Cartoon Saloon

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.

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

Product category

Animated Content Production

akta.pro primary industry

AAA & Premium Game Studios (PC/Console) (MPAFAAAA)

Keywords

• Animated feature films
• 2D animation production
• Children's TV series
• Content licensing
• Animation studio

Headquarters

HQ city

North Hollywood

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. 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).
2. 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

Core 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

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• Dog EarscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 March 2026Irish 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+coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 17 March 2026Apple'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+coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024Streaming 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 PicturescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCanadian 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 ProductionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLuxembourg-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 CreaturemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDanish 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 MediasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based production partner for Julián, providing access to UK production incentives and co-production financing through the UK production ecosystem.
• Ontario CreatessupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOntario government's cultural media fund supporting film and television production. Provides production financing and incentives for Julián as Canadian co-production partner.
• RTÉcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIreland'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 DiscoverycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWarner Bros Discovery's preschool channel Cartoonito is the broadcast partner for Silly Sundays. Provides international broadcast distribution through Cartoonito network.
• CBeebiescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBBC'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.
• NetflixcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal 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 BooksmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublishing 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.
• WildBrainmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCanadian entertainment company and distribution partner for Dorg Van Dango. Handles international distribution outside Ireland and UK for the animated comedy series.
• China Nebula GroupsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChinese media company acquiring Puffin Rock for Chinese market. Content has been streamed over 170 million times on Tencent Video in China.
• Sónta ProductionssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent production company based in Conamara, Ireland, co-producing Anam an Amhráin with Cartoon Saloon for TG4. Previous collaboration on award-winning Cúilín Dualach.
• TG4coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIrish-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.
• HerstorysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIrish 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 SalesmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational sales agent handling festival enquiries and international distribution for Julián. Manages global sales and festival strategy for the feature film.
• Cake EntertainmentmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational entertainment sales agent distributing Skunk Fu globally. Handles international licensing and broadcast sales for the award-winning comedy adventure series.
• Kilkenny AnimatedcoreOthersAnnual 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

Emerging 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

• Xx.com/cartoonsaloon
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/CartoonSaloon
• Facebookfacebook.com/143022375730271
• Instagraminstagram.com/cartoonsaloon
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/24037

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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 Cartoon Saloon