Netflix has officially opened a new animation studio in Vancouver, marking a significant expansion of its production footprint in British Columbia and reinforcing the city’s role as a global hub for digital entertainment.
The new Netflix Animation Studios (NAS) Vancouver facility was unveiled today with opening remarks from B.C. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Netflix Chairman of Film Dan Lin, Head of Feature Animation and Family Film Hannah Minghella, Minister of Tourism Anne Kang, and Vancouver Deputy Mayor Sarah Kirby-Yung.
“This is an exciting new chapter for our studio,” said Minghella. “Our new Vancouver hub is an investment in the long-term growth of Netflix Animation Studios globally and reflects our ongoing commitment to make original animated movies for fans around the world.”
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The purpose-built, 110,600-square-foot facility is designed to support animated feature film production and development, combining advanced production technology with collaborative workspaces for artists and production teams. The studio will soon be joined by Netflix’s in-house VFX division, Eyeline, creating an integrated animation and visual effects hub in Vancouver.
More than 450 people are already employed at NAS Vancouver. Construction of the facility contributed over $50 million to British Columbia’s GDP, while ongoing operations are expected to generate approximately $100 million annually.
The Vancouver team is already at work on its next major project, Steps, a reimagining of the Cinderella story focused on her stepsisters. The film features voice performances from Ali Wong, Stephanie Hsu, and Amanda Seyfried.
“We’re excited to be working on the upcoming film, Steps, from our new studio,” said Amir Nasrabadi, Chief Operating Officer of Netflix Animation Studios. “Vancouver is home to some of the world’s most incredible talent, and we’re lucky to have many of them in our studio.”
Netflix’s Vancouver animation team has contributed to several successful titles, including Leo, which spent 10 weeks on Netflix’s Global Top 10 English Film list and reached number one in 62 countries, and Thelma the Unicorn, which appeared in the Top 10 across 72 countries.
The studio launch builds on Netflix’s broader production presence in British Columbia, where projects like Avatar: The Last Airbender generated more than $150 million in economic impact during its first season, and Virgin River contributed $44.4 million during its fifth season.
With the opening of NAS Vancouver, Netflix is deepening its long-term investment in Canada while creating a dedicated space for local and international talent to develop animated films for global audiences.
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