Aardman Animations

What Aardman Animations does

Aardman Animations is a Bristol-headquartered, employee-owned animation studio founded in 1972 by Peter Lord and David Sproxton, employing more than 500 people across two Bristol facilities (Gas Ferry Road and Aztec West). The studio operates a vertically integrated content business producing feature films, television series, short-form and commercials, interactive apps/games/AR/VR, character licensing, attractions and live experiences, and educational workshops. Its technology base is distinctive physical stop-motion animation — clay and puppet characters filmed frame-by-frame — supplemented by 2D and CGI capabilities (e.g., Lloyd of the Flies CGI series), with an explicit policy of not using AI for character creation. Iconic IP includes Wallace & Gromit (four Academy Awards), Shaun the Sheep, Chicken Run, Morph, and Timmy Time; revenue is generated through theatrical distribution (via Sky, Studiocanal, GKIDS), broadcast commissions (BBC/CBeebies, Netflix), licensing royalties, brand-partner commercials (Barbour, LEGO, Nest, Thatchers, McDonald's France), console games (Outright Games), theme park and cruise ship experiences (P&O Cruises, Longleat), and educational workshops at £750-£1,250+VAT per session.

The business operates a horizontal segmentation approach across six customer groups: families and children (core audience), education institutions, brand partners/advertising agencies, licensees, attractions operators, and broadcasters/streaming platforms. Distribution is globally diversified through dedicated sales managers covering 20+ territories including Iberia, LATAM, US Spanish, Asia, Brazil, South Korea, Japan, Australia, France, Middle East, C&E Europe, Africa, Turkey, India, Israel, Benelux, China, Ireland, Italy, and Nordics, plus SVOD/AVOD/FAST/TVOD digital channels. FY2024 reported turnover was £20.9m with a £5m pre-tax loss, against the prior year's £26.7m; the company became employee-owned in 2018 to preserve creative independence, and the co-founders remain actively involved (Peter Lord knighted in 2026). Forward pipeline includes Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom (Sept 2026), Pokémon Tales (2027), and Let's Go Timmy! (2027), alongside a new Royal College of Art MFA in Animation partnership starting September 2027.

Name

Aardman Animations

Legal name

Aardman Animations Limited

Website

https://aardman.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Aardman Animations is a Bristol-based, employee-owned stop-motion animation studio (founded 1972, 500+ staff) producing feature films, TV series, games, and commercials built around iconic IP such as Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, monetized through global distribution, character licensing, brand partnerships, and live experiences for family and broadcast audiences.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animation Studio Services

NAICS

Motion Picture and Video Production (51211), Doll, Toy, and Game Manufacturing (339930)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)

akta.pro primary industry

Character & Creature Animation (MPADACAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

2D (Traditional & Digital) Animation Production (MPADACAA), Immersive/Interactive Animation (AR/VR/Real-Time) (MPAHACAN)

Keywords

• Stop-motion animation
• Animated film production
• Character licensing services
• Animated television series
• Immersive experience design

Headquarters

HQ city

Bristol

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Film & Television Production & Distribution: Production of feature films (Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Chicken Run) and TV series with global theatrical, broadcast, and streaming distribution through partners like Sky, Studiocanal, and GKIDS.
2. Commercials & Branded Content: Creating animated commercials and branded content for advertising agencies and third-party brands globally, working with sectors including charity, healthcare, retail, and entertainment. Works with brands like Barbour, Thatchers Cider, McDonald's France, BBC, and Nest.
3. Character Licensing & Consumer Products: Licensing iconic characters (Shaun the Sheep, Wallace & Gromit, Timmy, Morph) to licensees worldwide for products in giftware, clothing, homeware, and publishing sectors.
4. Interactive & Games: Developing apps, games, AR, and VR experiences for mobile, web, console, and immersive formats. Partnerships with Outright Games for console games like Chicken Run: Eggstraction.
5. Attractions & Live Experiences: Licensing characters to attraction, stage show, exhibition, and event licensees for theatrical shows, theme park rides, and immersive experiences globally.
6. Workshops & Training: Educational and entertainment workshops (model making, storyboarding, animation) offered to schools, museums, festivals, and corporate away days. Day rate workshops priced at £795-895 + VAT.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion5 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Aardman Animations is a Bristol-based animation studio that creates feature films, TV series, games, interactive apps and AR/VR experiences using stop-motion, 2D and CGI animation. Its core output is the production and global distribution of Aardman-owned franchises (Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Chicken Run, Morph, Timmy Time, Lloyd of the Flies) plus animated commercials, character licensing programmes, attractions and live experiences, and educational workshops for schools, museums and corporate events.

Product overview

Aardman Animations is a world-leading British animation studio based in Bristol that creates entertainment across films, TV series, games, and interactive experiences using stop-motion, CGI, and 2D animation. The company's product portfolio includes major franchises such as Shaun the Sheep (with multiple feature films and TV series), Wallace & Gromit (Academy Award-winning shorts and feature films), and Chicken Run (feature films and console games). Additional properties include Robin Robin (Netflix musical), Morph (revived classic), Lloyd of the Flies (CGI series), Timmy Time (preschool series), and Adventures of ArachnoFly (CGI series). The company also produces interactive experiences including VR games (Wallace & Gromit in The Grand Getaway), mobile games (Chicken Run: Eggstraction, Jamtastic), educational apps (StorySign with AI-powered sign language), and AR trail apps (Lloyd of the Flies Bug Hunt, Wallace & Gromit: All Systems Go). Beyond content creation, Aardman offers services including commercial production for global brands, character licensing, immersive attractions and live experiences, global content distribution, and educational workshops. The studio employs over 500 people and operates from headquarters at Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, with a secondary studio at Aztec West.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Shaun the Sheep Franchise Stop-motion animated franchise featuring Shaun the Sheep, including multiple TV series, specials, and feature films.
• Wallace & Gromit Franchise Academy Award-winning stop-motion franchise including shorts and feature films featuring inventor Wallace and his intelligent dog Gromit.
• Chicken Run Franchise Stop-motion feature film franchise about chickens escaping a farm, including original film, sequel Dawn of the Nugget, and console game Eggstraction.
• Lloyd of the Flies CGI comedy series for 7-11 year olds following housefly Lloyd B Fly. First entirely CGI series produced from Aardman's Bristol headquarters.
• Morph / Epic Adventures of Morph Classic clay animation character from 1970s Take Hart programme, revived in new series The Epic Adventures of Morph for Sky Kids.
• Timmy Time Preschool animated series following Timmy, the lamb from Shaun the Sheep, attending nursery school.
• Robin Robin Stop-motion musical short film produced for Netflix about a robin raised by a family of magpies, featuring awards recognition.
• The Very Small Creatures Animated series produced in partnership with Sky.
• Creature Comforts Award-winning animated series featuring interviews with real people dubbed onto animated animals.
• Adventures of ArachnoFly Animated CGI series for Sky Kids and YouTube following a young spider's adventures.
• Chicken Run: Eggstraction Stealth action-adventure console game published with Outright Games, continuing the story from Dawn of the Nugget.
• Wallace & Gromit in The Grand Getaway Virtual reality adventure game for Meta Quest featuring Wallace and Gromit, nominated for an Emmy.
• StorySign Award-winning app using AI to help deaf children learn to read by translating text into sign language using a friendly panda character.
• 11-11: Memories Retold Narrative-driven console game developed with Digix and nwave, featuring artwork inspired by paintings.
• Character Licensing Programme Licensing programme managing iconic Aardman characters including Shaun the Sheep and Wallace & Gromit across products, events, promotions, and partnerships globally.
• Attractions & Live Experiences Development of immersive experiences including theatrical shows, theme park rides, exhibitions, and AR trail apps in partnership with global attractions.
• Content Distribution Global distribution of Aardman's own shows and selective third-party animated content for TV, DVD, streaming, and digital platforms.
• Short Form & Commercials Production Brand content production using stop-frame, 2D, and CGI animation for advertising agencies and third-party brands globally.
• Aardman Workshops Educational workshops offering model making, storyboarding, and animation sessions for schools, museums, festivals, and corporate events, with day rates of £750-£1,250 + VAT.
• Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd & Pichu Upcoming stop-motion animated series in collaboration with The Pokémon Company, following Sirfetch'd and Pichu on comedic quest through Galar region. Scheduled for 2027 premiere.

Quantifiable outcome

• 96 campaigns scored in top 1% for creative effectiveness
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.

• SkycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 24 June 2026Sky is exclusive UK distributor for Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, releasing in cinemas and on Sky Cinema. Partnership with Aardman, Studiocanal and GKIDS.
• Royal College of ArtcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 June 2026New MFA Animation postgraduate programme in partnership with Aardman. Students will split time between RCA's London studios and Aardman's Bristol facilities. First intake planned for September 2027. Builds on existing Aardman Academy expertise and RCA's 40 years of animation teaching experience.
• BBC / CBeebiescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 21 June 2026BBC commissioned new animated series 'Let's Go Timmy!' - 30 episodes of 5 minutes each. Series blends stop-motion and 2D animation, set in Mossy Bottom world. Targeting 3-5 year olds. Scheduled to air in 2027.
• CAA Brand ManagementcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 April 2026CAA Brand Management appointed to handle Aardman's brand licensing, partnerships, live experiences and promotions in Japan and across Greater China (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau). Effective April 1, 2026. Replaced previous agents Tohokushinsha Film Corporation (Japan) and U-Young (China).
• StudiocanalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal distribution partner outside UK for Aardman films including Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom. Retains distribution rights in France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Benelux, and Poland.
• GKIDScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGKIDS acquired U.S. distribution rights to Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom from Studiocanal. First-ever collaboration between Gkids and the British stop-motion studio.
• The Pokémon Company InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint project with The Pokémon Company International on stop-motion series 'Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd and Pichu.' Series set in Galar region, combining Aardman's stop-motion techniques with Pokémon universe. Premiering 2027.
• Outright GamescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to develop and release Chicken Run: Eggstraction game. Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store. Launched October 2025.
• The LEGO GroupstrategicGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership to inspire young builders through stop-motion creativity. Created animated short featuring character 'Boop' made from clay in LEGO brick world. Challenge on LEGO Play app invites kids to create stop-motion stories. Monthly mini films released.
• TikTokstrategicGTM or Marketing PartnerShaun the Sheep superfan competition offering winner the chance to be immortalized in clay in Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom feature film. Fan engagement campaign leveraging TikTok platform reach.
• NestminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPension awareness campaign featuring animated birds representing Nest members. Two animated stories narrated by Bill Bailey, targeting 13 million+ Nest members.
• EburyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublishing partnership for Gromit autobiography 'Grand' as told to Nick Park. Memoirs told from Gromit's perspective with brand new adventure content.
• BarbourcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual Christmas advertising partnership. 2025 featured Wallace & Gromit with Gift-o-matic invention. Includes limited-edition Re-loved wax jackets with proceeds to Oxfam. Multi-year ongoing collaboration.
• LongleatstrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFestival of Light 2025 featuring Shaun the Sheep, Chicken Run, and Wallace & Gromit in large-scale lantern installations. Partnership demonstrates IP collaboration in cultural tourism.
• WWT (Wildlife Trusts)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerTimmy Time partnership for The Hedgehog Walk initiative, encouraging children and families to engage with nature conservation.
• System1minorGTM or Marketing PartnerJoint book launch 'Putting On a Show: Exploring The Aardman Effect' analyzing 96 campaigns from 40 years of commercial work. Research demonstrates top 1% creative effectiveness scores.
• Create LondonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAardman participated in creator economy conference alongside YouTube, TikTok, Fremantle, and Banijay France to discuss strategies for vertical entertainment and generative AI.
• INLIGHTminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorINLIGHT partnered with Aardman for Longleat project featuring iconic characters in large-scale lantern installations, attracting 1.5 million overseas visitors in 2025.
• P&O CruisesstrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWallace & Gromit: All Hands On Deck! live experience on P&O Cruises ships, bringing characters to cruise ship entertainment.
• MattelstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-development partnership with Mattel to create new Pingu animated TV series. Aardman and Mattel collaborating on creative direction and production.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Laika: US-based stop-motion animation studio producing feature films (Coraline, Kubo and the Two Strings, Missing Link). Closest direct comparable to Aardman in craft specialization, feature-film output model, and family-oriented IP strategy.
• Cartoon Saloon: Irish animation studio behind Wolfwalkers, Song of the Sea, The Secret of Kells. Same artisanal 2D/hand-crafted animation approach, similar family-oriented franchise strategy and comparable awards profile (multiple Oscar nominations).
• Locksmith Animation: UK-based animation studio that produced Ron's Gone Wrong. UK-headquartered, family-focused CGI/animated feature films with a similar target audience and theatrical release model as Aardman's slate.
• Animal Logic: Australian animation/VFX studio (Happy Feet, Legend of the Guardians, Peter Rabbit 1/2). Comparable family-feature animation studio with both original IP and franchise adaptations.
• Mikros Animation: Animation studio producing feature, TV and commercial work (Paw Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). Provides studio-for-hire and co-production services overlapping Aardman's commercials and TV animation offerings.

Broad incumbents

• Illumination: Universal-owned animation studio behind Despicable Me, Minions, Sing and The Secret Life of Pets. Mass-market CGI family animation incumbent; competes for the same theatrical, licensing and family entertainment revenue pools as Aardman.
• DreamWorks Animation: Major animation studio (Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda). Now under NBCUniversal; broad animation incumbent directly competing for family theatrical share, TV commissions and licensing shelf space.
• Sony Pictures Animation: Animation arm of Sony behind The Mitchells vs. the Machines, Spider-Verse and Hotel Transylvania. Wide animation portfolio overlapping Aardman's family-theatrical and character-licensing territory.
• Pixar: Disney-owned animation studio and benchmark for the global animation industry (Toy Story, Inside Out). Premium feature animation incumbent addressing the same kids-and-family box office and licensing channels.

Regional players

• Folimage: French stop-motion/2D animation studio (The Big Bad Fox, Raining Cats and Dogs). European stop-motion studio with similar craft positioning; operates in French and international co-production markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/aardman
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/aardman
• Facebookfacebook.com/aardman
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aardman-animations
• Instagraminstagram.com/aardmananimations
• TikToktiktok.com/@aardmananimations

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aardman Animations