Qvisten Animation
Qvisten Animation is a Norwegian CGI animation studio founded in 1994 that produces animated feature films, series, commercials, games, and theme park experiences for global family audiences and brand clients, leveraging proprietary Nordic IP and adaptations of Scandinavian literary properties.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1994
- HeadquartersOslo, Norway
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Qvisten Animation does
Qvisten Animation AS is a Norwegian privately-held CGI animation studio founded in 1994 in Oslo, operating three interconnected divisions: Film & TV (theatrical and streaming animated features, series, and shorts), XTND (branded commercials, games, VR/AR experiences, theme park attractions, and immersive installations), and Qvisten Music (record label for film soundtracks). The studio produces content for children and family audiences, drawing on both proprietary IP (Flåklypa, Captain Sabertooth, Louis & Luca, Brothers Gruff) and adaptations of iconic Nordic literary properties by Astrid Lindgren, Kjell Aukrust, and Thorbjørn Egner. Its full in-house CGI pipeline supports 3D, 2D, Unreal Engine, Unity, motion capture, stop-motion, AR, and VR techniques, with proprietary innovations including a custom hand-painted shader for the Troll 2 Netflix intro and real-time mocap digital-twin experiences.
Qvisten generates revenue through a diversified multi-stream model: (1) feature film production and distribution via theatrical release in Norway and global streaming on Netflix, supplemented by co-production financing from the Norwegian Film Institute, Zefyr Media Fund, and Sørfond; (2) professional services through XTND delivering character-driven CGI commercials, AR/VR, games, and attractions to brand and government clients (Netflix, Dyreparken, Hunderfossen, Orkla/Zalo, Orkla/Möllers Tran, Nidar, Cricket Wireless, Vestnes Municipality, The Ski Museum Oslo); (3) licensing and royalties through Qvisten Music and Rights & Brands Norway, which provides access to 40+ agents and 900+ clients internationally; and (4) mobile game publishing on iOS and Google Play. The go-to-market is sales-led for B2B work (co-production, commercial, licensing) with direct-to-consumer reach via Netflix, music streaming platforms, and app stores.
The company employs approximately 80 artists and staff at its Oslo headquarters (Maridalsveien 87, Bygg 30461), led by CEO Fredrik Kiøsterud, CFO Christian Skråmm, Creative Director Rasmus A. Sivertsen, and Head of Studio Arnfinn Moseng. Qvisten has produced over 20 feature films, achieved 100M+ views on Netflix with the Troll franchise (the most viewed non-English-speaking film on the platform), won a 2021 TEA Award for The Hyper Accelerator 4D ride, and received Most Liked Ad in Norway honors in 2023 and 2025. The studio is currently in a dense release cycle through 2025-2026 with six announced feature films plus the launch of Parcade, a Unity-based location-based gaming platform for parks.
Qvisten Animation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Qvisten Animation
- Legal name
- Qvisten Animation AS
- Website
- https://qvisten.no
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1994
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Qvisten Animation is a Norwegian CGI animation studio founded in 1994 that produces animated feature films, series, commercials, games, and theme park experiences for global family audiences and brand clients, leveraging proprietary Nordic IP and adaptations of Scandinavian literary properties.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Qvisten Animation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Animation Production & Creative Services
- NAICS
- Motion Picture and Video Industries (5121), Broadcasting and Content Providers (516)
- SIC
- Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812), Services-Allied To Motion Picture Production (7819)
- akta.pro primary industry
- 3D/CGI Animation Production (MPADACAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- 3D Character Animation (MPAHACAB), VFX & Motion Graphics (CGI, Compositing, 2D/3D) (MPAAAMAC), 3D Product/Explainer Animation (MPAHACAD)
Keywords
Where Qvisten Animation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Oslo
- HQ country
- Norway
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Qvisten Animation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Feature Film Production & Distribution: Qvisten produces and co-produces animated feature films released theatrically and via streaming platforms. They have produced over 20 feature films topping national box office and winning awards internationally.
- Commercial & XTND Services: Qvisten XTND creates branded content, character-driven CGI commercials, AR/VR experiences, games, and attractions for brand and commercial clients.
- Music & Licensing: Qvisten Music record label keeps film soundtracks and scores available via streaming platforms. Physical releases on vinyl and CD. Licensing through Rights & Brands Norway.
- Mobile Game Publishing: Developing and publishing mobile games based on film IPs, available on iOS App Store and Google Play.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels5 records
Qvisten Animation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Qvisten Animation is a Norwegian animation studio producing CGI animated feature films, series, and shorts for theatrical and streaming distribution, alongside character-driven commercials, branded content, mobile games, VR/AR experiences, and theme park attractions through its XTND division. The studio owns and develops Nordic IP franchises (Flåklypa, Captain Sabertooth, Brothers Gruff, Louis & Luca) and adapts iconic literary properties (Astrid Lindgren, Kjell Aukrust, Thorbjørn Egner) using a full in-house CGI pipeline with real-time and motion-capture technology.
Product overview
Qvisten Animation is a Norwegian animation studio established in 1994, operating as a single unified studio with three interconnected divisions: Film & TV (feature films, series, and shorts for theatrical and broadcast), XTND (commercial and experiential content including branded CGI, games, VR/AR, and attractions), and Qvisten Music (record label for film soundtracks). The studio produces content across multiple platforms and has created over 20 feature films including adaptations of Nordic literary properties (Kjell Aukrust's Flåklypa, Astrid Lindgren stories, Thorbjørn Egner works, Captain Sabertooth). Key film products include Rally – From Paris to the Pyramids, The Brothers Gruff series, Captain Sabertooth films, Spermageddon, Handbook for Superheros, and Santa's Workshop. XTND commercial products span Netflix Troll 2 intros, brand commercials (Zalo, Möllers Tran, Stratos), and experiential offerings including the Parcade location-based gaming platform, mobile games, VR experiences, and 4D attractions. The studio's full CGI pipeline supports 3D, 2D, Unreal, and motion capture techniques.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Rally – From Paris to the Pyramids First fully 3D animated Flåklypa feature film produced in full CGI. Three unlikely friends compete in the Paris to Pyramids rally using the marvelous racecar Il Tempo Gigante after the mayor bans them from their tiny village. Released theatrically in Norway for family audiences.
- The Brothers Gruff go to Splash World 3D animated feature film adaptation of the Billy Goats Gruff folk tale. The goats run off to Splash World and must evade the troll. Released theatrically in Norway; spawned the No. 1 hit song 'Badebussen' and a mobile game adaptation.
- The Brothers Gruff go on Holiday Second Brothers Gruff feature film where the goats plan a dream holiday that goes wrong at a troll-run hotel. Scheduled theatrical release in Norway.
- Captain Sabertooth and the Countess of Grel Second 3D animated Captain Sabertooth feature film. Raven and Pinky must defeat the Countess of Grel's plan to trap Captain Sabertooth and conquer the pirates' homeland. Theatrical release in Norway.
- Christmas with Astrid Lindgren Christmas TV and cinema special combining four animated stories from Astrid Lindgren (Tomten and the Fox, Nils Karlsson Pyssling, Kasja Kavat, Emil in Lönneberga) with live-action Pippi Longstocking and Seacrow Island content. Co-produced with The Astrid Lindgren Company.
- Spermageddon Animated feature musical about a sperm character's quest for the egg. Co-produced with 74 Entertainment. Theatrical feature for adult and family audiences.
- Handbook for Superheros Animated feature film adaptation of the internationally acclaimed Swedish book series by Elias and Agnes Våhlund. Lisa discovers a handbook unlocking extraordinary abilities. Produced entirely in Unreal Engine with motion capture technology in collaboration with Stiller Studios.
- Santa's Workshop Animated feature film based on Thorbjørn Egner's radio play. When nine-year-old Mari's Christmas list vanishes and is replaced by a mysterious mitten, her family embarks on a quest to find Santa Claus. Scheduled for theatrical release.
- Netflix Troll 2 Animated Intro 90-second animated intro for Netflix's Troll 2 featuring custom hand-painted shader CGI with hand-painted coal and pencil backgrounds. Created in collaboration with Norwegian painters Christian Voss and Kai Robin Ree. Commissioned by Motion Blur on behalf of Netflix.
- Brothers Gruff Endless Runner Mobile Game Endless runner mobile game tied to the Brothers Gruff franchise and the No. 1 hit song 'Badebussen'. Players drive the Badebussen bus to Splash World, picking up guests and dodging obstacles. Available on iOS and Android.
- Cattle Hill Hidden Object Game Hidden Object Adventure mobile game developed with Dyreparken (Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park). Players explore mysteries alongside characters Klara and Gaute through tactile exploration and mini-games. Available on iOS, Android pending.
- Parcade Location-Based Gaming Platform Unity-based location-based gaming platform designed to motivate visitors to engage with parks and activities through personalized avatars, mini-games, and a Parcoin reward system. Targeted at multiple parks across Norway and the Nordics with a consistent app and user profile.
- Digital Bastian Live Mocap Experience Real-time live digital twin motion capture experience at Dyreparken's Kardemomme Filmstudio. An actor uses Optitrack cameras and mocap suit with iPhone face tracking to portray Police Chief Bastian and interact with audiences in real time.
- Vestnes Municipal VR Experience Interactive VR experience commissioned by Vestnes Municipality teaching schoolchildren local postal history from the 19th century. Features mailman character Jacob guiding users through letter sorting, fjord rowing, and quizzes. Distributed through Meta Store.
- The Ski Museum Interactive Climate Change Experience Interactive climate-change education experience at The Ski Museum in Oslo, developed with Expology using 3D Unreal technology. Players help character Kolle navigate extreme weather events and learn about climate impact on skiing.
- The Hyper Accelerator 4D Ride Award-winning 4D family ride at Hunderfossen Fairytale Park featuring fictional inventor Reodor Felgen. Promotes clean-fuel theories with a 16.5 by 5.3 meter screen, water, smoke effects, and physical interaction. Gold winner at the 2021 TEA Awards for best park attraction under $10M.
- Qvisten Music Record Label Record label sub-brand that keeps Qvisten film soundtracks, scores, and songs available beyond movie lifecycles. Distributes via major streaming platforms (Spotify) and physical formats (vinyl, CD). Includes collaborations with composers and musicians.
Quantifiable outcome
- The first Troll film is the most viewed non-English-speaking film on Netflix ever with over 100 million views
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Qvisten Animation
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Qvisten Animation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Qvisten Animation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.
- Rights & Brands NorwaycoreRights & Brands Norway is part of the Qvisten family, handling 360-degree licensing and publishing of Scandinavian brands globally. They represent iconic Nordic brands and have a network of 40+ agents and 900+ clients internationally. Rights & Brands was crowned the number one licensing agency in Europe by the 2021 License Global report.
- The Astrid Lindgren CompanycoreCollaboration on The Tomten and the Fox animated short based on Astrid Lindgren's book. Also co-producer on Christmas with Astrid Lindgren featuring multiple Astrid Lindgren stories.
- HydralabminorCollaboration partner on The Tomten and the Fox animated short alongside The Astrid Lindgren Company.
- Motion BlurcoreMotion Blur is the direct vendor to Netflix for the Troll movies. Qvisten was commissioned by Motion Blur to create the 90-second animated intro for Troll 2.
- NetflixcoreNetflix distributes Troll 2 globally. Troll 2 is streaming on Netflix. Troll 2 animated intro created by Qvisten for the Troll 2 film on Netflix.
- 74 EntertainmentmajorCo-produced Spermageddon feature musical with 74 Entertainment. 74 Entertainment is a production partner on this project.
- Stiller StudiosmajorCo-produced Handbook for Superheroes feature film with Stiller Studios. Stiller Studios provides facilities and expertise for the motion capture production.
- DyreparkenmajorMultiple collaborations including Digital Bastian live mocap experience in Kardemomme Filmstudio and Cattle Hill Farm Detectives mobile game. Dyreparken is a major Norwegian theme park.
- Hunderfossen FamilieparkmajorQvisten created the award-winning 4D ride 'The Hyper Accelerator' at Hunderfossen Fairytale Park. Qvisten made the characters, concept, story, design, and animated films for the attraction.
- ExpologyminorQvisten XTND collaborated with Expology to create an interactive climate change experience for The Ski Museum in Oslo.
- Orkla Home & Personal Care / ZalomajorQvisten produced the Flåklypa Zalo commercial for Orkla Home & Personal Care, which won most liked commercial in Norway in 2025.
- Orkla Health / Möllers TranmajorQvisten created the Möllers Tran Flåklypa Edition integrated campaign with print, online, radio and TV advertising, which won most liked ad in Norway in 2023.
- NidarmajorSeries of CGI commercials for Nidar featuring the famous blue cow for Stratos chocolate, including collaborations with MadCon.
- Invisible Ink / Cricket WirelessminorSeries of short 3D animated commercials for Cricket Wireless for the US market, created together with Invisible Ink.
- AukruststiftelsencoreOne of Rights & Brands Norway's first brand partners, representing the Kjell Aukrust universe including Flåklypa characters.
- The Norwegian Film InstitutemajorCo-production financing partner. Qvisten collaborates with NFI for local financing as well as with private investments for film productions.
- AnorakminorAnorak collaborated with Qvisten to develop the characters and films for Elkompis featuring Alex & Kai birds.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Qvisten Animation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Nørlum: Danish animation studio producing children's animated series and features, comparable to Qvisten in Nordic CGI production for kids/family audiences and small studio scale (~50-100 staff).
- Sun Creature Studio: Copenhagen-based animation studio specializing in CGI animated features and series, comparable to Qvisten in CGI production capability and family/children's target market, though smaller in scale and output.
Regional players
- Maipo Film: Oslo-based production company producing animated and live-action family/children's content, directly comparable to Qvisten in scale, target demographic, and reliance on Norwegian Film Institute co-financing.
- A. Film Production: Danish animation and production studio producing animated feature films and TV series, comparable to Qvisten as a Nordic animation house targeting family audiences with feature-film and co-production economics.
- Anima Vitae: Finnish animation studio producing CGI animated series, features, and commercials, comparable to Qvisten in Nordic CGI animation heritage and B2B commercial + feature film dual revenue model.
- Storm Films: Norwegian production company based in Oslo producing feature films and TV content, comparable to Qvisten as a fellow Norwegian-headquartered production house operating in the same domestic market and funding ecosystem.
Broad incumbents
- Illumination: Global animation studio producing major family CGI feature films (Despicable Me, Sing, The Secret Life of Pets). Comparable as a CGI animation specialist serving family audiences, though at vastly greater scale and with full global distribution ownership.
- Aardman Animations: Iconic British stop-motion and CGI animation studio producing globally successful family features and commercials, explicitly named by Qvisten founders as their original inspiration. Comparable in character-driven family storytelling, B2B commercial work, and broad IP-based franchise approach.
Others
- Rights & Brands Norway: Licensing and brand management company in the Qvisten family that represents Nordic IP (Flåklypa, Aukrust, Marius of Norway) globally. Listed as an in-house partner rather than independent peer but functions as a comparable licensing intermediary in the Nordic IP ecosystem.
Direct peers
- Motion Blur: Norwegian animation studio and direct vendor to Netflix for the Troll franchise that commissions Qvisten. Comparable as a Nordic CGI animation peer producing family content with global streaming reach, and represents Qvisten's primary gateway to Netflix.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Qvisten Animation social profiles
Digital presenceQvisten Animation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Qvisten Animation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Qvisten Animation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Qvisten Animation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Qvisten Animation
What does Qvisten Animation do?
Qvisten Animation is a Norwegian animation studio producing CGI animated feature films, series, and shorts for theatrical and streaming distribution, alongside character-driven commercials, branded content, mobile games, VR/AR experiences, and theme park attractions through its XTND division. The studio owns and develops Nordic IP franchises (Flåklypa, Captain Sabertooth, Brothers Gruff, Louis & Luca) and adapts iconic literary properties (Astrid Lindgren, Kjell Aukrust, Thorbjørn Egner) using a full in-house CGI pipeline with real-time and motion-capture technology.
Is Qvisten Animation a public or private company?
Qvisten Animation is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Qvisten Animation founded?
Qvisten Animation was founded in 1994. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Qvisten Animation based?
Qvisten Animation is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, in the Europe region.
How does Qvisten Animation make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Feature Film Production & Distribution is the primary driver. The others are commercial & XTND Services, music & Licensing and mobile Game Publishing.
Who are Qvisten Animation's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Nørlum and Sun Creature Studio. Regional players are Maipo Film, A. Film Production, Anima Vitae and Storm Films. Broad incumbents are Illumination and Aardman Animations. Rights & Brands Norway is listed as an others. Motion Blur is listed as a direct peer.
Does Qvisten Animation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Qvisten Animation.
What industry is Qvisten Animation in?
Qvisten Animation's product category is Animation Production & Creative Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPADACAB, 3D/CGI Animation Production, with a secondary code of MPAHACAB, 3D Character Animation. Its NAICS code is 5121 and its SIC code is 7812.