Method Animation
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Animation |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Founder | Aton Soumache |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Aton Soumache (CEO), Dimitri Rassam, Caroline Guillot, Alexis Vonarb, Katell France (Chief Content Officer and Managing Director) |
| Products | CGI and 2D animated television series and films |
| Owner | Mediawan (through Kids & Family division) |
Method Animation—previously known as Method Films—is a French animation company established in 1998 by Aton Soumache. It is currently owned by Mediawan through its Kids & Family division. The studio specializes in both CGI and 2D animation. In 2014, Method Animation was created following the merger of Dimitri Rassam's Chapter 2 and Alexis Vonarb's Onyx Films. Mediawan, founded in 2015 by Xavier Niel, Matthieu Pigasse, and Pierre-Antoine Capton, acquired a controlling interest in Method Animation in 2018 through its acquisition of ON Kids & Family and ON Entertainment.
History
In 1996, producer Aton Soumache joined forces with Alexis Vonarb to launch Onyx Films, concentrating on short films and feature-length projects. Two years later, in 1998, they broadened their scope to television by establishing Method Animation (initially called Method Films).
By December 1999, Method Films collaborated with the Paris-based Millimages to create Gimmick, a stop-motion animation studio that produced both internal projects and co-productions such as the series Skyland.
In August 2006, Method Films and Onyx Films entered a joint venture with Indian visual effects company DQ Entertainment aimed at feature film production. This partnership deepened when DQ Entertainment acquired a 20% share in Method Films by February 2008.
January 2014 marked a significant consolidation when Method Animation, Onyx Films (including its subsidiary Onyx Lux), and live-action producer Chapter 2 merged under the leadership of founders Soumache and Dimitri Rassam to form ON Entertainment. This entity unified animated series, feature films, and live-action content with Method Animation functioning as the parent company managing divisions such as ON Kids & Family and ON Animation Studios.
In September 2016, ON Entertainment expanded its production capabilities by opening an animation studio in Montréal targeting the North American market.
By December 2017, Mediawan—a French special-acquisition company—initiated exclusive negotiations to acquire a majority stake in ON Entertainment. This included assets like Method Animation, Chapter 2, ON Animation Studios, Onyx Lux, and the Montréal facility for an estimated €50 million. The deal was completed in June 2018, leading to the rebranding of the group as ON Kids & Family; at this time, Chapter 2 was integrated into Mediawan’s broader portfolio.
In April 2019, ON Kids & Family joined forces with French producer and author Joann Sfar by obtaining a majority interest in his animation firm Nice Pictures, bringing it under their operational umbrella.
Nice Pictures underwent rebranding in June 2020 to become Magical Society, a boutique studio co-led by Aton Soumache and Joann Sfar focused on developing new animated content.
February 2021 saw ON Kids & Family enter the preschool segment through a collaboration with Chinese toy and media conglomerate Alpha Group Co. Ltd. Together they co-produced Petronix Defenders, with Alpha responsible for toy manufacturing and distribution across Asia-Pacific and MENA regions while Mediawan Rights handled global distribution elsewhere.
In June 2022, Mediawan unified its youth entertainment holdings by renaming ON Kids & Family as Mediawan Kids & Family. This division integrated Method Animation, Magical Society, ON Animation Studios, and ON Classics—the latter two retaining their original ON branding—and introduced new labels Somewhere Animation (dedicated to traditional animation) and Elliott Studio (focused on live-action). Additionally, Mediawan Kids & Family established its own distribution division for both original productions and third-party content.
Shortly thereafter, Method Animation partnered with Thomas Astruc—the creator of Miraculous—alongside Shibuya Productions and Japan’s Tezuka Productions to reboot Osamu Tezuka’s legendary manga Astro Boy as a new CGI series titled Astro Boy Reboot.
In December 2022, Katell France—founder of Onikiri studio—was appointed Chief Content Officer and Managing Director at Method Animation.
February 2023 marked Mediawan Kids & Family’s first international acquisition with the addition of Bristol-based Wildseed Studios as a production label specializing in scripted and animated projects. Two months later, they broadened their reach further by acquiring Amsterdam-based Submarine, an independent film and animation studio.
In February 2025, Mediawan Kids & Family announced the closure of Montréal’s ON Animation Studios due to challenges within Quebec’s animation sector. Subsequently, production activities were transferred internally to Mediawan Kids & Family Cinema and Miraculous Corp., which collaborate globally with partner studios.
March 2025 saw further strategic integration when Mediawan Kids & Family formed a partnership with German production company Leonine Studios—including its animation branch Toon2Tango—to distribute Toon2Tango’s content through Mediawan Kids & Family Distribution. Upcoming Toon2Tango productions will be released under this distribution network.
Aton Soumache
Aton Soumache holds the position of CEO at Method Animation and is an accomplished producer in the animated film industry. He gained significant recognition for his work on The Little Prince, which brought him, Dimitri Rassam, Alexis Vonarb, and Mark Osborne the prestigious 2016 César Award for Best Animated Film.
Dimitri Rassam
Dimitri Rassam is a film producer and the founder behind Chapter 2.
Caroline Guillot
Caroline Guillot is responsible for marketing at Method Animation, serving as its marketing manager.
Alexis Vonarb
Born in 1970, Alexis Vonarb completed his studies at Robert Schuman University, Strasbourg, and furthered his education at the University of Leicester. He crossed paths with Soumache in 1995 during their time at La Fémis. Vonarb established Onyx Films, which has produced 15 films, including the acclaimed Renaissance.
Method Animation
| Title | Years | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Gnoufs | 2004–2007 | France 3 | |
| Flatmania | 2004–2008 | France 3 YTV (Canada) |
co-produced alongside Futurikon and Vivatoon |
| Planet Grabo | 2005 | France 2 | collaboration with Millimages and Amuse Films |
| Skyland | 2006–2007 | France 2 Teletoon (Canada) |
joint production with 9 Story Entertainment, LuxAnimation, and DQ Entertainment |
| Pop Secret | M6 | co-production involving Futurikon, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, 2 Minutes, and 222 Records | |
| Cosmic Quantum Ray | 2007 | M6 Animania HD (US) Kika (Germany) |
produced with Splash Entertainment and others; owned by Splash Entertainment |
| Mikido | 2007–2012 | France 3/France 4 | collaboration with LuxAnimation and DQ Entertainment |
| Freefonix | 2008–2009 | CBBC | produced alongside Cinnamon Entertainment, Toonz Animation, and Isle of Man Film |
| The Pinky and Perky Show | 2008 | France 3 CBBC (UK) |
joint production with Pinky & Perky Enterprises and DQ Entertainment |
| Iron Man: Armored Adventures | 2009–2013 | France 2/France 4 Nicktoons (US) |
co-produced with Marvel Animation, DQ Entertainment, LuxAnimation, Isle of Man Film, Genius, Fabrique D'Images, and Onyx Lux |
| Le Petit Nicolas | 2009–2010 | M6 ZDF (Germany) |
produced in partnership with M6 Studio, LuxAnimation, DQ Entertainment, and ZDF Enterprises |
| The Little Prince | 2010–2015 | France 3 WDR (Germany) Rai 2/Rai Yoyo (Italy) |
co-production involving LPPTV, LP Animation, DQ Entertainment, Fabrique D'Images, Rai Fiction, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (seasons 1–2), AB Productions (season 3), and ARD |
| Chaplin & Co | 2011–2012 | France 3 | made together with MK2, DQ Entertainment, and Fabrique D'Images |
| The New Adventures of Peter Pan | 2012–2016 | France 3 ZDF (Germany) |
collaboration with DQ Entertainment, Story Board Animation, ZDF Enterprises, and De Agostini Editore; co-ownership by ZDF Studios |
| Super 4 | 2014–2016 | France 3 | co-produced with Morgen Studios |
| Robin Hood: Mischief in Sherwood | 2015–present | TF1 Disney Channel France (seasons 1–2) ZDF (Germany) |
joint production with ZDF Studios, DQ Entertainment (seasons 1–2), Fabrique D'Images (season 1), De Agostini Editore (season 1), and KidsMe (season 3) |
| Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir | 2015–present | TF1/TFX | produced alongside ZAG Entertainment, Toei Animation (seasons 1–5), SAMG Entertainment (seasons 1–3), SK Broadband (seasons 1–3), De Agostini Editore (from season 2), Gloob (from season 3), Gravity Animation (from season 5); continued by Miraculous Corp. starting season 6 |
| Popples | 2015–2016 | Netflix (Worldwide) Gulli & Tiji |
co-production with Saban Brands, Zagtoon, DQ Entertainment, Nexus Factory, and Umedia |
| Seven and Me | 2016–2019 | France 3 Rai Gulp (Italy) ProSieben (Germany) |
joint production involving AB Productions, DQ Entertainment, Nexus Factory, ZDF Enterprises, Rai Fiction (season 1), and Rai Ragazzi (season 2) |
| Zak Storm | 2016–2018 | Canal J & Gulli | co-produced with Zagtoon, SAMG Animation, MNC Animation, SK Broadband, Man of Action Studios, PGS Entertainment, and De Agostini Editore |
| Denver the Last Dinosaur | 2018 | M6 | collaboration with Zagtoon, Nexus Factory, UMedia, and PGS Entertainment |
| The Psammy Show | 2018–2019 | Disney Channel France Disney Channel Germany |
produced alongside DQ Entertainment |
| Apollo's Tall Tales | 2019 | France 5 & TiJi ZDF (Germany) |
joint production with Bidibul Productions, PGS Entertainment, and ZDF Enterprises |
| Power Players | 2019–2021 | France 4 Cartoon Network (US) Discovery Kids Latin America WDR (Germany) Gloob (Brazil) |
co-production with Zagtoon, Man of Action Studios, WDR Media Group, and Kaibou |
| The Enchanted Village of Pinocchio | 2022 | France 5 Rai Yoyo (Italy) |
produced in partnership with Palomar, Rai Ragazzi, and ZDF Studios; co-owned by ZDF Studios |
| Petronix Defenders | 2022 | M6 & Gulli Super RTL (Germany) |
collaboration with Alpha Group Co. Ltd and Palomar |
| The Little Prince and Friends | 2023–present | France 5 WDR (Germany) Rai Yoyo (Italy) Gloob (Brazil) |
co-produced alongside Bidibul Productions, LPPTV, and Rai Kids |
| Pirate Academy | 2024–present | M6 & Canal J ZDF (Germany) |
joint production with Toonz Entertainment, Telegael, ZDF Studios, and KidsMe |
| The 3 Musketeers | 2025–present | France 4 Rai Gulp (Italy) ZDF (Germany) |
co-production involving Palomar, ZDF Studios, and Rai Kids |
| Claynosauruz | Expected in 2025 | YouTube | produced together with Claynosauruz Inc. |
| Karters | TBA | Cartoonito EMEA | |
| Witch Detectives | TBA | TF1 Super RTL |
collaboration with Trickstudio Lutterbeck, Letko, and Toonz Entertainment |
| Taïtikis Guardians of the Oceans | TBA | ||
| Anansi | TBA | co-produced with Diprente | |
| Astro Boy Reboot | TBA | TF1 | joint production alongside Tezuka Productions and Shibuya Productions |
| Mr. Crocodile | TBA | France Televisions Nickelodeon International |
developed under the Magical Society label |
| The Magic Roundabout | TBA | collaboration with Wildseed Studios and Magic! |
Submarine
| Title | Years | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ask Lara | 2011 | NPO 3 BBC Two (UK) TV3 (Spain) |
produced in collaboration with Red Kite Animation and Tomavistas |
| WellieWishers | 2016–2017 | Amazon Prime Video | joint production with Mattel Creations |
| Undone | 2019–2022 | Amazon Prime Video | co-produced alongside Amazon Studios, The Tornante Company, Hive House Project, Boxer vs. Raptor (Season 1), and Vegan Blintzes (Season 2) |
Somewhere Animation
| Title | Years | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chefclub Adventures | TBA | TBA | produced jointly with Snacking Media |
| Temtem | co-production with Marla Studio and Kiss A Frog | ||
| Artefacts, Thieves of Thieves | TBA | TF1 | |
| Chococat & Me | TBA |
Wildseed Studios
| Title | Years | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Counterfeit Cat | 2016–2017 | Disney XD Teletoon |
co-produced with Tricon Kids & Family |
| PrankMe | 2017 | Fullscreen | |
| Dodo | 2021–present | Sky Kids | collaboration with Telegael, Toonz Media Group and Ingenious Media |
| The Last Bus | 2022 | Netflix | |
| Ama's Story | 2023 | Sky Kids | |
| The Magic Roundabout | TBA | TBA | produced in partnership with Method Animation and Magic! |
| Collide-Oscope | TBA | TBA | |
| Tuff Pom | TBA | France Televisions | co-production alongside Method Animation |
Films
| Title | Release date | Distributor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renaissance | March 15, 2006 | Pathé Distribution | produced jointly with Pathé, Millimages, LuxAnimation, France 2 Cinema, and Timefirm Limited |
| La León | July 11, 2007 | MK2 Diffusion 791 Cine (Argentina) |
under Onyx Films; co-produced with Big World, Polar Films, Morocha Films, and Mandragona Producciones |
| Trouble at Timpetill | December 17, 2008 | Pathe Distribution | in collaboration with Chapter 2 and LuxAnimation |
| The Prodigies | June 8, 2011 | Warner Bros. Pictures | co-produced alongside Studio 37, Fidelite Films, DQ Entertainment, and LuxAnimation |
| Upside Down | August 31, 2012 (Canada) April 17, 2013 (France) |
Warner Bros. Pictures (France) Les Films Séville (Canada) |
Live-action; co-production with Kinology, Transfilm International, Studio 37, Jorour Productions, and France 2 Cinema |
| The Little Prince | July 15, 2015 | Paramount Pictures (France) Lucky Red Distribuzione (Italy) |
produced in partnership with Orange Studio, M6 Films, LPPTV, and Lucky Red |
| Mune: Guardian of the Moon | October 15, 2015 | Paramount Pictures | co-produced with Orange Studio and Kinology |
| Tall Tales from the Magical Garden of Antoon Krings | December 13, 2017 | Gebeka Films | under ON Classics; collaboration with Bidibul Productions |
| Playmobil: The Movie | August–December 2019 (various markets) | Pathe Distribution StudioCanal (UK) |
co-produced alongside DMG Entertainment, M6 Films, Morgen Studios, and Wild Bunch |
| Little Vampire | October 21, 2020 | StudioCanal | under Magical Society; joint production with StudioCanal, Autochenille Productions, France 3 Cinema, and Panache Productions |
| Little Nicholas: Happy As Can Be | October 12, 2022 | BAC Films | under ON Classics; produced together with Bidibul Productions |
| Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie | July 5, 2023 | SND | co-production involving The Awakening Production, SND, Cross Creek Pictures, and Fantawild |
| A Magnificent Life | October 15, 2025 | Wild Bunch Sony Pictures Classics (US) |
under ON Classics; produced jointly with What the Prod., Bidibul Productions, Walking the Dog, and Align |
| The Badalisc | TBA | TBA | as ON Entertainment |
| Little Jules Verne | |||
| Twisted | Coming 2027 | Le Pacte | co-produced alongside Palomar, Sola Media, and France 3 Cinema |
External links
- Method Animation on Mediawan Kids & Family
- ON Animation Studios official site
- ON Entertainment Studios website