U.K.’s Blue Zoo, China’s Zhong Ze Partner Up For New $92-Million Animation Company

Lanzu will also help speed up the delivery of Blue Zoo’s current and future productions and co-productions. The two companies say that the investment will not only accelerate the speed at which Blue Zoo projects go into production after being greenlit, but will give the studio greater access to the international market, and more specifically, the Chinese market.

“Our partnership with CU Animation Investment Holdings Ltd. comes at a time of incredibly exciting growth for Blue Zoo,” said studio co-founder Oli Hyatt in a statement. “Lanzu will enable us to jointly hold and develop our IP whilst generating growth in the Eastern and global markets. In partnering with Blue Zoo, CU Animation has invested in the talented staff we nurture, our growing business, and our dreams for the future.”

It should be noted that Hyatt also founded Animation UK, a group that lobbies the British government on behalf of animation and vfx studios, pushing for tax credits and incentives that support the animation industry.

“This is great news for the UK animation industry,” said Mark Garnier, international trade minister, UK’s Department for International Trade. “This new deal further reinforces our position as a global leader in animation production. The Department for International Trade will continue to provide support and advice to businesses like Blue Zoo. We want to attract inward investment to help them and others to achieve their growth ambitions and reach new markets.”

And Gina Fegan, director of culture for CU Animation and Zhong Ze Culture Investment Holdings: “Blue Zoo stands out in terms of creativity, company ethos, and commercial acumen. We are delighted to partner with them to enable and accelerate IP development and content production, supporting both Lanzu and Blue Zoo’s international growth.”