Kandice VincentAnimation is alive and kicking in Canada—home to iconic animated shows like Total Drama Island, Arthur, and ReBoot. From kids’ favorites to cutting-edge CGI, Canadian animators have a knack for bringing characters and stories to life.
It’s no surprise that Toronto is also a hotbed of animation talent, with studios that cater to TV shows, films, commercials, and games. They’re perfect for filmmakers, businesses looking for visuals, or just someone dreaming up the next big animated hit.
Here’s a look at some of the best studios in the city that turn ideas into animated gold!
How much does hiring an animation studio cost in Toronto?
Animation services in Toronto can cost $5,000 to $50,000 for a short animation or commercial project. High-end studios producing detailed 3D or feature-length content can charge upwards of $100,000 or more.
Costs can vary widely depending on the complexity of the project, the studio’s reputation, and the type of animation (2D, 3D, CGI). Prices usually include pre-production, animation, voice-over, and post-production work.
1. Twisted Frame
Twisted Frame is a Toronto-based company that has been in the business for over a decade. As such, they know how to craft compelling stories that showcase your products, services, and brand.
They have a team of talented creatives who are passionate about bringing your vision to life—whether you’re interested in live-action footage, animation, or a mix of both.
Speaking of animation, they offer motion graphics, infographics, whiteboard animation, explainer videos, 2D and 3D animation, modeling, and compositing. No matter what kind of video you need, they can probably help you with that.
Their client list is also impressive, with companies from industries like healthcare, finance, technology, and manufacturing. Some prestigious clients include McGill University, Mercer, Octapharma, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and Rogers.
Note, however, that their services can be a bit pricey.
Go-to resource for explainer videos and 3D animation
“Twisted Frame is our go-to resource for explainer videos and 3D animation work. They do a great job of transforming our client storyboards into models, videos, and composites, delivering a final project that just hits the mark. I highly recommend their service.”
Wins McDonald, Google Review
Result was a beautifully crafted video that captured our message
“We were blown away by the level of expertise and professionalism that Twisted Frame brought to our video production project. The team was super helpful and easy to work with and they took the time to understand our needs and goals. The end result was a beautifully crafted video that captured our message perfectly. If you want a team who can deliver professional video production services in a short turnaround time, Twisted Frame is the company for you!”
Lisa Borg, Google Review
2. Jam Filled Toronto
Jam Filled Toronto started out in 2007 as a passion project by three friends who wanted to create the kind of animation studio they’d want to work for. What began in a tiny attic in rural Manotick has since grown, with studios in Ottawa, Toronto, and Halifax.
Impressively, they claim to be the first animation company in Canada to have an in-house digital suite.
As for their portfolio, they’ve worked on major titles like Thomas & Friends (from season 17 onwards) and Nicktoons like The Loud House. These helped them become known for their high-quality 2D Harmony animation and CGI.
We also like that they give back through the Jam Filled Diversity in Animation Scholarship. This provides financial support and mentorship to promising second-year animation students from diverse backgrounds.
Though their animation services may be somewhat limited in variety compared to other studios, they’ve certainly made a name for themselves.
Amazingly talented group of people
“Amazingly talented group of people in a great location.”
Holley Smirnov, Google Review
Really artist-oriented studio
“Really artist-oriented studio, upper management are all reasonable too.”
Latanville, Google Review
3. VIVIDO Studio
Vivido Studio’s artists and animators believe that art can truly make a difference.
Their mission isn’t just to create beautiful animations, but to use those visuals to promote social, cultural, and political awareness. Because of this, they’ve gradually become known for being a socially conscious studio.
To that end, Vivido works extensively with nonprofits, technology labs, and public sector organizations. Examples of clients include the City of Toronto, Live Green Toronto, Saint Elizabeth Foundation, Possibility Seeds, and Rotman, to name a few.
They also offer animation services such as motion graphics, educational and explainer videos, and character design. But they don’t stop there—design, consulting, and even marketing services are available as well, making them a one-stop creative shop.
Fantastic work from VIVIDO Studio
“Fantastic work from VIVIDO Studio. Excellent group of talented artists.”
Narges Soleimani, Google Review
Crafts animations that clearly communicate with the target audience
“As a curator and strategist, I work with Vivido Studio on a number of on-going projects, benefitting from their in-depth experience, vast knowledge of the current, contemporary trends in various markets, and undeniable talent in design, marketing and communications. They are instrumental in crafting visual identities/animations that clearly communicate with the target audience and narrating stories that resonate with them.”
SANAM SAMANIAN, Google Review
4. Hatch Studios
Hatch Studios is a Toronto-based digital media agency with a strong focus on animation and motion graphics. Founded in 2006 by Richard Rosenman, a graduate of Sheridan College’s Classical Animation program, it has grown into a full-service studio.
From 3D and 2D animation to motion graphics, explainer videos, and visual effects, Hatch offers a comprehensive suite of digital media services.
They’re also equipped to handle live-action video, editing, sound design, and post-production, meaning you don’t need to use another studio for these services.
Their track record is impressive. Their client list includes major brands like American Express, GMC, Conagra, Disney, IBM, RBC, and The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.
They’ve garnered numerous awards too, specifically for projects they created for Ford, Toblerone, Z-Tele, Mini, Bick’s, and Honda.
We did hear about some dissatisfied clients, but these were isolated reports.
Flawless animations delivered
“Having collaborated with Hatch Studios on numerous projects, I am truly impressed by the evident exceptional skills and creativity, showcased in the flawless animations delivered.The seamless communication and collaborative approach made working with Hatch Studios a dream. Deadlines were consistently met, while maintaining a high standard of quality and attention to detail. I wholeheartedly recommend.”
Liza D, Google Review
The final product was superb
“I needed a 3D animation that would allow for my newly patented product to be readily understood and recognized by perspective manufacturers and later, by consumers. I researched several firms but after reviewing examples of Richard’s work on the Hatch Studies web page, I knew he was the one for the job. Rich is a quick study, and a true professional. In short order he had a 3D animation draft outline prepared that clearly and transparently outlined the steps that would take us to finished project. Every milestone was meticulously reviewed clearly communicated. Importantly, Rich is a details guy, and I can attest that he left no details unturned. The final product was superb. If you’re in the market for animation, I highly recommended Rich and Hatch Studios—you will not be disappointed.”
P A Brown, Google Review
5. Guru Studio
Guru Studio was founded in 2000. With over 2 billion views on YouTube and their content broadcast in more than 100 countries, it’s clear that they’ve made an impact in the world of children’s entertainment.
Some of their most recognizable projects include Paw Patrol, Mecha Builders, Dinopaws, and Charlotte’s Web, which have become beloved by audiences worldwide.
Their hybrid studio model is highly scalable, making them adaptable to the needs of various projects. They also offer 2D and 3D animation pipelines, ensuring that their technical capabilities match their creative ambitions.
No wonder they managed to secure top clients like Netflix, Disney, Nick Jr., and Hulu. Over the years, they’ve also received several prestigious awards and nominations, including Oscar and Golden Globe nods, as well as Collision and Broadcast Awards.
Not surprisingly, their services can be a bit on the pricey side.
World-class animation studio
“A world class animation studio.”
Dave Calder, Google Review
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G Place
“A-M-A-Z-I-N-G Place/People/Culture/Atmosphere/Location/Projects, PERIOD.”
Erwin Lievre, Google Review
