr. Peabody & Sherman ShowDavid P. Smith2015–2017NetflixAnimation services.
Supernoobs2015–2019
The Deep2015–presentSeason 2 onward. Previously produced by Nerd Corps Entertainment in season 1. Produced as DHX Studios from seasons 2 to 3.
Looped2016–2019TeletoonNeptoon Studios
Kate & Mim-Mim2016–2018FremantleMedia Kids & Family EntertainmentSeason 2 only. Previously produced by Nerd Corps Entertainment in season 1.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs2017–2018[4] [5]
Chuck's ChoiceKervin Faria2017YTVCorus Entertainment[6]
Polly Pocket2018–presentMattel TelevisionProduced as DHX Studios in season 1.
The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle2018–2019Amazon Prime VideoAnimation services.
Chip and PotatoDarrall Macqueen
Man of Action
Carmen SandiegoDuane Capizzi2019–2021NetflixHoughton Mifflin Harcourt
I Can and I Will Productions
Produced as DHX Studios from seasons 1 to 2.
Ninjago2019–2022Cartoon NetworkThe Lego GroupSeasons 11–15 only. Previously produced by Wil Film ApS from seasons 1 to 10. Produced as DHX Studios in season 11.
Rev & RollJulie Stewart
Scott Stewart
Edward Kay
2019CCTV-14Alpha Group Co., Ltd.
Snoopy in Space2019–2021Apple TV+Schulz StudioProduced as DHX Studios in season 1.
WildBrain Studios
Dorg Van Dango2020–2021Cartoon Saloon[7]
Go, Dog. Go!Adam Peltzman2021–presentNetflixDreamWorks Animation Television
The Snoopy ShowApple TV+Schulz Studio
Johnny TestScott Fellows2021–2022NetflixRevival of the 2005 animated series.
Michael Vogel2021–presentYouTube[8]
2022–presentDisney+Bar Productions
Disney Television Animation
Animation services.[9]
Sonic PrimeMan of Action2022–2024Netflix
2023–presentThe Lego GroupSequel to Ninjago.
Caillou2024–presentPeacockReboot of the 1997 animated series.
Camp SnoopyScott Montgomery
Rob Boutilier
Apple TV+Schulz Studio[10]
Lego Monkie KidSimon LucasKabillion
HappyKids
The Lego GroupSeason 5 only.
MinecraftTBANetflixMojang Studios[11]

Live action series

TitleCreator(s) / Developer(s)Year(s)NetworkCo-production withNotes
DHX Studios
The Zoo2017–presentCBBCBBC Studios
Are You Afraid of the Dark?2019–2022NickelodeonSeason 8 onward. Produced as DHX Studios from seasons 8 to 9.
WildBrain Studios
Letterkenny2019–2023Season 8 onward. Previously produced by DHX Studios Toronto from seasons 1 to 7.
My Perfect LandingFrank van Keeken2020Beachwood Canyon Productions
Malory Towers2020–presentKing Bert Productions
Take NoteJoan Lambur2022Lambur Productions
Ruby and the Well2022–presentBYUtvShaftesbury Films
I Woke Up a VampireThomas W. Lynch2023–presentTom Lynch Company
Yo Gabba GabbaLand!2024Apple TV+Yo Gabba Gabba LLCRevival of Yo Gabba Gabba!.[12]

Specials

TitleDirector(s)Year(s)NetworkCo-production withNotes
DHX Studios
2020NetflixInteractive special
WildBrain Studios
Who Are You, Charlie Brown?Michael Bonfiglio2021Apple TV+Documentary special.[13]
Lego Friends: Holiday SpecialWilliam GordonYouTubeThe Lego GroupChristmas special.
Johnny Test's Ultimate Meatloaf QuestNetflixInteractive special[14]
Clay KaytisApple TV+Schulz StudioNew Year's Eve special[15]
Raymond S. Persi2022Earth Day special[16]
Clay KaytisMother's Day special
Snoopy Presents: Lucy’s SchoolRaymond S. PersiBack To School special[17]
Caillou: Rosie the GiantGreg RichardsonAnti-Bullying Day special[18]
Caillou: Adventures with Grandma and GrandpaSummer vacation special[19]
Caillou: The Bravest Wolf BoyHalloween special
Caillou: The Silver KnightFamily Day special
Caillou's Perfect ChristmasChristmas special
Raymond S. Persi2023Apple TV+Schulz Studio
Polly Pocket Sparkle Cove AdventureNetflixMattel Television
Strawberry Shortcake and the Beast of Berry BogJim MillerHalloween special
Strawberry Shortcake's Perfect HolidayChristmas special[20]
Raymond S. Persi2024Apple TV+Schulz Studio

Feature films

Former and related studios

Island of Misfits

Island of Misfits
Former Name:Halifax Film Company (2004–2006)
Halifax Film (2006–2010)
DHX Media Halifax (2010–2016)
Type:Subsidiary
Industry:Television production
Predecessor:Salter Street Films
Fate:Merged with Decode Entertainment to form DHX Media
Sold to IoM Media Ventures
Founders:Michael Donovan
Charles Bishop
Successor:DHX Media
Location City:Halifax, Nova Scotia
Location Country:Canada
Parent:DHX Media (2006–2018)
IoM Media Ventures (2018–present)

Island of Misfits was originally known as the Halifax Film Company and was established by former Salter Street Films executives Michael Donovan and Charles Bishop in May 2004.[23] Under the name, Halifax Film produced live-action television shows, children's stop-motion series, CGI productions and dramas. It was headed by Nova Scotia Business Inc., which expanded and helped to open up their own new markets, and bought out This Hour Has 22 Minutes from Alliance Atlantis in 2005.[24]

On May 16, 2006, Halifax Film and Decode Entertainment announced that they would merge to form the holding company DHX Media.[25] Halifax Film became a subsidiary of DHX Media in the process. It was decided that unlike its predecessor, its main goal was to be on family entertainment.[26] In 2010 all DHX Media subsidiaries including Halifax Film were all merged to form one brand under the DHX Media name.

In 2014, the studio relocated from a location at Purdy's Wharf to the Park Lane Mall.[27] As of 2019, with the exception of This Hour Has 22 Minutes, DHX Studios Halifax solely produces CGI-animated material.

IoM Media Ventures

In November 2018, as part of a series of restructurations within the company, DHX sold its Halifax animation studio to IoM Media Ventures, a company led by former DHX CEO Dana Landry.[28] [29] Despite the sale, the studio continues to provide animation for WildBrain-owned shows.

Live action series

TitleCreator(s) / Developer(s)Year(s)NetworkCo-production withNotes
This Hour Has 22 MinutesMary Walsh2005–presentCBC TelevisionDHX Media (2006–2018)
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Seasons 12–25. Produced as Halifax Film Company in season 12, as Halifax Film in seasons 13–17 and as DHX Studios Vancouver in seasons 18–25.
North/SouthFloyd Kane2006Produced as Halifax Film.
The Guard2008–2009Global
That's So Weird!Jeff Copeland2009–2012YTVProduced as Halifax Film in season 1 and as DHX Studios Halifax in seasons 2 and 3.

Animated series

TitleCreator(s) / Developer(s)YearsNetworkCo-production withNotes
Lunar JimAlexander Bar2006–2007CBC TelevisionAlliance AtlantisProduced as Halifax Film.
Bo on the Go!Jeff Rosen2007–2011
Animal Mechanicals
The Mighty Jungle2007–2008Decode Entertainment
Poko2008Season 2. Produced as Halifax Film.
2010–2011Privateer II ProductionsProduced as Halifax Film.
Doozers2013–2018The Jim Henson Company
Inspector Gadget2015–2018DHX Media
Wishenpoof!Angela Santomero2015Amazon Prime Video[30]
Super Why!2015–2016Out of the Blue EnterprisesSeason 3.
Space Ranger Roger2017[31]
Bob the BuilderKeith Chapman2017–2018Mattel CreationsAnimation services for season 3 as IoM Media Ventures Halifax.
Fireman Sam2017–presentChannel 5Mattel TelevisionSeason 11 onward. Produced as DHX Studios Halifax in season 11. Animation services from season 12 onward as Island of Misfits.

Films

DHX Media Los Angeles

See main article: Wildbrain Entertainment.

On September 14, 2010, DHX acquired the Los Angeles-based Wildbrain Entertainment.[32] At an undisclosed point, the studio was renamed to DHX Media Los Angeles.[33] In 2013, DHX moved its work for hire productions from the location to its Canadian operations.[34] The studio was shuttered in 2017.[35]

DHX Media Toronto

DHX Media Toronto
Former Name:Decode Entertainment, Inc. (1997–2010)
DHX Media Toronto (2010–2011)
Type:Subsidiary
Industry:Television production
Fate:Merged with Halifax Film Company
Founders:Steven DeNure
Neil Court
John Delmage
Successor:DHX Media
Location City:Toronto, Ontario
Location Country:Canada
Parent:DHX Media (2006–2011)

DHX Media Toronto was founded on February 27, 1997, and originally known as Decode Entertainment, Inc. by Steven DeNure, Neil Court, and John Delmage, and it was based in Toronto, Ontario. The company produced numerous television shows and was an international supplier of television and interactive programming for children and youth. Decode Entertainment focused on traditional animation, computer-generated animation, and live-action shows. The name "Decode" is an acronym of the combination of the names DeNure, Court, and Delmage.

On May 16, 2006, Decode Entertainment and Halifax Film announced that they would merge with to form the holding company DHX Media.[25] Decode Entertainment became a subsidiary of DHX Media in the process, distributing Halifax Film shows and other DHX properties. In 2010 all DHX Media subsidiaries including Decode Entertainment were rebranded under the DHX Media name.

By 2011, DHX Media ceased production on producing content at the ex-Decode offices. The company known as Epitome Pictures, which DHX acquired in 2014, assumed the name of DHX Studios Toronto in 2016, but it has no relation outside the name.

Live action series

TitleCreator(s) / Developer(s)YearsNetworkCo-production withNotes
Our Hero2000–2002CBC TelevisionHeroic Film Company
The Zack FilesKathy SlevinYTV
The Hoobs2001–2003Channel 4The Jim Henson Company
Be the Creature2003–2004National Geographic ChannelKratt Brothers Company Limited
Radio Free RoscoeWill McRobb
Douglas McRobb
2003–2005Family Channel
Naturally, Sadie2005–2007
The Adrenaline Project2007–2008YTVMarblemediaDistribution only.
The Latest BuzzBrent Piaskoski2007–2010Family Channel
Grandpa in My PocketMellie Buse and Jan Page2009–2010CBeebiesAdastra Creative Ltd.Distribution only.
WaybulooDan Good2009–2014The FoundationLive-action/animated series. Produced as Decode Entertainment in season 1 and as DHX Media Toronto in seasons 2–4.
How to Be Indie2009–2011YTVProduced as Decode Entertainment in season 1 and as DHX Media Toronto in season 2.

Animated series

TitleCreator(s) / Developer(s)YearsNetworkCo-production withNotes
Freaky Stories1997–2000
Angela Anaconda1999–2001C.O.R.E.
Watership Down
Weird-Oh'sBill Campbell1999–2000
Rainbow Fish2000
Undergrads2001
Olliver's AdventuresEdward Kay2002–2005TeletoonCollideascope Digital Productions
Girlstuff/Boystuff2002–2005YTV
The Blobheads2003
King2003–2005Family ChannelFunbag Animation Studios
The Save-Ums!2003–2006
Franny's Feet2003–2010
Bromwell High2005Hat Trick Productions
Delilah and Julius2005–2008TeletoonCollideascope Digital Productions
Planet Sketch2005–2007Aardman Animations
Dudson's Modern Tales2006
Naughty Naughty Pets
Super Why!2007–2012Out of the Blue EnterprisesSeasons 1 and 2.
Clang Invasion2007–2008YTV
Urban Vermin
Chop Socky ChooksSergio Delfino2008TeletoonAardman Animations
Dirtgirlworld2009–2011Mememe Productions
PoppetsTownKatherine Sangford2009–2011Neptuno Films

DHX Studios Toronto

See main article: Epitome Pictures. In 2016, Epitome Pictures was rebranded as DHX Studios Toronto (no relation to the animation studio of the same name). The company produced live-action shows.

In 2019, DHX sold off the building, ceasing operations at the Toronto studio in the process.[36]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Q&A: Amir Nasrabadi Wraps an Eventful 1st Year as EVP/GM, WildBrain Vancouver. Ramen. Zahid. June 10, 2020. June 12, 2020. Animation Magazine.
  2. Web site: DHX Media Announces DHX Studios. Animation World News. 22 October 2018.
  3. Web site: DHX Studios to open new state-of-the-art animation facility in Vancouver. Kenneth. Chan. February 3, 2016. October 15, 2017. VanCity Buzz.
  4. Web site: Friedlander. Whitney. Sony, DHX Creating 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs' TV Series . Variety . 2014-10-09 . 2016-04-26.
  5. Web site: Sony Unveils 2017-18 Animation Slate. Mercedes. Milligan. June 20, 2016. June 12, 2020. Animation Magazine.
  6. Web site: Archive » DHX Media announces trio of greenlights . Kidscreen . 2016-03-30 . 2016-04-26.
  7. Web site: Nick taps new VP, picks up DHX show. Alexandra. Whyte. February 11, 2019. June 12, 2020. Kidscreen. Brunico Communications.
  8. WILDBRAIN BAKES UP AN ALL-NEW STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE FOR TODAY'S DIGITAL-SAVVY KIDS. September 9, 2021. September 11, 2021. WildBrain. New York City.
  9. wildbrainstudio. 1420051981436133383. July 27, 2021 . September 11, 2021. Come work with us on The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder -- we're currently looking for Harmony Animators! If you'd like to join the team, we're accepting remote and freelance candidates. Apply now: https://fal.cn/3h2bR. #animationjobs.
  10. Web site: Milligan. Mercedes. Apple TV+ Welcomes New Peanuts Specials & Series Amid Colorful Kids & Family Slate. Animation Magazine. May 18, 2023. May 18, 2023.
  11. News: 2024-05-30 . Minecraft animated series announced for Netflix . 2024-05-31 . Eurogamer.net . en.
  12. September 10, 2021. Yo Gabba Gabba! Headed to Apple TV+ with New Original Series. September 10, 2021. WildBrain. en-US.
  13. Apple announces "Who Are You, Charlie Brown?" celebrating the origins of the beloved "Peanuts" characters and their creator, Charles M. Schulz. June 4, 2021. June 4, 2021. Apple TV+ Press. en-US.
  14. Web site: WildBrain, Netflix bring back Johnny Test. 2021-12-21.
  15. Web site: 2021-10-04. New Peanuts Holiday Special, 'For Auld Lang Syne,' Coming This Holiday Season to Apple TV+. 2021-10-04. Collider. en-US.
  16. Web site: Vito Oddo. Marco. 'The Snoopy Show' Season 2 Trailer Celebrates the Power of Imagination. February 22, 2022. February 22, 2022. Collider.
  17. Apple TV+ announces summer lineup of kids series, including "Duck & Goose," "Best Foot Forward," "Amber Brown," "Surfside Girls" and "Life By Ella". Apple TV+. May 13, 2022. May 13, 2022.
  18. WildBrain Television celebrates CANADIAN creativity with new greenlights across animation and live-action, offering programming for the entire family to enjoy . September 1, 2021. September 11, 2021. WildBrain. Toronto.
  19. Web site: Caillou Prepares to Take the Plunge in First Look at New CGI Special . 22 August 2022 . Andy . Swift . Yahoo News . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230404024038/https://news.yahoo.com/caillou-prepares-plunge-first-look-153041770.html . Apr 4, 2023 .
  20. Web site: Strawberry Shortcake's Perfect Holiday is coming to Netflix November 1st! . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20231112193025/https://www.strawberryshortcake.com/news/strawberry-shortcakes-perfect-holiday-is-coming-to-netflix-november-1st . Nov 12, 2023 . Strawberry Shortcake.
  21. Web site: WildBrain's 'Lake Erie' Breaks New Ground in Family-Friendly Horror. John. Hofferman. May 12, 2022. May 14, 2022. Animation World Network.
  22. Web site: Vlessing . Etan . Apple Sets 'Peanuts' Animated Film, Featuring Charlie Brown and Snoopy Going to the Big City . The Hollywood Reporter . 6 November 2023 . 6 November 2023.
  23. News: Salter team reborn at Halifax Film Company . PlayBack . September 13, 2004 . December 29, 2012 . Bracken, Laura.
  24. Web site: Communications Nova Scotia. 2018-05-11. Halifax Film Company Set For Action. 2021-12-09. News Releases. en.
  25. News: Donovan's new production firm to target the wee market . 22 October 2018. The Globe and Mail. 17 May 2006. Won. Shirley.
  26. News: Won. Shirley. 2007-04-17. Salter Street sequel DHX sees future in kids' shows. en-CA. The Globe and Mail. 2021-12-09.
  27. Web site: New DHX Media studio opens up in downtown Halifax - NEWS 95.7. 25 June 2014. News957.com. 22 October 2018.
  28. Web site: DHX selling Halifax animation studio. Kidscreen. 2018-12-16.
  29. Web site: Former DHX boss acquires Halifax animation studio. The Chronicle Herald. en. 2018-12-16.
  30. Web site: Halifax - DHX Media . Halifax.dhxmedia.com . 2016-04-26.
  31. Web site: Halifax - DHX Media . Halifax.dhxmedia.com . 2016-04-26.
  32. Web site: DHX Media acquires Wildbrain. Michael. Schneider. September 14, 2010. June 12, 2020. Variety.
  33. Web site: https://web.archive.org/web/20150625054005/http://www.dhxmedia.com/divisions/studios.html. Studios. DHX Media. June 25, 2015. June 12, 2020.
  34. Web site: DHX Media Shifts Los Angeles Work-For-Hire Studio Production to Canada. Etan. Vlessing. February 14, 2013. June 12, 2020. The Hollywood Reporter.
  35. DHX MEDIA REPORTS RESULTS FOR FISCAL 2017. September 27, 2017. June 12, 2020. DHX Media. Halifax.
  36. Web site: DHX Media selling building in Toronto for $12 million, proceeds to pay down debt. April 2, 2019. June 12, 2020. The Canadian Press. Global News.