International creative company Rodeo FX–known for its visual effects work on HBO’s Game of Thrones, Netflix’s Stranger Things, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two, and Prime Video’s The Rings of Power–has officially acquired Mikros Animation, the end-to-end animation studio behind PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, Orion and the Dark, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.
“This is a deeply meaningful moment for me and for all of us at Rodeo FX,” said Sebastien Moreau, founder and CEO of Rodeo FX. “Welcoming Mikros Animation into our creative family isn’t just about growth, it’s about aligning with people who share our values, our passion for storytelling, and our belief in the magic of animation. Together, we’re building something that goes beyond business: a creative home where artists can dream bigger, push further, and inspire the world.”
Previously owned by Technicolor Group, Mikros Animation has contributed to 17 feature-length animated films and numerous high-quality episodic series for some of the world’s most recognized animation studios, including Paramount Animation, Netflix, and DreamWorks Animation. Mikros Animation has turned out nearly 300 hours of programming broadcast in over 180 countries on networks such as Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, TF1, and France TV.
“Mikros Animation and Rodeo FX have always shared a mutual respect and admiration. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for us,” said Julien Meesters, newly appointed president of Mikros Animation. “Joining the Rodeo FX family opens new doors for us to explore broader animation horizons and to continually reinvent ourselves. Over the years, we’ve built incredible stories alongside our partners. Now, we’re embracing new challenges and evolving landscapes to ensure Mikros Animation remains a leading home for filmmakers.”
The acquisition includes all of Mikros Animation’s operations, as well as Technicolor Canada’s equipment, as the studio’s activities are continuing uninterrupted following the recent shutdown of other entities of the Technicolor group. This strategic expansion aligns with Rodeo FX’s ongoing global growth, following the establishment of its fifth international office with a launch in Paris in 2023. It also underscores the studio’s economic stability and resilience as the visual effects industry navigates post-pandemic shifts and recent disruptions caused by Hollywood labor strikes.
“Above all, we want to preserve Mikros Animation’s creative magic,” explained Jordan Soles, sr. VP and partner at Rodeo FX. “That signature that made them into the renowned studio they are today. This move allows our studios to strengthen their position and continue raising the bar for impactful projects.”
Now part of the Rodeo FX network, Mikros Animation will retain its brand identity, maintaining its distinct projects and production pipeline, and most of its creative, technical and leadership team. The animation studio is currently working on several high-profile titles, including the upcoming third installment of the PAW Patrol film franchise, directed by Cal Brunker.
Rodeo FX continues to solidify its position in the industry, with its work on Dune: Part One and Part Two both earning Academy Awards for Outstanding Visual Effects. The studio also received three nominations at the Visual Effects Society (VES) Awards for its contributions to Expats, The Rings of Power (season 2), and Dune: Prophecy. Rodeo FX continues to deliver high-end visual effects, with major projects currently in production for Apple TV+, HBO and Netflix.
