Gigglebug Entertainment Launches New Facility in the Canary Islands

Helsinki-based Gigglebug Entertainment, known for its heartwarming 2D kids' animations, is expanding its footprint in Europe with the opening of a brand-new studio in the Canary Islands. Up and running since early October, the new facility in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, is designed to strengthen Gigglebug’s 2D production capabilities and unite seamlessly with their existing Helsinki studio. The new venture is being led by CEO and co-founder Anttu Harlin, creative director Joonas Utti, and managing director Beth Parker.

The Las Palmas studio starts with a tight-knit group of seven Gigglebug veterans who made the move from Helsinki. The plan? To grow the team with local talent from the Canaries, while also attracting artists from across the globe, with a goal of reaching around 150 employees.

Reflecting on the move, Harlin shared the unique strategy behind their decision: “We started Gigglebug around a tiny character with a contagious giggle, and now we’re becoming this go-to studio for joyful 2D animation across Europe. To meet our growing demand, we did our own ‘Gigglebug Quality of Life Index Measurement’ and chose two contrasting yet perfect places to base ourselves—Helsinki for the icy north and Las Palmas for the sunny south. Not something you’ll find in your typical tourist guide.”

Beyond the lure of warm weather, Las Palmas offers impressive tax benefits for partners, but for Gigglebug, it’s also about investing in people and fostering a vibrant creative culture. Whether in Finland’s chilly capital or under the sun in Gran Canaria, the company is committed to making its studios the best possible environments for its team.

Gigglebug is no stranger to high-profile work, with three active production pipelines churning out content for the likes of Disney, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros. Animation, Atomic Cartoons, DR, and YLE. Some of their recent hits include "The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti" and "101 Dalmatian Street" for Disney, "Best & Bester" for Nickelodeon, "Last Kids on Earth" for Atomic Cartoons, and the 2023 feature "Merry Little Batman" for Warner Bros. Animation.

With this new facility, Gigglebug is positioning itself as a major player in Europe’s 2D animation scene, bringing together the best of both worlds—ice and sun, creativity and talent.