‘Cracké’ Studio Squeeze Purchased from ‘Paws of Fury’ Outfit Cinesite

Animation and VFX studio Cinesite has acquired a majority stake in Quebec City and Montreal-based animation and motion capture studio Squeeze.

Cinesite, which has offices 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 studio behind the hit 3D animation films Leap! and Fireheart”. Cinesite said the Squeeze acquisition would allow it to further expand its offering of animation content and services for international markets while bringing motion capture and Unreal Engine capabilities to the group to service video game and film productions.

Co-founded by Denis Doré and Patrick Beaulieu in 2011, Squeeze joined current CFO François Houde in 2014. Squeeze works with companies like Disney, Marvel, Universal, Illumination, Supercell, Warner Bros and Ubisoft. The company is the creator of “Cracké,” an animated TV series that airs in 210 territories and has over 600 million views on digital platforms worldwide.

Last year, Squeeze received an Epic MegaGrant from Epic Games, which allowed his team of Unreal Engine specialists to focus on developing and combining tools and systems that enable the creation of uniquely designed animated footage.

Post-acquisition, Squeeze will retain its brand and creative hub, and its 200 employees will continue to work under the direction of Doré, who will serve as CEO, and Houde. Squeeze’s management team will work with Cinesite Animation COO Brad Wald to integrate the company and expand its presence in Montreal. The studio is currently working on various gaming and theme park projects, as well as an animated feature film.

Antony Hunt, CEO of Cinesite Group, said: “Squeeze is a fantastic addition, not only because of its successful original IP ‘Cracké’ and world-class animation portfolio, but also because of its motion capture capabilities and scale, as well as the ability to a Dynamic Montreal-based hub for the Cinesite group as a fast-growing family entertainment powerhouse.”

Doré added: “I am delighted to have Squeeze join a leading group like Cinesite. We share a common vision of creating and commercializing original animated content and, most importantly, core values ​​of excellence, humility and integrity. This alliance not only helps us reinforce our leadership position with our entertainment elite partners, but also benefits our talented artists to deliver larger than life character performances.”