Cartoon Saloon
 Logo used since 2018 | |
 Cartoon Saloon building in Kilkenny | |
| Company type | Private company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Animation |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founders | Paul Young Tomm Moore Nora Twomey |
| Headquarters | Kilkenny , Ireland |
| Products | Animated films Television series Short films |
Number of employees | about 300 (2020) |
| Website | cartoonsaloon |
Cartoon Saloon is an Irish animation studio. It is based in Kilkenny, Ireland. The studio makes animated films, television shows, and short films.
Cartoon Saloon is best known for its animated films The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea, The Breadwinner, and Wolfwalkers. These films were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.[1]
The studio has received five Academy Award nominations. Four were for feature films, and one was for the short film Late Afternoon.[2]
History
[change | change source]Cartoon Saloon was founded in 1999 by Tomm Moore, Nora Twomey, and Paul Young. The founders studied animation at the Ballyfermot College of Further Education in Dublin.[3]
The studio first worked on a trailer for The Secret of Kells. The full film was not made until several years later because the company needed funding. During this time, Cartoon Saloon worked on advertisements and other commercial projects.[4]
The Secret of Kells was released in 2009 and was nominated for an Academy Award. After this success, the studio decided to stay independent instead of joining a larger company.[5]
Work
[change | change source]Cartoon Saloon makes hand-drawn style animation inspired by Irish art and folklore. The studio also works with international companies such as Disney, the BBC, and Cartoon Network.[6]
In addition to films, Cartoon Saloon has produced television series such as:
As of 2020, the studio had about 300 employees.[7]
Films
[change | change source]Some feature films made by Cartoon Saloon include:
- The Secret of Kells (2009)
- Song of the Sea (2014)
- The Breadwinner (2017)
- Wolfwalkers (2020)
- My Father's Dragon (2022)
- Puffin Rock and the New Friends (2023)
- Julián (2026)[8]
- Kindred Spirits (2026)[9]
References
[change | change source]- ↑ "The 93rd Academy Awards | 2021". www.oscars.org. 2024-10-28. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
- ↑ Cody, Mary (2019-01-22). "Cartoon Saloon receive fourth Oscar nomination". www.kilkennypeople.ie. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
- ↑ O’Connell, Mark (2020-12-11). "Cartoon Saloon and the New Golden Age of Animation". The New Yorker. ISSN 0028-792X. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
- ↑ "'The Secret of Kells' - What is this Remarkable Animated Feature?". Animation World Network. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
- ↑ Brady, Tara. "Tomm Moore, Celtic cartoonist with two Oscar nods". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
- ↑ "Leaders in skills development for the Irish screen sector". Skills | Screen Ireland. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
- ↑ "Profits soar at Cartoon Saloon animation studio in Kilkenny". Irish Independent. 2018-01-04. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
- ↑ Delaney, Cole (2022-12-23). "Cartoon Saloon's Louise Bagnall Shares First Details On Her Debut Feature 'Julián'". www.cartoonbrew.com. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
- ↑ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
Other websites
[change | change source]