‘Cracké’ Animation Studio Squeeze Acquired by ‘Paws of Fury’ Outfit Cinesite

variety.com:

Naman Ramachandran Animation and VFX studio Cinesite has acquired a majority stake in animation and motion capture studio Squeeze, located in Quebec City and Montreal.Cinesite, which has operations in London, Montreal and Vancouver as well as VFX partner studios Trixter in Germany and Image Engine in Vancouver, recently acquired Montreal studio L’Atelier Animation, the outfit behind hit 3D animation films “Leap!” and “Fireheart.” Cinesite said that the Squeeze acquisition would allow it to further increase its animation content and service offerings for international markets while bringing motion capture and Unreal Engine capabilities into the group to service video game and film productions.Co-founded in 2011 by Denis Doré and Patrick Beaulieu and joined in 2014 by current CFO François Houde, Squeeze works with the likes of Disney, Marvel, Universal, Illumination, Supercell, Warner Bros and Ubisoft.

The company is the creator of “Cracké,” an animated TV series broadcast in 210 territories with over 600 million views worldwide on digital platforms.

Last year, Squeeze was a recipient of an Epic MegaGrant from Epic Games, which allowed its team of Unreal Engine specialists to focus on the development and combination of tools and systems that allows for the creation of uniquely styled animated footage.Post acquisition, Squeeze will retain its brand and creative centre and its staff of 200 will continue to work under the leadership of Doré, who serves as CEO, and Houde.

The Squeeze management team led will be working with Cinesite animation COO Brad Wald to integrate the company and expand their Montreal footprint.