Princess Pictures (Australia) is reportedly acquiring Boulder Media, one of Ireland’s biggest animation studios, from Hasbro in a deal which closed earlier this month — financial terms were not disclosed. Princess Pictures MD Emma Fitzsimons commented that the Aussie studio is “beyond thrilled” to welcome the Irish toon shop into the fold.
“In Boulder, we have found a studio that boasts not only first-class artists but also kindred spirits that share our sense of humor and passion for great stories,” Fitzimons said. “Boulder Media has an established reputation in kids’ animation production and we’re going to add a new focus: prime-time adult comedy production.”
Boulder Media MD Jenni MacNeaney described the move as “an exciting step forward” for the 22-year-old studio which “opens up unique opportunities for our future slate and enables us to amplify our creative offering in the market.”
Based in Dublin, Boulder Media is behind hit TV series such as Go Jetters, Danger Mouse, Wander Over Yonder, Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja and The Amazing World of Gumball, as well as Hasbro franchise animations like the My Little Pony: A New Generation feature film, MLP: Equestria Girls, The Littlest Pet Shop, Transformers: Cyberverse and Rescue Bots Academy. The studio was acquired by the toy giant in 2016.
Princess’ animation lineup includes the Adult Swim series Yolo Crystal Fantasy and upcoming Yolo Silver Destiny, and Hulu’/20th Television Animation’s upcoming Koala Man, through its Bento Box Ent. joint venture Princess Bento. The production company already has its own animation studio in Melbourne, which has provided production services for Adult Swim’s Smiling Friends.
In sharing the news, Fitzsimons noted that it would be bringing in new hires at both Boulder Media and its Melbourne studio, with an eye to introducing underrepresented voices to global audiences. She added that while comedy will remain a key genre, Princess and Boulder are open to opportunities for different types of animated projects.