Cartoon Saloon
Cartoon Saloon is an Irish animation studio producing 2D hand-drawn feature films and TV series for children and family audiences, licensing content to global streamers (Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+) and broadcasters while retaining IP ownership across an Academy Award-nominated slate.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersNorth Hollywood, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What Cartoon Saloon does
Cartoon Saloon is an Irish animation studio founded in 1999 and headquartered in Kilkenny, Ireland, that produces premium 2D hand-drawn animated feature films, short films, and television series for children and family audiences. The studio's portfolio comprises six feature films (The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea, The Breadwinner, WolfWalkers, My Father's Dragon, Puffin Rock and the New Friends) with a seventh (Julián) in production for 2026, alongside TV series spanning preschool (Puffin Rock), children's comedy (Dorg Van Dango, Skunk Fu), and family adventure (Silly Sundays, My Brother the Minotaur). The studio's distinctive creative signature — hand-drawn 2D animation rooted in Irish folklore and international cultural storytelling — has earned five Academy Award nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, and BAFTA and Emmy wins, positioning it as a premium boutique alternative to CGI-dominated animation.
The studio's underlying production technology is a blend of traditional hand-drawn artistry and digital methods, executed by a small team of 11-50 employees led by three co-founder Creative Directors (Tomm Moore, Paul Young, Nora Twomey). Production is structured around international co-productions with Aircraft Pictures (Canada), Melusine Productions (Luxembourg), Sun Creature (Denmark), Dog Ears (Ireland), and Sónta Productions, financed through a network of national film funds including Screen Ireland, Telefilm Canada, the Luxembourg Film Fund, the Danish Film Institute, and BCP Asset Management. Cartoon Saloon does not take external client work, instead developing an internally financed slate of original IP and franchise extensions.
Commercially, the studio operates as a B2B content licensor and IP owner. Revenue streams include: (1) licensing of finished features and series to global streaming platforms (Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video) and broadcast networks (BBC/CBeebies, Cartoonito/WBD, RTÉ, Tencent, Nickelodeon International); (2) original-series production fees from platforms such as Apple TV+ (My Brother the Minotaur); (3) international theatrical distribution through sales agents (New Europe Film Sales, Cake Entertainment); and (4) direct-to-consumer merchandise sales through storecartoonsaloon.com (plushies, board games, art books, DVDs/Blu-rays, limited edition prints, graphic novels). Distribution reach is global, with content broadcast in 120+ countries for Skunk Fu and 170M+ streams on Tencent in China for Puffin Rock. Pricing is negotiated case-by-case with distributors and is not publicly disclosed.
Cartoon Saloon firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Cartoon Saloon
- Legal name
- Cartoon Saloon
- Website
- https://cartoonsaloon.ie
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Cartoon Saloon is an Irish animation studio producing 2D hand-drawn feature films and TV series for children and family audiences, licensing content to global streamers (Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+) and broadcasters while retaining IP ownership across an Academy Award-nominated slate.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Cartoon Saloon industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Animated Content Production
- akta.pro primary industry
- AAA & Premium Game Studios (PC/Console) (MPAFAAAA)
Keywords
Where Cartoon Saloon is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- North Hollywood
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Cartoon Saloon business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Content Licensing and Distribution: Cartoon Saloon licenses its animated feature films and TV series to major streaming platforms (Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+), broadcast networks (BBC, CBeebies, RTÉ, Cartoonito, Nickelodeon), and international distributors. Revenue is generated through licensing fees for theatrical releases, streaming rights, broadcast rights, and home entertainment (DVD/Blu-ray sales through their own store).
- Merchandise and Product Sales: The studio operates its own e-commerce store (storecartoonsaloon.com) selling merchandise including plushies, board games, art books, DVDs, Blu-rays, limited edition prints, and graphic novels based on their properties like WolfWalkers.
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels11 records
Marketing channels8 records
Cartoon Saloon product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Cartoon Saloon is an Irish animation studio that produces 2D hand-drawn animated feature films, short films, and TV series for children and family audiences. The studio develops and owns original IP inspired by Irish and international folklore, then licenses finished content to global streaming platforms (Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+) and broadcast networks. Revenue is generated through content licensing fees, co-production financing, and direct-to-consumer merchandise sales via their online store.
Product overview
Cartoon Saloon is an internationally acclaimed Irish animation studio producing feature films, short films, and TV series characterized by distinctive 2D hand-drawn artistry and storytelling. The portfolio includes Academy Award-nominated feature films (The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea, The Breadwinner, WolfWalkers), with upcoming sixth feature Julián directed by Louise Bagnall. The studio produces TV series spanning preschool (Puffin Rock), kids comedy (Dorg Van Dango, Skunk Fu), and family programming (Silly Sundays, My Brother the Minotaur). Short films include award-winning works like Late Afternoon (Oscar-nominated), Screecher's Reach (Emmy-winning), and Éiru. The studio also offers merchandise including art books, board games, plushies, and DVDs through its online store, along with educational programs tied to specific film properties.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- The Secret of Kells Animated feature film retelling the provenance of Ireland's most cherished artefact, the Book of Kells. Set during Viking raids, follows young Brendan who must save the illuminated manuscript.
- Song of the Sea Animated feature inspired by mythological Selkies of Irish folklore, following Ben and his sister Saoirse—the last Seal-child—on a fantastical journey across a fading world of ancient legend and magic.
- The Breadwinner Feature film telling the story of 11-year-old Parvana who gives up her identity to provide for her family in Taliban-controlled Kabul.
- WolfWalkers Co-directed feature film about a young apprentice hunter who befriends a free-spirited girl from a mysterious tribe rumored to have the ability to transform into wolves by night. Features woodblock aesthetic and 2D animation.
- My Father's Dragon Animated feature inspired by Newbery-honored children's book. Elmer runs away to search for Wild Island and a young dragon who waits to be rescued.
- Puffin Rock and the New Friends Feature film based on award-winning TV series Puffin Rock. An action-packed story celebrating natural environment with themes of belonging, courage and friendship.
- Julián Animated feature film directed by Louise Bagnall. A story of discovery and celebration featuring Julián discovering his Caribbean heritage and that he is a mermaid.
- Éiru Animated short film about a child who descends into the belly of the earth to retrieve water from a warrior clan's village well. A story of a goddess in search of a champion.
- Screecher's Reach Emmy Award-winning and Annie Award-nominated short film part of Star Wars Visions: Volume 2 anthology. A young girl in a rural workhouse discovers a legendary haunted cave with her friends.
- Late Afternoon Animated short film about an elderly woman journeying into an inner world reliving moments from her life. Oscar-nominated.
- My Brother the Minotaur Animated kids and family adventure series produced for Apple TV+. A minotaur raised by humans sets out on a wild adventure with help from his brother to understand who he really is.
- Puffin Rock Pre-school animated TV show for 2-5 year olds set on a beautiful island off the coast of Ireland. Features sister and brother puffling pair Oona and Baba and their animal friends. Co-production with Dog Ears and Penguin Books.
- Silly Sundays Feel-good comedy series for Cartoonito/Warner Bros. Discovery, centered on family themes. Set in colorful coastal village Sunday Town, following Sonia and her family through weekend gatherings.
- Skunk Fu Award-winning comedy adventure series for kids broadcast in over 120 countries. Follows a western kid learning Kung Fu from a wise old Panda in China to help the Resistance fight against evil Black Dragon and his army of Ninja Monkeys.
- Cartoon Saloon Store Official merchandise store offering plushies, board games, puzzles, art books, DVDs, Blu-rays, and limited edition prints featuring Cartoon Saloon characters and artwork.
Quantifiable outcome
- Five Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature, demonstrating consistent excellence in animated filmmaking
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Cartoon Saloon
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Cartoon Saloon technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration8 records
Feature1 record
Cartoon Saloon partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.
- Dog EarscoreIrish animation studio and co-production partner for My Brother the Minotaur (with Apple) and Puffin Rock (with Penguin Books). Long-term creative partner for TV series development.
- Apple TV+coreApple's streaming platform producing and distributing My Brother the Minotaur (premiering April 2026) and exclusive streaming home for WolfWalkers. Major content partnership for original animated series.
- Disney+coreStreaming home for Star Wars: Visions Volume 2 episode Screecher's Reach. Part of Disney's anthology series celebrating Star Wars through unique cultural lenses.
- Aircraft PicturescoreCanadian production company and co-production partner for multiple Cartoon Saloon projects including The Breadwinner, Julián, and Puffin Rock and the New Friends. Aircraft Pictures co-finances and co-produces animated features with Cartoon Saloon.
- Melusine ProductionscoreLuxembourg-based production company and long-term co-production partner for Song of the Sea, The Breadwinner, and Julián. Provides European production infrastructure and access to Luxembourg film funding.
- Sun CreaturemajorDanish animation studio and co-production partner for Julián. Provides production capabilities and access to Danish film incentives through The Animation Workshop and Danish Film Institute.
- Wychwood MediasupportingUK-based production partner for Julián, providing access to UK production incentives and co-production financing through the UK production ecosystem.
- Ontario CreatessupportingOntario government's cultural media fund supporting film and television production. Provides production financing and incentives for Julián as Canadian co-production partner.
- RTÉcoreIreland's national broadcaster and long-term broadcast partner for Cartoon Saloon content including Dorg Van Dango, Puffin Rock, and provides Irish broadcast rights for Julián.
- Cartoonito/Warner Bros DiscoverycoreWarner Bros Discovery's preschool channel Cartoonito is the broadcast partner for Silly Sundays. Provides international broadcast distribution through Cartoonito network.
- CBeebiescoreBBC's preschool channel broadcasting Puffin Rock in the UK. Third series of Puffin Rock launched on CBeebies in September 2025 as a top 10 show.
- NetflixcoreGlobal streaming platform for My Father's Dragon and Puffin Rock. Provides worldwide distribution for Cartoon Saloon's feature films and series to millions of subscribers.
- Penguin BooksmajorPublishing partner and co-owner of Puffin Rock brand alongside Cartoon Saloon and Dog Ears. Provides literary IP foundation and brand extension opportunities for the preschool property.
- WildBrainmajorCanadian entertainment company and distribution partner for Dorg Van Dango. Handles international distribution outside Ireland and UK for the animated comedy series.
- China Nebula GroupsupportingChinese media company acquiring Puffin Rock for Chinese market. Content has been streamed over 170 million times on Tencent Video in China.
- Sónta ProductionssupportingIndependent production company based in Conamara, Ireland, co-producing Anam an Amhráin with Cartoon Saloon for TG4. Previous collaboration on award-winning Cúilín Dualach.
- TG4coreIrish-language television channel and broadcast partner for Anam an Amhráin and Cúl an Tí. Supports Irish language content and cultural programming featuring Cartoon Saloon animations.
- HerstorysupportingIrish women's storytelling movement founded by Melanie Lynch, serving as executive producer for Éiru short film. Herstory focuses on authentic female role models and cultural storytelling.
- New Europe Film SalesmajorInternational sales agent handling festival enquiries and international distribution for Julián. Manages global sales and festival strategy for the feature film.
- Cake EntertainmentmajorInternational entertainment sales agent distributing Skunk Fu globally. Handles international licensing and broadcast sales for the award-winning comedy adventure series.
- Kilkenny AnimatedcoreAnnual festival of visual storytelling founded and hosted by Cartoon Saloon in Kilkenny, Ireland. Celebrates the creativity of animation craft through exhibitions, talks, and performances.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Cartoon Saloon competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Folimage: French animation studio producing art-driven feature films and shorts (The Painting, The Girl Without Hands). Comparable to Cartoon Saloon as a European, auteur-led animation studio producing hand-crafted features with festival-circuit prestige.
- Studio Ponoc: Japanese animation studio founded by former Studio Ghibli staff. Comparable as a smaller, art-focused animation studio producing hand-drawn features targeting family audiences, with similar auteur-led creative approach and festival circuit visibility.
- Lupus Films: UK-based animation studio known for The Snowman and the Snowdog. Comparable as a boutique hand-drawn animation studio producing both TV specials and feature content with strong brand recognition and partnership with major broadcasters.
- Dog Ears: Irish animation studio and direct co-production partner on Puffin Rock and My Brother the Minotaur. Comparable as a small Irish animation studio producing premium TV and feature content for global platforms alongside Cartoon Saloon.
Direct peers
- Laika: US-based animation studio (Coraline, Kubo and the Two Strings, Missing Link). Comparable to Cartoon Saloon as a boutique, art-driven studio producing prestige feature films with strong IP and brand recognition among adult and family audiences.
- Aardman Animations: UK-based animation studio renowned for Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep. Closely comparable to Cartoon Saloon in scale, prestige, and art-focused ethos, with a similar mix of feature films, TV series, and franchise merchandising.
- Studio Ghibli: Japanese animation studio founded by Hayao Miyazaki. Comparable to Cartoon Saloon as a hand-drawn, art-driven animation house with global prestige, auteur-led creative leadership, and a commitment to hand-crafted storytelling that differentiates from mainstream CGI studios.
Broad incumbents
- Pixar Animation Studios: US-based major animation studio and CGI pioneer. Operates in the same family animation category as Cartoon Saloon at vastly greater scale and budget, setting industry benchmarks for feature animation that Cartoon Saloon's 2D artistry is positioned against.
- DreamWorks Animation: US-based major animation studio (Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon). Operates in the same family animation category as Cartoon Saloon with substantially larger scale, more frequent release cadence, and broader merchandising reach.
- Illumination: US-based major animation studio (Despicable Me, Sing). Operates in the same family animation category as Cartoon Saloon at significantly greater scale, with a much broader IP portfolio and higher annual output volume.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Cartoon Saloon social profiles
Digital presenceCartoon Saloon financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Cartoon Saloon leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Cartoon Saloon funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Cartoon Saloon 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 Cartoon Saloon
What does Cartoon Saloon do?
Cartoon Saloon is an Irish animation studio that produces 2D hand-drawn animated feature films, short films, and TV series for children and family audiences. The studio develops and owns original IP inspired by Irish and international folklore, then licenses finished content to global streaming platforms (Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+) and broadcast networks. Revenue is generated through content licensing fees, co-production financing, and direct-to-consumer merchandise sales via their online store.
Is Cartoon Saloon a public or private company?
Cartoon Saloon is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Cartoon Saloon founded?
Cartoon Saloon was founded in 1999. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Cartoon Saloon based?
Cartoon Saloon is headquartered in North Hollywood, United States, in the North America region.
How does Cartoon Saloon make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Content Licensing and Distribution is the primary driver. The others are merchandise and Product Sales.
Who are Cartoon Saloon's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Folimage, Studio Ponoc, Lupus Films and Dog Ears. Direct peers are Laika, Aardman Animations and Studio Ghibli. Broad incumbents are Pixar Animation Studios, DreamWorks Animation and Illumination.
Does Cartoon Saloon have an API?
No public API is recorded for Cartoon Saloon.
What industry is Cartoon Saloon in?
Cartoon Saloon's product category is Animated Content Production. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAFAAAA, AAA & Premium Game Studios (PC/Console).