STIM, the French animation and VFX powerhouse behind DreamWorks' "The Wild Robot" and Sony's "The Garfield Movie," is establishing a production hub in Spain's Canary Islands to scale its European workforce. The studio plans to hire over 100 staff members at STIM Tenerife, launching operations this August.
The expansion reflects STIM's growing footprint in the animation industry. Beyond its recent credits, the company also contributed VFX work to "Coyote vs. Acme," the Warner Bros. live-action hybrid that faced distribution challenges after HBO Max's strategic pivot. By planting roots in Tenerife, STIM taps into Spain's tax incentives and established production infrastructure while diversifying its operational base beyond France.
The Canary Islands have become an attractive destination for international production companies seeking alternatives to traditionally crowded hubs. Spain's generous tax rebates on film and television spending, combined with lower operational costs and proximity to European markets, have drawn multiple studios in recent years. STIM's decision to hire 100-plus positions signals confidence in the region's talent pipeline and business climate.
This move arrives as the animation and VFX sectors face mounting pressure to decentralize. Major studios increasingly distribute work across multiple production centers to manage costs and access specialized talent pools. STIM's expansion follows broader industry trends where companies like Blur Studio and other boutique effects houses have opened satellite offices across Europe and beyond.
"The Wild Robot," which generated significant acclaim and box office performance for DreamWorks, likely validated STIM's capacity to handle prestige projects at scale. The studio's reputation on that film and others positions STIM as a go-to partner for major animation productions requiring European expertise.
The Canary Islands facility will bolster STIM's ability to handle simultaneous projects