Nelvana Shuts Down Production?! Cartoon Giant Halts New Projects!
Canadian animation fans are reeling from the news that Corus Entertainment has halted production at Nelvana Studios, a powerhouse in the industry for over five decades. The move, attributed to Corus's ongoing financial difficulties, casts a shadow over the future of new animated content from the studio.
While Corus Entertainment has clarified that Nelvana isn't shutting down entirely, the pause on new productions marks a significant shift. Melissa Eckersley, Corus's head of corporate communications, stated that Nelvana will focus on distribution, merchandising, and managing existing properties. However, the company has remained tight-lipped about the number of jobs affected by this decision.
A Legacy of Animation Excellence
Founded in 1971 by Clive Smith, Michael Hirsh, and Patrick Loubert, Nelvana played a pivotal role in shaping the Canadian animation landscape. The studio gained international recognition with iconic productions like The Care Bears Movie in the 1980s and continued to produce or co-produce beloved shows such as Franklin, Babar, and The Magic School Bus. More recently, Nelvana's portfolio included series like Barney's World and Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go.
Beyond Television: Nelvana's Big Screen Ventures
Nelvana's influence extended beyond television, with notable contributions to the world of animated films. The studio produced titles such as Rock & Rule (1983), the Care Bear Movies, Babar: The Movie, and Franklin and the Turtle Lake Treasure (2006).
- The Adventures of Tintin
- Babar
- The Magic School Bus
- Rolie Polie Olie
- The Care Bears
- The Berenstain Bears
Financial Troubles and Industry Impact
Corus Entertainment acquired Nelvana in 2000 for $540 million as part of its global expansion strategy. However, the company reported over $1 billion in long-term debt in its third-quarter fiscal results in June. The decision to halt production at Nelvana reflects the financial pressures facing Corus.
The news comes at a challenging time for the Canadian animation industry, which is still recovering from the impact of COVID-related layoffs and struggling to regain its footing.
