That Animation Company’s Lynn Chadwick & Steve Cooke

Early this year, Huminah Huminah Animation alums Lynn Chadwick and Steve Cooke partnered to launch That Animation Company in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with 2D and 3D animation capabilities to address the needs of clients in the children’s business and across educational, marketing and more. Both bring extensive experience to the new company, with Chadwick having served at Sinking Ship Entertainment, Corus Entertainment and Nelvana and Cooke holding roles at Halifax Film, DHX Media and IoM Media.

Chadwick and Cooke speak to TV Kids about using their combined experience to launch the new venture, what kinds of projects they are looking to work on and the benefits of being based in Canada.

TV KIDS: What was the drive behind setting up That Animation Company, and why was now the right time to launch?
CHADWICK: We met while at Huminah Huminah Animation and have worked closely together for the last three years. We realized that our values completely aligned regarding how to treat and foster relationships with clients and crew. However, as a result of the industry slowdown in 2024, we found ourselves free to explore other opportunities. With our extensive experience in the industry, we saw possibilities on the horizon in both traditional kids’ media and other areas requiring animation services. Moving forward, we felt that the timing was right to execute.

TV KIDS: What kinds of projects are you looking to work on? Are there specific genres, age ranges, formats, etc.?
COOKE: Our experience has equipped us very well to handle both 2D and 3D productions. Out of the gate, we are focusing first on work-for-hire projects across all genres, including gaming. However, should the right IP and partners come along, we would definitely be open to further discussion.

TV KIDS: How do you aim to help clients during a time when broadcasters are risk-averse and budgets are tight?
CHADWICK: Due to our extensive experience and reputation, we are all too familiar with clients’ pain points. More than ever, collaboration is the way forward, and with the advantage of strong industry relationships, we see partnering as the way to go. As a new studio, our overheads are lower, allowing us to work nimbly within limited budgets.

TV KIDS: What benefits does being based in Canada—and Halifax specifically—offer?
COOKE: We have found an opportunity within the animation ecosystem locally to operate a nimble studio while bringing integrity and transparency to every project. Additionally, the benefits of the generous tax credits available in Nova Scotia and local funding make us a perfect partner.

TV KIDS: What are your overall goals for the company’s first year in operation?
COOKE: To continue building a strong reputation and forge solid relationships with like-minded clients both in the kids’ TV industry as well as others like educational and marketing companies. We anticipate opening an in-house location within our first year of operation to accommodate our talented crew and meet our clients’ needs.