‘Smiling Friends’ Creators Launch New Animation Studio in L.A.
▼ Summary
– Michael Cusack, Zach Hadel, and Aron Fromm have launched Zam Studios, a new independent animation studio based in Los Angeles.
– The studio will focus on high-quality animation, VFX, production, and post-production for television, film, commercials, and original content.
– Zam Studios is handling all specialty and mixed media animation for the third season of Smiling Friends, which premieres in early October on Adult Swim and HBO Max.
– The new season of Smiling Friends features a mix of Claymation, 2D animation, CG animation, stop motion, and live action elements.
– Zam Studios’ additional credits include Smiling Friends shorts, Smiling Symphonies, a Billy Idol documentary, and bumpers for Rick & Morty and Adult Swim.
The creative minds behind the hit series Smiling Friends have officially launched their own independent animation venture in Los Angeles. Michael Cusack, Zach Hadel, and producer Aron Fromm have joined forces to establish Zam Studios, a new hub dedicated to producing exceptional animation, visual effects, and comprehensive production and post-production services. The studio will cater to a wide range of projects, including television series, feature films, and commercial work, while also developing its own original content.
In a unified statement, the founders emphasized that Zam Studios will prioritize high-quality animation crafted by individuals deeply passionate about the art form. They aim to revive the nostalgic charm of classic cartoons through a modern lens, focusing on meticulous craftsmanship and a thorough understanding of the entire animation pipeline.
Currently, the studio is managing all specialized and mixed-media animation for the highly anticipated third season of Smiling Friends. This includes live-action segments, compositing, and visual effects. The new season premieres on October 5 via Adult Swim and October 6 on HBO Max. Viewers can expect a vibrant blend of techniques such as Claymation, sophisticated 2D animation, computer-generated imagery, stop motion, and live-action sequences. The show chronicles the adventures of employees at a quirky organization committed to spreading joy in a wonderfully strange universe.
Cusack, known for Yolo: Crystal Fantasy, and Hadel, celebrated for OneyPlays and Hellbenders, co-created the series, while Fromm, whose credits include Sessions with Stan and Mike Judge Presents: Tales from the Tour Bus, serves as both producer and director.
Beyond the main series, Zam Studios has contributed to several other projects. Their portfolio includes the Smiling Friends shorts, Smiling Symphonies, the documentary Billy Idol Should Be Dead, and promotional bumpers for Rick & Morty and Adult Swim. The studio is represented by Fourth Wall Management, and additional information can be found on their official website.
(Source: Deadline)