Orca: the little animation studio that’s having a whale of a time
Animation studio Orca has relocated its operations from London to Nantes, France, as part of a strategic shift to pursue new narrative projects and funding opportunities. Founders Ed Bulmer and Nelly Michenaud, who named the studio after their black and white cat, maintain that the business remains UK-based with ongoing collaborations in London, despite the physical move to Michenaud’s hometown.
Did You Know? The studio’s name, Orca, was inspired by a black and white cat owned by founders Ed Bulmer and Nelly Michenaud, rather than being a reference to the marine mammal.
Why the Move to France Matters
The transition to Nantes offers the studio specific advantages in the European creative sector. According to Bulmer, France provides increased opportunities for securing funding for narrative, non-commercial projects. The studio is currently applying for these regional funds and establishing co-productions with local companies.
While industry discourse has focused on a “creative exodus” from the UK due to rising costs and Brexit-related challenges, the founders stated these were not the primary drivers for their relocation. Instead, the move is framed as a way to deepen the studio’s connection to Nantes while maintaining its established professional network in London.
Expert Insight
Expert Insight: Moving a creative base between two distinct regulatory and funding environments, such as the UK and France, represents a calculated attempt to diversify revenue streams. By maintaining a dual-city presence, Orca is positioning itself to leverage the UK’s commercial project market alongside France’s robust support for independent, narrative-driven animation.
Current and Future Projects
Orca is expanding its internal production slate by developing three original shows. These include The East Midlands Murder Squad, a project described as an animated, British-style Stranger Things for children; Witch Western, an action-oriented series featuring witches; and Why Are You Like This?, a live-action puppet sitcom for an adult audience.
The studio’s workflow relies on the complementary skills of its founders: Bulmer handles technical applications like Adobe After Effects and Blender, while Michenaud focuses on drawing and storyboarding. As they settle into Nantes, the pair is exploring new avenues in the immersive industry and the development of a dedicated app. It is likely that the studio will continue to balance its high-profile commercial work for brands like Netflix and the BBC with these self-initiated creative experiments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Orca move from London to Nantes?
The founders moved to deepen their connection to Michenaud’s hometown and to access new opportunities for funding narrative, non-commercial projects available in France.
Is Orca still operating in the UK?
Yes, the business remains UK-based, and the studio continues to work with its regular collaborators in London.
What kind of projects is the studio currently developing?
Orca is developing three in-house projects: an animated children’s show titled The East Midlands Murder Squad, a witch-themed Western, and a live-action puppet sitcom for adults.
Which of these upcoming projects sounds most intriguing to you?