Award-winning South African animation studio Triggerfish is expanding its global presence with the launch of a new U.K. studio, strengthening its European footprint and accelerating growth in feature films, TV series and specials.
Building on its established hubs in South Africa and Ireland, Triggerfish notes this move brings it closer to key clients and creative partners, as well as access to the U.K.’s world-class talent, tax incentives and creative ecosystem to provide premium animation services. The studio is now recruiting multiple positions for a TV special as well as a Head of U.K. to lead projects from the new base.
The expansion follows several years of steady growth for the studio across Europe. Triggerfish has collaborated with leading studios, broadcasters and co-production partners on high-profile projects including Netflix’s Supa Team 4, Disney+’s Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, and provided full animation services on six award-winning specials for Magic Light Pictures including Stick Man and The Snail and the Whale.
“The U.K. has always been central to our story — many of our most talented collaborators are based here. The animation studio of the future is global by design, built to work with the best talent on the best productions, wherever they are. Expanding our presence in the U.K. is a natural next step in growing our European business,” said Stuart Forrest, CEO of Triggerfish.
“Tomorrow’s animation studios will be widely distributed, scalable, and connected by technology, with local hubs for training and community. By opening in the U.K., we can create new opportunities for talent where they live while offering creative spaces where teams can come together. As Triggerfish looks to the future, it remains committed to delivering world-class animated storytelling, and we look forward to building new relationships with U.K. clients and co-production partners. This is an exciting chapter for Triggerfish and for the U.K. animation industry.”
In addition to U.K. expansion, over the past three years the studio has fine-tuned its remote-friendly workflows, enabling collaboration across multiple territories. For Disney+’s Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, Triggerfish coordinated over 1,500 crew members across nine studios on three continents. Its next-generation CG pipeline, designed around USD integration, streamlines production while reducing friction in cross-border collaboration. The system was recently tested on Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: Visions – Aau’s Song, enabling real-time collaboration across countries.
Since 1996, Triggerfish has been a global African leader in animation for film and television. The studio has earned Emmys, Annies and numerous international awards, collaborating with partners including Disney, Netflix, the BBC, Lucasfilm, Magic Light Pictures, Nickelodeon and Sony Pictures Animation. The studio is led by CEO Stuart Forrest, supported by a creative leadership team including Director of Production Mike Buckland, Director of Development Anthony Silverston, Head of CG Chris Cunnington, Head of Talent Cathy Bradley and Head of Academy Aibe Mawu.
Beyond production, the studio invests in the future of animation through the Triggerfish Foundation and Triggerfish Academy, which provide free training, mentorship and access to industry opportunities in partnership with organizations such as Disney, Netflix, GIZ, the Goethe-Institut and AFS.
Visit triggerfish.com to learn more.
