Gao Shan Animation Studio Annecy Gao Shan Animation Studio Annecy

Gao Shan Pictures, the animation studio that Arnauld Boulard founded in 2014 in Réunion, an island east of Madagascar – recently announced the launch of Gao Shan Annecy, a new satellite studio based in Annecy, France, famously the home of the world’s largest animation festival.

Gao Shan’s new facility, operated by producer Anne-Flore Aussant and creative director Paul Ó Muiris, is the company’s fourth production facility, following the original Réunion location, Shan Too in Angoulême, France, and Gao Shan Pictures Animation Studio in Mauritius.

The company’s various studios have been involved in the production of numerous recent European animated features including Mars Express, Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds, They Shot the Piano Player, My Sunny Maad, I Lost My Body, and Into the Underwoods.

Boulard explained the decision to expand the company’s operations in Annecy: “The choice of Annecy, a recognized hub in the animation field, gives the studio direct access to a pool of exceptional talent and allows us to benefit from professional events such as the international animation film festival and events organized by CITIA [Annecy’s state-funded organization that promotes creative industries and organizes the animation festival].”

Cartoon Brew caught up with Gao Shan’s developments in an email conversation with Gao Shan Annecy creative director Paul Ó Muiris.

Cartoon Brew: Why did Gao Shan decide to open a new studio in Annecy?

Paul Ó Muiris
Paul Ó Muiris.

Paul Ó Muiris: Gao Shan Annecy was born from conversations between Anne-Flore, Arnauld, and [myself] while working together at Gao Shan Pictures on Réunion island. Finding a common enthusiasm for original stories and passion for animation of all kinds, the seed was planted. Our primary focus at the Annecy studio is development and pre-production, which, combined with the strengths of Gao Shan Pictures in Réunion (2d/cg hybrid pipeline through to compositing) and Shan Too in Angoulême (which provides a 2d service pipeline) it gives us the ability to cover the full spectrum of production. We chose Annecy for its ideal location, which [hosts the annual] International Animation Film Festival and MIFA, and will see the opening of the International City of Animation in 2026. The city also boasts an exceptional talent pool, with experienced artists based locally and three animation schools established in Annecy (Les Gobelins – Ecole de l’Image, Ecole Brassart Annecy, and ENAAI). La Poudrière and Emile Cohl [are] also based in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The region is also attractive due to its dedicated incentives promoting the development of the animation sector, with different funds accessible in the department of Haute-Savoie and the wider region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

Was there a specific project you had in mind for your Annecy studio?

Our focus is on developing our own IPs. We currently have three tv series projects in development at our Annecy studio: an original action/adventure tv series (for kids 9 to 12) [created and directing by Muiris], a preschool show based on a popular children’s book series, and a comedy series about performing arts for kids 5 to 7 years, which is also based on a beloved children’s book series.

Left to right: Yannick Heude (CITIA’s economic development and training director), Gao Shan founder Arnauld Boulard, Anne-Flore Aussant, Paul Ó Muiris, Mickaël Marin (CITIA CEO).
Left to right: Yannick Heude (CITIA’s economic development and training director), Gao Shan founder Arnauld Boulard, Anne-Flore Aussant, Paul Ó Muiris, Mickaël Marin (CITIA CEO).

Can you share some of your business details – how you financed this expansion, and where your new studio is located?

This expansion is financed by Gao Shan Pictures, the Réunion island-based animation studio. We have also worked closely alongside Yannick Heude [head of economic development and training] and [economic support manager] Cécile Schultis from CITIA, who’ve been of great support with our installation in Annecy. Our team has moved into Les Papeteries Image Factory, which is an incredible animation hub, very dynamic and at the center of the local animation scene — perfect for our first steps in this beautiful region. We currently have one office but we’re aiming to expand slowly in the next couple of years.

Who are the key staff members at your Annecy studio, and how do you foresee the three Gao Shan studios working together?

[Anne-Flore and I] manage the Annecy-based studio. We have both worked with Gao Shan Pictures in Réunion island on previous projects, [so we] know the team well and share the same values and ambitions. Given the structure of financing French/European productions, which involves public funding, it is common to have a work split between different studios in different regions (for instance, Little Nicholas or They Shot the Piano Player were made between the Angoulême and Réunion island studios). We are used to working with different partners across the world on our productions, but find that we are more efficient working with our own animation studios. With this new studio in Annecy, we will be able to offer the experience and expertise of Gao Shan Pictures across three regions, which broadens the range of artistic and technical solutions we can offer.

What projects does Gao Shan have on the horizon?

We will be presenting our projects in development to broadcasters and partners during the Annecy Animation Festival in June 2025. We’re looking forward to introducing these projects to the world from our new home!

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What Do You Think?

Latest News from Cartoon Brew