Best Animation Studios in Manchester | A 2025 Guide to Top Creators

Manchester has firmly established itself as a vibrant hub for digital creativity, rivalling London for talent and innovation. At the heart of this creative boom are the city's world-class animation studios, producing everything from beloved children's television series to cutting-edge VR experiences and compelling brand campaigns. This growth has made finding the right creative partner both exciting and challenging. Whether you are an IP holder looking to develop a transmedia franchise, a marketing director needing a high-impact explainer video, or a producer searching for a partner with broadcast pedigree, navigating the landscape of animation studios in Manchester is the crucial first step. This guide cuts through the noise to provide a detailed roundup of the top studios and service platforms in the region, helping you make an informed decision. We will explore the unique specialisations of each studio, showcase their flagship projects, and offer the insights you need to choose the perfect creative partner for your vision and budget. Each entry includes direct links and key details to simplify your research process and connect you with the team best suited to bring your project to life.

1. Studio Liddell

As one of the most established and technologically advanced animation studios in Manchester, Studio Liddell stands out for its remarkable blend of creative storytelling and technical innovation. With a legacy stretching back to 1996, the studio has built an exceptional reputation for delivering high-end digital productions for a global clientele, including industry giants like the BBC, Sky Kids, Manchester United, and National Geographic. Their extensive portfolio showcases a mastery over both 2D and 3D animation, creating everything from captivating children’s TV series to high-impact commercials and sophisticated technical explainers.

What truly distinguishes Studio Liddell is its forward-thinking adoption of emerging technologies. The studio is a leader in creating immersive experiences, leveraging game engines like Unity and Unreal to produce cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) content. This proficiency extends to interactive app development and AI-enhanced production pipelines, positioning them not just as animators but as comprehensive digital content creators. Their work on projects like Aurora, Ireland’s first VR short film, highlights their pioneering spirit and ability to push creative boundaries. For businesses seeking a partner that can handle complex, multi-platform projects from initial concept to final delivery, Studio Liddell offers a complete, end-to-end solution.

Key Strengths and Service Offerings

Studio Liddell’s services are both broad and deep, catering to a wide range of industries including entertainment, education, marketing, and enterprise technology. Their capability to manage the entire production lifecycle in-house ensures a consistent level of quality and creative coherence.

• •Diverse Animation Capabilities: From character and creature animation to motion graphics, their team delivers broadcast-quality results. Whether you need an explainer video for a complex tech product or a full animated series, you can find a comprehensive overview if you explore their animation services.
• •XR and Immersive Tech: The studio excels in VR and AR production, creating interactive training simulations, location-based entertainment, and immersive brand experiences.
• •Full-Service Production: Beyond animation, they offer original IP development, brand design, and strategic content for emerging formats.
• •Proven Global Track Record: A portfolio filled with award-winning projects for globally recognised brands provides strong social proof of their expertise and reliability.

Considerations

As a premium, full-service studio, Studio Liddell’s pricing is tailored to the specific scope and complexity of each project. This means prospective clients will need to engage in a direct consultation to receive a customised quote. Given the depth of their work, project timelines can also vary significantly, requiring a collaborative and flexible approach from clients. Website: https://studioliddell.com

2. Mighty Giant

Mighty Giant stands out as a dedicated boutique animation studio in Manchester, building a strong reputation since 2010 for its premium, values-driven creative work. Specialising in 2D and 3D character animation and motion design, they offer an end-to-end production service that guides brands and agencies from the initial concept right through to final delivery. Their comprehensive pipeline covers storyboarding, design, sound engineering, voice-over recording, and final asset creation, making them a one-stop shop for high-quality animated content.

Differentiators and Service Focus

What makes Mighty Giant a compelling choice among animation studios in Manchester is its focused, specialist culture and transparent process. Unlike larger, more generalised creative agencies, they are animation purists. This focus allows them to cultivate deep expertise in a range of techniques, including 2D, 3D, and even stop-motion, which is clearly showcased on their website. A significant advantage for potential clients is their clarity around budgeting. Mighty Giant often provides ballpark price ranges on platforms like Behance, a rare and welcome level of transparency that helps businesses scope projects effectively from the outset. Their portfolio is neatly organised by service, allowing you to quickly assess their capabilities in specific areas like character animation or motion graphics. As an established local studio, they possess a keen understanding of the Manchester creative scene and have a strong track record of collaborating with regional clients. The rise of virtual reality in Manchester has also seen more studios exploring new dimensions of digital storytelling, a landscape in which Mighty Giant's animation expertise is highly relevant.

Who is it for?

Mighty Giant is an ideal partner for businesses and marketing agencies seeking a high-touch, collaborative experience to produce premium animated content. Their boutique size ensures direct access to senior creatives, but it also means they are best suited for handling one or two significant projects at a time rather than a high volume of parallel productions. Pros:

• •Specialist Focus: Deep expertise in 2D/3D character animation and motion design.
• •Budget Transparency: Provides ballpark pricing to aid in project planning.
• •Full-Service Pipeline: Manages the entire production process in-house.
• •Strong Local Presence: Long-standing, reputable studio with deep roots in Manchester.

Cons:

• •Limited Scale: Small team size may limit their capacity for multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.
• •Premium Positioning: Their pricing structure may not be suitable for clients with very restricted budgets.

Visit Mighty Giant

3. Flipbook Studio

Flipbook Studio is a powerhouse in Manchester's creative sector, earning its stripes as an award-winning studio specialising in high-end CGI, VFX, and animation. With a portfolio that includes collaborations with giants like the BBC, Netflix, and Sky Cinema, they operate at the intersection of cinematic visual effects and brand-led commercial content. Their expertise extends from broadcast and film to advertising and immersive installations, making them a versatile partner for complex, visually ambitious projects.

Differentiators and Service Focus

What sets Flipbook Studio apart among animation studios in Manchester is its deep-rooted experience in the demanding broadcast and film industries. This background gives them a distinct edge in delivering cinematic quality, narrative depth, and technical precision, whether for a TV series or a commercial campaign. Their services are fully integrated, covering everything from initial concept and design to final CGI and VFX compositing. The studio's website showcases a remarkable breadth of work, from dramatic creature animations to sleek motion graphics for FUI (fictional user interface) designs, demonstrating their adaptability. Unlike smaller boutiques, Flipbook has the proven infrastructure to handle large-scale, high-stakes projects for major networks and global brands. Their central Manchester location in Albion Wharf also makes them highly accessible for in-person collaboration and project oversight, a significant benefit for local and UK-based clients seeking a close working relationship with a top-tier creative team.

Who is it for?

Flipbook Studio is the go-to choice for established brands, advertising agencies, and production companies that require broadcast-quality CGI, VFX, and animation. Their cinematic credentials make them particularly well-suited for projects with high production values, including film title sequences, high-concept TV commercials, and content for large-screen immersive experiences. They are geared towards clients with significant budgets who are looking for a reliable, award-winning partner to execute a sophisticated creative vision. Pros:

• •Broadcast & Film Pedigree: Extensive experience working with major names like Netflix and the BBC.
• •Cinematic Quality VFX: Top-tier in-house capabilities for visual effects and CGI.
• •Versatile Service Offering: Expertise spans TV, film, advertising, and immersive media.
• •Established Reputation: An award-winning studio with significant industry credibility.

Cons:

• •Premium Price Point: Services are aimed at higher-end budgets; no public pricing is available.
• •Limited Availability: High-profile project commitments may impact their capacity for new work.

Visit Flipbook Studio

4. Kilogramme

As a stalwart of the Manchester creative scene, Kilogramme has been producing character-led animation since 2005. This established studio specialises in 2D, 3D, and motion graphics, delivering everything from commercials and explainer videos to short films and title sequences. With deep roots in the city's Northern Quarter, they offer an end-to-end service that includes concept development, scripting, and design, positioning themselves as a comprehensive creative partner. Their portfolio showcases a strong emphasis on projects for the public, cultural, and educational sectors.

Differentiators and Service Focus

Kilogramme’s key differentiator is its extensive track record and specialism in creating engaging, character-driven animations for public-facing campaigns and cultural institutions. This focus has given them a unique voice and expertise in communicating complex ideas with clarity and charm, making them a go-to for organisations like the NHS, BBC, and numerous universities. Their experience in the B2B sector also extends to producing clear explainer videos for complex tech products, simplifying intricate subjects for stakeholder engagement. The studio champions transparency and a collaborative approach. Their website clearly lists key contacts, making it easy for potential clients to connect directly with the creative team. This accessibility, combined with their long-standing local presence, makes them a trusted and well-regarded name among animation studios in Manchester. They are not just a service provider but an active advocate for the city’s thriving animation ecosystem, offering valuable local insight and a strong network of regional collaborators.

Who is it for?

Kilogramme is an excellent choice for public sector bodies, educational institutions, cultural organisations, and charities seeking high-quality, character-focused animations that resonate with a broad audience. Their boutique team structure fosters a highly collaborative and direct working relationship, ideal for clients who value close involvement in the creative process. Pros:

• •Public Sector Specialists: Proven expertise in creating animations for education, healthcare, and cultural clients.
• •Character-Led Storytelling: Strong focus on engaging character animation to drive narratives.
• •Local Insight: Deeply embedded in Manchester’s creative community with a strong local reputation.
• •Service Transparency: Provides direct contact details for key team members, fostering easy communication.

Cons:

• •Limited Scale: As a smaller studio, their capacity for handling multiple large-scale projects at once may be limited.
• •Pricing on Request: Budgetary information is not readily available, requiring direct contact for quotes.

Visit Kilogramme

5. Flow Creative

Flow Creative is a multi-award-winning animation studio in Manchester that has carved out a powerful niche in purpose-driven storytelling. They specialise in using motion design and character animation to create impactful brand and social-impact campaigns. With an impressive client roster that includes major organisations like BBC Children in Need and the Mental Health Foundation, Flow Creative has proven its ability to handle high-stakes projects that aim to inform, inspire, and drive change. Their in-house team manages the entire creative process, from initial strategy and concept development through to final production and delivery.

Differentiators and Service Focus

What distinguishes Flow Creative among animation studios in Manchester is its deep commitment to creating work with meaning and social value. Their portfolio is a testament to this, showcasing compelling narratives for charities, public sector bodies, and purpose-led commercial brands. This focus on "animation for good" allows them to bring a unique level of empathy and strategic insight to complex topics. A standout feature is their dedication to educating clients and the wider community. Their website provides valuable resources, including clear, jargon-free guides to the animation process, which demystifies creative production for newcomers. This thought-leadership approach, combined with a strong portfolio of detailed case studies, demonstrates their expertise and builds trust. While they don't publish pricing, their award-winning status and high-profile clients suggest they are positioned for mid- to high-tier budgets, focusing on comprehensive campaign strategies rather than small, one-off animations.

Who is it for?

Flow Creative is the ideal partner for charities, public sector organisations, and brands that want to create emotionally resonant and socially impactful animated campaigns. Their integrated approach, combining strategy with creative execution, is perfect for clients needing a studio that can guide a project from a core message to a fully realised campaign. They are best suited for organisations ready to invest in high-quality storytelling to achieve significant brand and social objectives. Pros:

• •Purpose-Driven Specialism: Recognised expertise in creating impactful animations for social good.
• •Educational Resources: Provides useful guides and resources, making the process transparent.
• •Full-Service Studio: A multi-disciplinary team manages strategy, creative, and production in-house.
• •Award-Winning Track Record: A portfolio filled with high-profile, acclaimed projects.

Cons:

• •No Public Pricing: Budgets are determined on a per-project basis, likely suiting mid- to high-tier investment.
• •Campaign-Focused: May not be the best fit for clients seeking very small-scale, quick-turnaround animations.

Visit Flow Creative

6. Clutch , Top Animation Companies in Manchester

Rather than being a single studio, Clutch is a B2B ratings and reviews platform that acts as a powerful directory for finding and vetting creative partners. For businesses looking to hire, its curated list of animation studios in Manchester offers a streamlined way to research, compare, and connect with potential production houses. The platform provides a wealth of data upfront, including verified client reviews, project budget ranges, hourly rates, team sizes, and service specialisations, helping to de-risk the often-opaque process of finding a reliable creative firm.

Differentiators and Service Focus

Clutch's primary advantage is its focus on transparency and verified social proof. Unlike a simple Google search, each studio profile features in-depth, independently verified reviews from past clients, complete with project details and cost estimates. This allows you to assess not just a studio's creative output, but also its project management, communication skills, and ability to deliver on time and within budget. The platform's powerful filtering tools are a significant benefit. You can sort Manchester-based agencies by their specific focus, such as 2D animation, 3D animation, or motion graphics, and further narrow the results by budget, hourly rate, or client rating. This granular control makes it one of the most efficient resources for creating a shortlist of suitable animation studios in Manchester that align perfectly with your project's scope and financial constraints.

Who is it for?

Clutch is an indispensable tool for marketing managers, procurement teams, and business owners who need to conduct due diligence before commissioning an animation project. It is particularly useful for those who may not have an existing network in the Manchester creative scene and want a data-driven approach to selecting a partner. It empowers users to compare multiple vendors on a like-for-like basis, using real-world performance data to make an informed decision. Pros:

• •Verified Client Reviews: Provides credible, in-depth feedback on studio performance.
• •Budget Transparency: Clearly lists minimum project sizes and hourly rate bands.
• •Advanced Filtering: Allows users to easily sort and compare studios based on specific needs.
• •Risk Reduction: Helps assess a studio's reliability and delivery capabilities before engagement.

Cons:

• •Sponsored Placements: The top of the rankings may feature sponsored listings, which requires careful review.
• •Geographic Scope: Some listed companies may be based in the wider Greater Manchester area rather than the city centre.

Visit Clutch , Top Animation Companies in Manchester

7. Sortlist , Animation Agencies in Manchester

Sortlist operates not as a traditional animation studio but as a UK-focused digital marketplace. It provides a platform where businesses can discover and connect with a wide range of animation agencies in Manchester and the surrounding area. The platform allows users to post a project brief and receive tailored proposals from suitable studios, effectively streamlining the procurement process. It’s a powerful discovery tool, particularly for finding emerging talent or specialised agencies that might not have the same visibility as larger, more established names.

Differentiators and Service Focus

What sets Sortlist apart from a simple directory is its project-matching functionality. Instead of just browsing, you can outline your specific needs, budget, and timeline, and the platform will help shortlist relevant agencies for you. A significant advantage for businesses, especially small to medium-sized ones, is the budget transparency. Many listed profiles show a starting price (often from €1,000, though it's wise to confirm GBP rates), which helps in initial scoping. The platform’s filters allow for a granular search across different animation specialisms, including motion graphics, 2D, and 3D animation, covering providers across the entire Greater Manchester region. This makes it a valuable resource for anyone looking to compare multiple animation studios in Manchester without extensive manual research. While it offers access to a broad pool of talent, users should be prepared to conduct their own due diligence, as many newer listings may have limited public reviews.

Who is it for?

Sortlist is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses or marketing managers who need to find a suitable animation partner within a specific budget and timeframe. It’s also beneficial for those looking to explore a wider range of creative options beyond the most well-known studios, potentially uncovering hidden gems or agencies with niche expertise. The streamlined proposal system saves time for clients who need to gather several quotes efficiently. Pros:

• •Broad Discovery: Access to a wide range of agencies, from emerging freelancers to established studios.
• •Streamlined Process: Simplifies posting projects and receiving multiple, tailored proposals.
• •Budget Guidance: Many profiles include starting prices, which aids in financial planning.
• •Good for SMBs: An effective tool for businesses with flexible or moderate budgets to find a good fit.

Cons:

• •Requires Vetting: Many listings lack extensive reviews, so thorough due diligence is essential.
• •Variable Quality: As a marketplace, the quality and experience level of listed agencies can vary significantly.
• •Currency Display: Pricing is sometimes shown in euros, requiring clarification for GBP quotes.

Visit Sortlist , Animation Agencies in Manchester

Top 7 Manchester Animation Studios Comparison

Finding Your Perfect Animation Partner in Manchester

Manchester's vibrant creative sector is home to a remarkable collection of animation talent, offering a broad spectrum of services that cater to nearly any project requirement. As we've explored, the city hosts everything from boutique studios renowned for their unique artistic styles to full-service production houses with decades of broadcast and interactive experience. Your journey to finding the right creative partner begins with a clear understanding of your project's specific needs. The key takeaway is that Manchester is not just a location; it's a hub of specialised creative excellence. Studios like Mighty Giant and Flipbook Studio demonstrate exceptional strength in visual effects and high-end CGI, while Kilogramme and Flow Creative offer distinctive, character-driven 2D animation and motion graphics. This diversity ensures that whether your goal is to launch a global advertising campaign, develop an educational series, or create a viral social media asset, there is a local studio with the right skills and portfolio.

Your Actionable Checklist for Choosing an Animation Studio

Making the final decision requires careful consideration of several factors beyond just a showreel. To ensure a successful partnership with any of the animation studios in Manchester, use this checklist as a guide:

• •Define Your Brief and Goals: Are you creating a TV series, an explainer video, a game trailer, or a VR experience? A clear brief outlining your goals, target audience, and desired outcomes is the foundation of a successful project. For complex tech products, focus on clarity; for kids' IP, focus on character and story.
• •Assess Technical & Creative Fit: Does your project need 2D, 3D, motion graphics, or real-time rendering in Unreal/Unity? Review a studio’s portfolio for work that matches your required style and technical complexity. A broadcast pedigree is vital for series work, while game engine expertise is crucial for XR and real-time animation.
• •Evaluate Production Pipeline & Communication: A successful project depends on a transparent and collaborative workflow. Ask potential partners about their process, from brief and previz to lighting and final composite. A well-defined pipeline, clear communication channels, and robust quality assurance are hallmarks of a professional studio.
• •Review Relevant Case Studies: Look beyond the sizzle reel and dive into case studies that align with your industry or project type. How did the studio tackle challenges similar to yours? What were the measurable outcomes? This provides deeper insight into their strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

Manchester’s animation landscape offers a powerful combination of creative vision and technical proficiency. By aligning your project’s specific demands with a studio's core strengths, you can forge a partnership that not only delivers stunning visuals but also achieves your strategic business objectives. The perfect creative team for your vision is waiting right here in the heart of the North. --- Ready to move from vision to reality? As one of the pioneering animation studios in Manchester with a rich heritage in broadcast television and a forward-thinking focus on XR and real-time technologies, Studio Liddell offers end-to-end production solutions. Book a production scoping call with our team today to discover how our expertise can bring your most ambitious ideas to life. Article created using Outrank