What Sinking Ship Entertainment does

Sinking Ship Entertainment is a Toronto-based, privately held production, distribution, VFX, and interactive studio founded in 2004 by partners J.J. Johnson, Blair Powers, and Matthew J.R. Bishop. The company specializes in children's and family live-action content, with a catalog of more than 17 original series spanning preschool (Chirp, Alma's Way), kids 4–9 (Dino Dan/Dana/Dex, Odd Squad, Annedroids), tweens 8–12 (Endlings, The Demon Headmaster, The Unlisted), and family programming (Beyond Black Beauty, Are We There Yet?). Its content is distributed to more than 200 countries through direct licensing to tier-1 streamers (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Hulu) and public/commercial broadcasters (PBS Kids, BBC, CBC, Nickelodeon, National Geographic), supplemented by co-production partnerships with BBC Studios Kids & Family, Fred Rogers Productions, Sesame Workshop, Leif Films, and others.

The studio runs an in-house VFX and animation pipeline anchored by a real-time Unreal Engine rendering workflow and an internal USD-based content management system, capabilities that have earned multiple Emmy and BAFTA awards for VFX work delivered to Apple TV+, Hulu, Nickelodeon, PBS Kids, and Amazon Prime. Beyond series production, the company monetizes through a layered stack: VFX/animation services for external clients, consumer-product licensing (publishers like Really Big Coloring Books and Larousse, restaurant programs like Braum's at 300+ US storefronts, museum screenings at Maloka and Cinemamalecón), and interactive digital games developed through wholly-owned subsidiary Sinking Ship Interactive Inc. Headcount is 51–100, sales/distribution is run by a dedicated Head of Sales and Distribution plus an EMEA-focused Director of Sales, and co-production/international partnerships are managed by a dedicated department head. Sinking Ship has no disclosed external funding rounds, operates as an independent Canadian corporation (Sinking Ship Entertainment Inc., Ontario), and was named the #1 Kids' Entertainment Production Company on Kidscreen's Hot50 list in 2020.

Name

Sinking Ship Entertainment

Legal name

Sinking Ship Entertainment Inc.

Website

https://sinkingship.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Sinking Ship Entertainment is a Toronto-based children's entertainment production and distribution studio producing 17+ live-action, animated, and hybrid series distributed to 200+ countries via major streamers and broadcasters, with in-house VFX/animation services and consumer-product licensing around its IP.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Children's Entertainment Production

NAICS

Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries (512), Motion Picture and Video Distribution (51212), Broadcasting and Content Providers (516)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Distribution (7822)

akta.pro primary industry

VFX Production & Supervision (2D/3D, Compositing, FX, CG) (MPADAHAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Animation Services for VFX (Creature/Character, Crowd, Simulation Support) (MPADAHAF), VFX Production & Shot Work (CG Integration, Matte Painting, FX) (MPAHABAB), VFX Supervision & On-Set VFX Services (MPAHABAA), In-Camera VFX (ICVFX) Systems Integration & Workflows (MPAHADAE)

Keywords

• Children's television production
• Live-action kids series
• Animation and VFX services
• Content distribution licensing
• Interactive digital games

Headquarters

HQ city

Toronto

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Content Production and Distribution: Sinking Ship produces children's TV series and distributes them globally to over 200 countries through streaming platforms (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+), broadcast networks (PBS Kids, BBC, CBC, TVOKids), and regional broadcasters.
2. Consumer Product Licensing: Licensing deals for consumer products including books (Really Big Coloring Books, Larousse), toys, kids' meal programs (Braum's), and museum partnerships (Maloka Museo Interactivo, Cinemamalecón).
3. Interactive Games and Digital Experiences: Companion interactive experiences and digital games for series (Bookaboo Digital games available for international licensing). Mobile apps with automatic updates and upgrades.
4. VFX and Animation Services: VFX and animation production services for external clients including Apple TV+, Hulu, Nickelodeon, PBS Kids, Amazon Prime, and TVOKids. Multiple Emmy awards for visual effects work.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Sinking Ship Entertainment is a production, distribution, VFX and interactive studio that creates original children's television series (live-action, CGI, and animated formats) and licenses them globally. The company produces 17+ original series such as Dino Dana, Odd Squad, Alma's Way, and Endlings, and distributes them to streaming platforms (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+), broadcast networks (PBS Kids, BBC, CBC), and regional broadcasters in more than 200 countries. It also offers full-service VFX and animation production capabilities using a real-time Unreal Engine pipeline, alongside companion interactive games and consumer product licensing.

Product overview

Sinking Ship Entertainment is a globally renowned children's entertainment production, distribution, VFX, and interactive studio. The company operates as a multi-product portfolio with 17+ original series distributed to more than 200 countries. Core offerings include live-action/CGI hybrid shows (Annedroids, Dino Dana, Odd Squad), animated series (Alma's Way, Chirp, What's Inside), live-action dramas (Endlings, Phoenix Rise, Beyond Black Beauty), educational content (Are We There Yet?, Giver, My Home My Life), and interactive digital games (Bookaboo Digital, Dino Dana interactive experiences). The VFX & Animation division provides end-to-end production services including Unreal Engine real-time animation and USD pipeline tools. Major franchises include the Dino franchise (Dino Dan, Dino Dan Trek's Adventures, Dino Dana, Dino Dana The Movie, Dino Dex) and Odd Squad with international versions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Dino Dana Live-action/CGI hybrid series following Dana, a 10-year-old 'paleontologist in training' who can see dinosaurs using a magical Dino Field Guide. Part of a multi-show dinosaur franchise including Dino Dan, Dino Dan Trek's Adventures, and Dino Dex. Targeted at children ages 5-9 and distributed to broadcasters globally.
• Odd Squad Live-action comedy series for children ages 4-8 about kid agents equipped with advanced gadgetry who use math to solve odd problems. Includes a feature film and has spawned multiple international versions including Odd Squad UK.
• Alma's Way Animated series for 4-6 year-olds following Alma Rivera, a 6-year-old Puerto Rican girl from the Bronx who uses 'Think Throughs' to solve problems. Created by Sesame Street alum Sonia Manzano and co-produced with Fred Rogers Productions.
• Endlings Sci-fi live-action series for ages 8-12 set 20 years in the future, where four teenagers in foster care discover an alien collecting the last members of near-extinct species, including the last elephant named Tuko.
• Annedroids Live-action/CGI blended series celebrating science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through the lens of 11-year-old Anne who builds robots to help with experiments alongside her friends Nick and Shania. Targeted at ages 6-9.
• Dino Dan Original series in the dinosaur franchise where 10-year-old Dan eats, sleeps and breathes dinosaurs and can see them in the real world. Predecessor to the Dino Dana series.
• Dino Dana The Movie Feature-length action adventure film where 10-year-old Dana tries to solve dino experiment 901 with help from new neighbor Mateo, following the Emmy award-winning Dino Dana series. Distributed via Prime Video and museum screenings in Latin America.
• Dino Dex Latest series in the dinosaur franchise featuring 9-year-old Dex who reimagines how dinosaurs looked and lived, exploring paleontology alongside his neighbor Kayla. Premiered on Amazon Kids+ and Prime Video on October 20, 2024.
• Beyond Black Beauty Live-action family series inspired by the novel, following Jolie Dumont as she moves from Belgium to Baltimore and bonds with a horse named Black Beauty on her family's ranch. Co-produced with Amazon Studios and Leif Films.
• The Demon Headmaster Episodic sci-fi/psychological thriller series for ages 8-12 based on Gillian Cross's book series, where teens discover their headmaster uses hypnotism and tech surveillance to control students.
• Are We There Yet? Global kids' travel series hosted by eight sibling duos ages 6-8 who share their adventures through journaling, drawing, painting, and on-location chatter. Co-produced with National Geographic.
• The Fabulous Show with Fay & Fluffy Drag story time cabaret show for kids and families featuring drag performers Fay and Fluffy, inspiring reading and encouraging messages of inclusivity and kindness.
• Ghost Writer Mystery series where four kids must team up with a ghost haunting a neighborhood bookstore to solve an exciting mystery and release fictional characters into the real world. Co-produced with Fred Rogers Productions and Sesame Workshop for Apple TV+.
• Giver Series featuring playground makeovers where 6-12 year-old teams work with their communities to build and improve local playgrounds, deciding on themes and equipment in just 3 days.
• Jane Series following 9-year-old environmentalist Jane Garcia who uses her imagination to go on epic adventures with her best friends to help protect endangered animals worldwide. Created in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute.
• Lockdown COVID-era series shot entirely via webcam and smartphones, following a friend group in a downtown neighborhood navigating how tweens stay connected while staying apart.
• My Home My Life Kids series told by kids where each episode follows a child inviting audiences into their lives to see their home, family, customs, and traditions, celebrating family diversity.
• Phoenix Rise Coming-of-age school drama series for 10+ year olds that champions the underdog, following six students who form an unbreakable bond navigating school life.
• Playdate Animated series where children's stuffed animals (Mac, Priscilla, Sammy and Buckie) come to life when kids are away and cause chaos they must fix before children return.
• Rank The Prank Hollywood-style hidden-camera prank show where kids team up with special effects artists to perform incredible pranks, with winners staging a mega prank. Distributed on Nickelodeon (US) and other partners.
• The Unlisted Action-adventure series where 12-year-old twins Dru and Kal discover a secret society planning to control youth through electronic implants and team up with underground vigilantes to stop them. Co-produced in Australia with Netflix distribution.
• What's Inside Short-form stop-motion animated interstitials for 3-6 year olds that explore what's inside everyday objects like fans, cell phones, and staplers using fast-paced music.
• Bookaboo Digital Suite of online games featuring Bookaboo, a famous rock puppy with serious 'bojo' who tours the world as a drummer but cannot play without a story a day. Available for international licensing.
• VFX & Animation Services Full-service VFX and animation pipeline offered to external clients, including character/creature design, modeling, texturing, rigging, muscle simulation, hair/fur/feathers, animation, lighting, compositing, visual effects, and real-time animation via Unreal Engine. Used by Apple TV+, Hulu, Nickelodeon, PBS Kids, Amazon Prime, and TVOKids.
• Builder Brothers Dream Factory Live-action series inspired by real-life Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott, where twin brothers use imagination and creativity to help friends solve problems in their neighborhood. Co-produced with Nelvana and Scott Brothers Entertainment.
• Chirp Preschool series where best friends Chirp, Squawk and Tweet use their imaginations and everyday objects to get into and out of fantastically fun adventures, with help from the Mail Squirrel. Co-produced with Owlkids, ICI Radio-Canada, and Bayard Canada.
• Odd Squad UK British version of Odd Squad co-produced with BBC Studios Kids & Family, featuring a fresh British cast of secret government agents using math skills to solve strange occurrences. Launched on BBC iPlayer in fall 2024 as a 12x30 minute series.

Quantifiable outcome

• Content distributed to 200+ countries globally
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

53 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and regional.

• Amazon StudiosflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-production partnership with Amazon Studios for Beyond Black Beauty series. Amazon Studios involved as production partner alongside Leif Films and Sinking Ship Entertainment.
• PBS KidsflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrimary US broadcast partner for Odd Squad, Alma's Way, and Annedroids. Distribution of Sinking Ship content to PBS network affiliates across the United States.
• BBC Studios Kids & FamilyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-production partnership for Odd Squad UK (12x30 minutes) launching on BBC iPlayer. Fresh British cast of secret government agents using math skills to solve strange occurrences.
• Fred Rogers ProductionsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-production partner for Alma's Way (65x22 minutes), promoting critical thinking, problem solving and cultural diversity. Also partnership for Ghost Writer.
• Fred Rogers Productions (Ghost Writer)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-production partnership for Ghost Writer series featuring Sesame Workshop involvement.
• Sesame WorkshopcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProduction partner for Ghost Writer series on Apple TV+.
• Amazon Kids+flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Dino Dex series premiering October 2024. Dino Dex received special press screening at Toronto Film Festival.
• HulucoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS streaming distribution partner for Endlings series.
• NDR (Germany)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGerman broadcaster distribution partner for Endlings.
• ABC (Australia)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAustralian broadcaster distribution partner for Endlings.
• SVT (Sweden)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwedish broadcaster distribution partner for Endlings.
• Universal KidsregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS broadcast partner for Endlings on Universal Kids network.
• Prime VideoflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal streaming distribution partner for Dino Dana The Movie and Dino Dex series.
• Really Big Coloring BookscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS publisher licensing deal for up to 14 Odd Squad coloring books. Products available at Walmart, Amazon, and PBS affiliate e-commerce sites.
• Braum'scoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOklahoma-based ice cream chain launching licensed kids' meal toy program at 300+ storefronts across the US for Odd Squad franchise.
• France TV DistributionregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench distribution partner brokering Odd Squad licensing deal with Larousse publisher in France.
• LarousseregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench publisher launching three new licensed Odd Squad titles in France territory.
• TF1 (France)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench broadcaster acquiring Alma's Way for distribution in France.
• TFO (Ontario)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOntario French-language broadcaster acquiring Alma's Way for Canadian French-speaking market.
• Once Niñas y Niños (Mexico)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMexican broadcaster acquiring Alma's Way for distribution in Mexico.
• Maloka Museo Interactivo (Colombia)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBogotá science museum acquiring Dino Dana The Movie for interactive screening in Colombia.
• Cinemamalecón (Ecuador)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCultural and educational hub in Guayaquil acquiring Dino Dana The Movie for screening in Ecuador.
• Leif FilmsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerBelgian co-production partner for Beyond Black Beauty alongside Saga Film in Belgium.
• TVOKidsregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOntario broadcaster distribution partner for Dino Dana and other series.
• Knowledge KidsregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCanadian digital kids' platform distribution partner for Dino Dana and other series.
• Yoopa (TVA Group)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorQuebec French-language kids' channel distribution partner for Dino Dana.
• Fred Rogers CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit partner for Odd Squad through Fred Rogers Productions relationship.
• NickelodeoncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS distribution partner for Rank The Prank through Nickelodeon Canada.
• CBC KidsregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCanadian public broadcaster distribution partner for Endlings.
• BBC (CBBC)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK broadcaster distribution partner for The Demon Headmaster.
• National GeographicflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-production partner for Are We There Yet? global kids' travel series with National Geographic Kids.
• Family Jr.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCanadian French-language kids' channel distribution partner for The Fabulous Show with Fay & Fluffy.
• NelvanacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-production partner for Builder Brothers Dream Factory alongside Scott Brothers Entertainment.
• Scott Brothers EntertainmentflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerEntertainment company of Drew and Jonathan Scott inspiring Builder Brothers Dream Factory series.
• Royal Tyrrell MuseumregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlberta dinosaur museum as educational partner for Dino Dan series.
• APTNregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAboriginal Peoples Television Network distribution partner for Giver series.
• Treehouse TVregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCanadian kids' channel distribution partner for Odd Squad and Are We There Yet?.
• CBC KidsregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCanadian public broadcaster distribution partner for Are We There Yet? travel series.
• National Geographic KidsregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMagazine and media partner for Are We There Yet? travel series.
• OwlkidscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-production partner for Chirp series alongside ICI Radio-Canada and Bayard Canada.
• ICI Radio-CanadaregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorQuebec broadcaster co-production partner for Chirp series.
• Bayard CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-production partner for Chirp series alongside Owlkids and ICI Radio-Canada.
• CBC KidsregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCanadian public broadcaster distribution partner for Chirp series.
• Treehouse TVregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCanadian kids' channel distribution partner for What's Inside series.
• CBC KidsregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCanadian public broadcaster distribution partner for What's Inside series.
• Jane Goodall InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental organization partnership for Jane series inspired by Dr. Jane Goodall's conservation work.
• NetflixflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal streaming distribution partner for The Unlisted series.
• Buster ProductionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustralian production company co-producing The Unlisted alongside Sinking Ship.
• Aquarius FilmsregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustralian production partner for The Unlisted.
• SoundfirmregionalTechnology or IntegrationAustralian post-production audio company providing sound and music services for The Unlisted.
• Jane Goodall InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal environmental organization partnership to help support conservation work and spread messages of kindness and animal welfare beyond shows.
• Geena Davis InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGender equality and inclusion organization partnership to ensure authentic diversity and representation in Sinking Ship productions.
• International Fund for Animal WelfarecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnimal welfare organization partnership supporting conservation messages in productions like Jane and Endlings.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• WildBrain: Canadian children's entertainment producer and distributor with a large content library (Peanuts, Teletubbies, In the Night Garden) and global distribution across broadcast and streaming. Most direct comparable given Canadian origin, kids' focus, and integrated production-plus-distribution model.
• Boat Rocker Media: Toronto-based entertainment company producing kids', family, and scripted content (including the formerly DHX-owned Islands of Adventure franchises). Comparable as a Canadian independent studio competing for global kids' commissions and IP ownership.
• Guru Studio: Toronto-based animation studio behind Paw Patrol (co-production), True and the Rainbow Kingdom, and Justin Time. Comparable as a Canadian-led kids' animation producer selling to global streaming and broadcast partners.
• Nelvana (Corus Entertainment): Long-established Canadian children's animation producer and licensor (Babar, Franklin, Max & Ruby) owned by Corus Entertainment. Directly comparable as a Canadian kids' content creator with distribution to global broadcasters and merchandise licensing.
• Fred Rogers Productions: U.S. non-profit producer of educational kids' programming including Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Alma's Way (co-produced with Sinking Ship), and Odd Squad (co-produced with Sinking Ship). Direct peer as a co-production partner and producer of similar educational kids' content for PBS Kids.
• Brown Bag Films: Acquired by 9 Story, this animation studio produces kids' CGI series (Doc McStuffins, The Octonauts, Vampirina) for Disney and other global buyers. Directly comparable as a CGI animation production services and original IP shop serving the same buyers as Sinking Ship.
• 9 Story Media Group: Toronto-based producer of kids' and family animated and live-action content (Blue's Clues & You!, Wild Kratts, Paw Patrol co-production via Spin Master). Comparable as a Canadian studio producing broadcast-quality kids' programming for global buyers.
• BBC Studios Kids & Family: Division of BBC Studios producing and distributing kids' content globally (Bluey co-producer, Hey Duggee, Odd Squad UK co-production with Sinking Ship). Comparable as both a co-production partner and a competing kids' content supplier for global buyers.

Emerging players

• Mercury Filmworks: Ottawa-based animation studio known for high-quality 2D/3D animated series and feature work (The Lion Guard, Hilda). Comparable as a Canadian boutique animation studio serving global streamers and broadcasters with comparable headcount scale.

Regional players

• Cyber Group Studios: France-based producer and distributor of children's animation and live-action series (Gigantosaurus, Zorro The Chronicles) selling to broadcasters and streamers worldwide. Comparable as a similarly sized international kids' content producer with global distribution footprint.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sinkingshipent
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/PBSKIDS
• Facebookfacebook.com/OddSquadPBS
• Instagraminstagram.com/thedinodana

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Sinking Ship Entertainment