Studio Unagi Opens in Montreal

Studio Unagi, a new independent studio focused on bringing a new Japanese anime energy to the Canadian animation industry, has opened in Montreal.

Founded by Guillaume Dubois and supported by Anthony Roux, CEO of Ankama, the team is composed of 90 percent Canadian talent, and women hold 75 percent of all roles. Currently, Studio Unagi is working on two productions produced by Ankama: Bestiale and Sacré-Coeur.

Studio Unagi is already preparing for future productions and plans to diversify its activities, exploring new segments such as YouTube and video games to tell innovative stories.

The strategic partnership with Ankama, known for its game Dofus and animated series Wakfu, is based on a long-standing relationship between Dubois and Roux. Together, Studio Unagi and Ankama will aim to create high-quality 2D animation stories and develop innovative projects.

The new studio’s artists are predominantly senior professionals. The company has garnered significant attention, attracting more than 700 spontaneous applications.

“Our ambition with Studio Unagi is to combine the technical and artistic excellence of Japanese animation with the cultural richness and creativity of Montreal to offer a competitive presence in North America,” Dubois, who serves as president of Studio Unagi, said. “We aim to create works that resonate with anime fans worldwide while providing a space where talents can thrive.”

Roux added, “Our collaboration with Studio Unagi stems from our shared passion for animation and our desire to push the boundaries of creativity. Leveraging their expertise, we want to bring a new dynamic to the industry and create captivating stories that honor the spirit and aesthetics of the Ankama universe and anime in general.”