Animatus Studio

What Animatus Studio does

Animatus Studio is a privately held, full-service animation studio founded in 1989 by Fred Armstrong and headquartered at 34 Winthrop Street, Rochester, NY. The studio operates with a small team of 1-10 employees and specializes in traditional animation techniques — hand-drawn, cut-out, clay, and stop-motion — supplemented by digital post-production. It serves a mix of regional enterprise commercial clients (Eastman Kodak, Xerox, Mobil, Corning, Wegmans, Eastman Savings and Loan) and local SMBs (House of Guitars, Sticky Lips BBQ Juke Joint), while also operating The Animation Workshop, an education program teaching animation to students of all ages.

The studio's product portfolio spans commercial animation services (traditional, 2D, and 3D graphics for film, video, and web), video production and post-production, film-to-video transfer, website design, and original IP including Derf the Viking (claymation series since 1990), Su and Mo, Fresh Toones, and Skip's Pix. The technology stack is conventional: Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, 3D Studio Max, Lightwave, Toonboom, and Adobe Flash, with all post-production handled in-house on nonlinear edit systems. The studio's signature documentary, "The End of the Line – Rochester's Subway" (1994), was remastered in HD over a five-year co-development with DeBergerac Productions and premiered as "2.0" at The Little Theatre in February 2026, with 7 of 8 screenings selling out.

Revenue derives from four streams: professional services (commercial animation contracts and documentary production), workshop fees ($88/week for summer camps with a 20% discount on four-week packages), DVD and merchandise sales ($9.95–$24.95 per title), and documentary streaming via Amazon Video in the US, UK, Germany, and Japan. Distribution occurs through the studio's website, direct sales, the local Little Theatre venue, and Amazon's marketplace. The Animation Workshop sub-brand has produced alumni who contributed to Academy Award-winning projects, including DeLon Warren on "If Anything Happens I Love You" (2021) and Brian Menz on Disney's "Frozen" and "Big Hero 6." No funding rounds, acquisitions, or parent-company relationships are disclosed.

Name

Animatus Studio

Legal name

Animatus Studio

Website

https://animatusstudio.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Animatus Studio is a Rochester, NY-based traditional animation studio operating since 1989. It produces commercial animation, video, and documentary content for enterprise clients, while running The Animation Workshop to teach animation techniques to aspiring filmmakers of all ages.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animation Production Services

NAICS

Motion Picture and Video Production (51211), Postproduction Services and Other Motion Picture and Video Industries (51219), Fine Arts Schools (61161)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812), Services-Mailing, Reproduction, Commercial Art & Photography (7330)

akta.pro primary industry

Animation Production (2D/3D/Stop-Motion) (MPAAAMAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

2D (Traditional & Digital) Animation Production (MPADACAA), 3D/CGI Animation Production (MPADACAB), Multimedia Learning Production (Video, Animation, Interactive) (EDAGAKAG)

Keywords

• Traditional animation services
• Animation production
• Video post-production
• Animation education
• Claymation production

Headquarters

HQ city

Rochester, NY

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Commercial Animation Services: Animation production for commercial clients including traditional animation for film and video, web animation, 3D and 2D graphics, video editing, and post-production services. Major clients include Eastman Kodak, Xerox, Mobil, Crystal Pix, and Corning.
2. Animation Workshops and Classes: The Animation Workshop teaches animation to students of all ages through Saturday classes, summer camps, and commissioned workshops for schools, libraries, and charities.
3. DVD Sales: Sale of DVDs including 'The End of the Line' documentary ($24.95), 'It Came From Animatus' ($14.95), 'The Complete Fresh Toones DVD' ($9.95), and 'Skip's Pix' ($24.95).
4. Documentary Streaming: 'The End of the Line' documentary available for sale and rental through Amazon Video streaming.
5. Documentary Production: Original documentary production including 'The End of the Line – Rochester's Subway' and sports documentaries for clients.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Animatus Studio is a full-service traditional and digital animation studio producing animation, video, and post-production work for commercial clients (including Eastman Kodak, Xerox, Mobil, Crystal Pix, Corning, and Wegmans). The studio also operates The Animation Workshop, an educational program teaching traditional, cut-out, and clay animation to students of all ages, and produces and sells original animated series and documentaries such as 'The End of the Line - Rochester's Subway.'

Product overview

Animatus Studio is a full-service traditional animation studio operating since 1989 in Rochester, NY. The company offers a portfolio of products and services centered on animation production. Core services include Animation and Design, Video Production, Post Production, Film/Video Transfers, and Website Design. The product line includes original animated content such as 'Derf the Viking' (claymation mascot series), 'Su and Mo' (sumo wrestler animators series), and 'Fresh Toones' (animation and music by Dave Puls). The company also produces and sells documentary content including 'The End of the Line – Rochester's Subway' and the 'Skip's Pix' animated short film collection. Additionally, The Animation Workshop is an educational arm offering instruction in traditional, cut-out, and clay animation techniques to students of all ages. The studio uses industry-standard tools including Photoshop, After Effects, 3D Studio Max, Lightwave, Toonboom, and Adobe Flash.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Animation Workshop: A division of Animatus Studio that provides animation education and workshops for students of all ages, teaching traditional, paper cut-out, and clay animation techniques.

Products and services

• Animation and Design Services Professional animation production including traditional hand-drawn animation, clay, cut-out, and stop-motion techniques as well as web animation, 3D graphics, and 2D graphics for film, video, and commercial projects. Targeted at businesses and organizations needing animation for advertising, corporate communications, and marketing.
• Video Production Services Full video production including editing and post-production services for documentaries, commercials, and promotional content, performed in-house on nonlinear edit systems. Targeted at commercial clients, filmmakers, and organizations needing professional video content.
• The Animation Workshop Educational program teaching traditional, paper cut-out, and clay animation techniques to aspiring filmmakers of all ages through Saturday classes, summer animation camps, and commissioned workshops for schools, libraries, and charities in the Rochester, NY area.
• Film and Video Transfer to DVD Conversion service for transferring film and video content to DVD format, offered as part of the studio's in-house post-production workflow.
• Website Design Web design services for creating and maintaining online presence, offered alongside the studio's animation and media production capabilities.
• The End of the Line - Rochester's Subway Documentary Award-winning documentary telling the story of Rochester's subway system that operated from 1927 to 1956. Originally produced in 1994, later remastered in HD as 'The End of the Line 2.0' released in 2026 and available via theatrical screenings and Amazon Video streaming.
• It Came From Animatus DVD Compilation DVD featuring the Derf the Viking trilogy, the Su and Mo experience, and Fresh Toones animation shorts, sold through the Animatus Studio store.
• Skip's Pix DVD DVD collection of short animated films by Skip Battaglia, including 'Car Crash Opera' and 'Crossing the Stream', sold through the Animatus Studio store.
• Fresh Toones DVD DVD release of the Fresh Toones independent animation and music series created by creative director Dave Puls, featuring animated shorts with original music.
• Derf the Viking Cartoon Series Original claymation cartoon series featuring Derf the Viking, the studio's mascot character, produced as part of Animatus Studio's original animated content line.
• Su and Mo Animated Series Animated series about two sumo wrestler animators who seek to get their films screened, produced as part of Animatus Studio's original content.

Quantifiable outcome

• Produced Academy Award-winning animated short storyboard team member
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered notable, core, major and minor.

• Three Heads BrewingnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 November 2024Three Heads Brewing collaborated with House of Guitars for a 60th Anniversary beer featuring artwork commemorating House of Guitars' holiday commercials created by Animatus Studio. The 'Blue Nose Guitarman Blueberry Belgian Waffle Cream Ale' celebrates Animatus's classic claymation Christmas ad created for House of Guitars.
• DeBergerac ProductionscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 June 2024Mike Champlin of DeBergerac Productions partnered with Fred Armstrong to remaster 'The End of the Line' documentary. The original documentary was produced in 1994, and the five-year HD remastering project (2021-2025) brought the story into the 21st century with enhanced audio, restored footage, and newly recreated graphics.
• Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 June 2024Animatus contributed animation to the 'RPO Eclipse Spectacular: A Symphonic Celebration' show at Rochester's Blue Cross Arena. Mike Boas created a one-minute introductory animation showing the moon eclipsing the sun using Adobe After Effects, playing to an audience of 7500.
• Rochester City BalletminorOthers · 4 June 2024Performed at the RPO Eclipse Spectacular alongside Animatus animation and other performers including Troupe Vertigo, Madrigalia Festival Chorus, and PUSH Physical Theatre.
• Troupe VertigominorOthers · 4 June 2024Performed at the RPO Eclipse Spectacular alongside Animatus animation.
• Madrigalia Festival ChorusminorOthers · 4 June 2024Performed at the RPO Eclipse Spectacular alongside Animatus animation.
• PUSH Physical TheatreminorOthers · 4 June 2024Performed at the RPO Eclipse Spectacular alongside Animatus animation.
• The Strong Museum of PlaynotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnimatus Studio and The Animation Workshop participate in events at The Strong Museum of Play, including the GET ANIMATED CARTOON WEEKEND featuring Cartoon Network traveling exhibit. Studio provides Stop Motion Animation Station demonstrations and 'Animation Live' interactive sessions.
• The Little TheatrecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Little Theatre in Rochester serves as the venue for documentary screenings including 'The End of the Line 2.0' premieres and other Animatus-related film events.
• WXXInotableChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWXXI (Rochester's public broadcasting station) has aired 'The End of the Line' documentary and featured Animatus Studio on their Arts in Focus program.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Laika: Oregon-based stop-motion animation studio famous for 'Coraline' and 'Kubo and the Two Strings.' Most comparable to Animatus on craft (handmade, stop-motion, and clay-based animation) though at vastly greater scale and with feature-film output rather than commercial services.
• Titmouse Inc. Los Angeles animation studio producing series, commercials, and music videos. Comparable as an independent animation services and original content studio, though substantially larger and more focused on adult/comedic series work.
• Bent Image Lab: Portland-based independent animation and live-action studio offering commercial animation, branded content, and character design. Comparable to Animatus as a full-service boutique animation studio working across commercials, branded content, and original IP.
• Renegade Animation: Glendale, CA-based animation studio producing original series and commercial work, including 'The Loud House' and 'Glitch Techs.' Comparable to Animatus as an independent studio combining commercial animation with original animated IP.
• Augenblick Studios: Small New York animation studio producing 2D character-driven animation for TV, commercials, and independent projects. Closely comparable to Animatus as a similarly sized independent 2D/character animation services shop.
• Aardman Animations: UK studio behind Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, the global benchmark for claymation. Shares Animatus's clay-animation specialization and brand-character IP approach but operates at a much larger scale with feature films and global licensing.
• ShadowMachine: Independent animation and puppet-based production studio behind 'Bojack Horseman,' 'Robot Chicken,' and 'Marcel the Shell.' Comparable to Animatus on the mix of stop-motion/traditional techniques with commercial and original production.
• Sugar Films: Small New York-based animation and motion graphics studio serving advertising and branded content clients. Directly comparable to Animatus as a similarly-sized boutique commercial animation services provider.

Regional players

• Sesame Workshop: New York-based nonprofit that produces 'Sesame Street' and related educational media including animation. Comparable to Animatus through its combination of professional animation production with a workshop/educational mission, though at vastly larger scale.

Emerging players

• World Leaders Entertainment: Independent animation studio producing series and short-form work including 'Xavier: Renegade Angel' and recent streaming projects. Smaller-scale peer to Animatus in independent animation production with comparable artistic positioning.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/animationworkshop
• Facebookfacebook.com/animatusstudio
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/animatus-studio

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

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 Animatus Studio