Sixteen South Launches New Animation Studio

BELFAST: Sixteen South, a BAFTA-winning and Emmy-nominated kids’ television producer, has opened a brand-new £1 million animation studio in Belfast.

The four-story building can host four productions in-house and has a dedicated recording studio, dubbing suite, six edit rooms and a finishing suite. The 7,500-square-foot facility will be used for Sixteen South’s current projects, including the second season of Lily’s Driftwood Bay and the new series Claude, which is about to begin production for broadcast on Disney Junior in EMEA, Australia and New Zealand.

Arlene Foster, Northern Ireland’s First Minister, commented: “The move by Sixteen South to this new animation studio represents a £1m investment and commitment to the sector and marks the next chapter of the Sixteen South success story.

“The creative industries in Northern Ireland contribute over £329 million to the local economy and I and my executive colleagues are committed to support further growth in this sector. The development of the film and TV industry remains a crucial part of the creative economy in Northern Ireland and while other large-scale productions can sometimes be seen as taking the plaudits, it is appropriate to highlight that the animation sector here is extremely buoyant with our animated productions far reaching and screened globally.”

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness noted: “For Emmy-nominated and BAFTA-winning children’s television production company Sixteen South to invest £1 million in this state-of-the-art animation studio in Belfast as part of a relocation to a larger 7,500-square-foot premises is a real boost to the local creative industry.

“This relocation is about more than opening an animation studio. Rooted in the local creative industry this move signals the scale of Sixteen South’s global appetite, drive and determination. This new studio is hugely exciting, not just for the 100 people who will work here but for our entire creative industry.”

Colin Williams, founder and creative director of Sixteen South, added: “We were delighted to welcome the First and deputy First Minister to officially open our new Belfast studio. In 1884, this building was home to the Clarence Finishing Company, a leading exporter of the finest linen handkerchiefs. Today, we’re proud that it’s the home to one of the city’s new industries, where we make television for children in every country.”