London has long been a beacon of creativity, and in the world of digital media, it shines even brighter. The city is home to some of the most cutting-edge 3D animation companies globally studios that consistently blend storytelling with technical artistry.
Whether it’s creating high-end visual effects for film and television, producing animated commercials for global brands, or developing compelling explainer videos for startups, 3D animation companies in London are driving innovation across multiple industries.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 3D animation companies in London. You’ll also gain insights into how animation studios operate, the value they offer businesses of all sizes, and what to look for when choosing the right partner for your project.
What Makes London a Hotspot for World-Class 3D Animation Companies?
London offers a unique blend of culture, talent, and technology, which creates the perfect environment for creative industries to thrive. The city attracts top-tier animators, VFX specialists, and creative directors from around the world, thanks to its globally respected art and media institutions.
With its proximity to world-leading advertising agencies and film production companies, London provides countless opportunities for collaboration across creative sectors.
The demand for animation content from television shows and social media ads to corporate presentations continues to rise. London’s studios are well-equipped with the latest software, hardware, and production methodologies, giving them a competitive edge. This blend of technical capability and storytelling excellence makes the capital a natural home for innovative animation.
How Can 3D Animation Studios Help Bring Your Ideas to Life?
3D animation is more than just a visual enhancement. it’s a way to simplify complex messages and make them more engaging.
Whether you’re a startup looking to introduce your product with a short video, or a marketing agency in need of cinematic animation for a global campaign, these studios can help transform abstract concepts into memorable experiences.
The process typically begins with a discussion of your goals. From there, the studio will help shape the story, design characters or environments, and handle the technical production everything from modelling and rigging to lighting and rendering.
The result is a polished animation that communicates your message clearly and creatively. This type of content not only elevates your brand image but also increases audience engagement, retention, and conversion rates.
Which Are the Top 10 3D Animation Companies in London Right Now?
1. Framestore – “Imagining Extraordinary”
Framestore stands among the world’s most influential VFX and 3D animation studios, with a London headquarters that drives some of their most ambitious work. Their teams deliver award‑winning CG for feature films, premium episodic content, global advertising campaigns, and immersive experiences.
Known for lifelike creatures, advanced simulations, and large-scale worldbuilding, Framestore maintains a deep integration of creative, production, and R&D departments. Their real-time and virtual production capabilities are industry-leading, enabling efficient iteration on complex shots.
Every project goes through precise supervision and structured workflows, making them the go‑to studio for technically demanding narratives. Their portfolio includes Oscar-winning films and flagship brand projects for the world’s biggest advertisers. Pricing is custom and typically tailored to high-budget productions.
Signature Capability
Film-grade VFX and photoreal CG executed with precision.
Ideal Projects
Best suited for blockbuster films, prestige TV, and large-scale brand campaigns.
Pricing: Custom, project-based
- Website: framestore.com
- Phone: 020 7344 8000
- Address: 28 Chancery Ln, London WC2A 1LB
- Email: advertising-ldn@framestore.com
Review: ★★★★★ “Their creature animation and environment work set a standard few can match.”
2. Cinesite – “Animating Worlds, One Frame at a Time”
Cinesite is one of London’s most respected VFX and 3D animation companies, with a rich legacy of delivering breathtaking visuals for blockbuster films and high-end television.
Established over three decades ago, the studio has evolved into a powerhouse of cinematic animation, offering services that range from character animation and digital environments to complex crowd simulations and FX-driven sequences.
Their London office acts as a creative engine for both major Hollywood productions and high-profile series for global streamers. The studio’s pipeline combines proprietary tech with industry-standard tools, ensuring scalable, deadline-driven delivery. Cinesite also runs a full animation division, responsible for animated features with global reach.
They work closely with directors and producers to shape creative solutions that elevate every frame. Pricing is custom and typically tailored to medium-to-large scale projects.
Production Strength
Feature-grade animation and visual effects executed with scale and precision.
Perfect For
Hollywood films, animated features, and high-end episodic content.
Pricing: Project-based and scalable
- Website: cinesite.com
- Phone: +44 207973 4000
- Address: 10 Little Portland Street, London, W1W 7JG
- Email: Contact form
Review: ★★★★★ “Visually stunning and technically seamless—Cinesite delivers excellence with every frame.”
3. The Mill – “Make Remarkable”
The Mill is one of the world’s most respected creative technology studios, renowned for its striking, design-led CG work for global advertising. The London team excels at blending 3D animation with bold art direction, creating visually memorable films, stylized environments, and expressive character assets.
Their directors push experimentation in look-dev, real-time tools, and hybrid media to craft distinctive brand identities. The studio’s fast-moving production model suits campaign-driven timelines, delivering premium quality without compromising pace.
The Mill remains a favourite of creative agencies for hero assets, social-first content, and ambitious launch campaigns. Pricing varies by creative scope and the complexity of the visual style required.
Creative Strength
Design-driven CG that elevates brand storytelling with bold visuals.
Best Matched To
High-impact advertising, launch films, and visually led commercial assets.
- Website: themill.com
- Address: 10 Boulevard de la Bastille 75012, Paris
- Email: fabien.godeneche@themill.com
Review: ★★★★☆ “Stylish, high-energy visuals perfect for attention-grabbing campaigns.”
4. DNEG – “Crafting the Future of Storytelling”
DNEG is a global heavyweight in feature film and episodic VFX, with London serving as a key operational centre. Their teams specialise in large-scale 3D animation, complex simulations, crowd systems, and highly detailed environment builds.
Backed by robust proprietary tools and a massive global workforce, DNEG handles high-volume shot work for blockbuster productions with remarkable consistency. The studio also runs a feature animation division focused on narrative-driven CG characters and cinematic worldbuilding.
Their production management emphasises thorough planning, strict change control, and consistent oversight from start to finish. Pricing is entirely bespoke and generally aligns with major studio budgets.
Technical Excellence
Advanced pipelines suited to delivering extremely complex long-form sequences.
Best Fit For
Studios and streamers producing large-scale films, series, and heavy VFX.
- Website: dneg.com
- Phone: 020 7268 5000
- Address: 160 Great Portland Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 5QA, UK
- Email: info@dneg.com
Review: ★★★★★ “Massive sequences delivered flawlessly—true technical mastery.”
5. Blue Zoo – “Character-Led Animation That Connects”
Blue Zoo is one of London’s most cherished animation studios, known for warm, expressive character animation and accessible, family-friendly visual design. Their teams produce a wide mix of TV series, short films, branded content, and stylized CG for commercial clients.
Blue Zoo’s story-first approach results in emotionally engaging animation that resonates with both young and general audiences. The studio also invests heavily in development and research, constantly refining its visual styles. Their production processes are efficient and reliable, ideal for long-running TV or multi-episode projects. Pricing is competitive for animation television and branded storytelling.
Distinct Ability
Emotion-driven character performance with compelling visual appeal.
Most Suitable For
Children’s programming, family storytelling, and friendly brand films.
- Website: blue-zoo.co.uk
- Phone: 020 7434 4111
- Address: 10 Parkway, London NW1 7AA
- Email: info@blue-zoo.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆ “Charming characters and heartfelt storytelling consistently delightful.”
6. Blinkink – “Visually Bold, Impossibly Creative”
Blinkink is a renowned London-based animation and mixed media studio celebrated for its distinctive storytelling, inventive styles, and technically brilliant execution. A part of the Blink family, the studio specialises in combining 3D animation, stop motion, live-action, and hand-drawn elements to produce unique, emotionally resonant content.
Their work ranges from surreal brand campaigns to narrative shorts and music videos that push creative boundaries. Blinkink collaborates with a diverse roster of directors, each bringing a unique visual language to the table.
While their aesthetic leans toward bold and artistic, they maintain high standards of technical delivery, making them a favourite among brands looking for standout work. Their 3D animation blends seamlessly with other formats, resulting in compelling, hybrid visuals. Pricing is custom and suited to mid-to-high-concept briefs.
Artistic Direction
Experimental 3D animation merged with imaginative storytelling and visual artistry.
Perfect For
Brands and artists seeking visually unique campaigns or non-traditional narratives.
Pricing: Concept-dependent and bespoke
- Website: blinkink.co.uk
- Phone: +44 (0) 20 3909 1760
- Address: 27–28 Eastcastle St, London W1W 8DH, UK
- Email: hello@blinkink.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆ “A visual playground creativity is off the charts and always unexpected.”
7. Nexus Studios – “Stories With Heart, Powered by Innovation”
Nexus Studios blends design, animation, and cutting-edge interactive technology to create culturally resonant stories for brands and organisations. Their London team specialises in stylised 3D, character-driven narratives, mixed media, and immersive experiences that combine creative direction with technical experimentation.
Nexus brings a strong emphasis on originality, emotional storytelling, and design-first art direction. Their work spans commercials, branded films, music-driven projects, and experiential activations. With a reputation for artistic craft and innovative thinking, Nexus is a top choice for distinctive visual identities. Pricing varies based on creative ambition and the technology involved.
Standout Focus
Design-forward CG with a blend of emotional storytelling and innovation.
Best Purpose
Brand films, immersive installations, and visually distinctive campaigns.
- Website: nexusstudios.com
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7749 7500
- Address: 25 Chart Street, London, N1 6FA, United Kingdom
- Email: oc@nexusstudios.com
Review: ★★★★☆ “Thoughtfully crafted and visually fresh memorable and modern.”
8. Electric Theatre Collective – “High-Voltage Craft”
Electric Theatre Collective is celebrated for its bold visual style, striking look-development, and high-impact 3D animation across commercials and music videos. Their London team delivers work that blends artistic flair with technical depth, often pushing stylised realism to new levels.
ETC’s collaborative workflows suit fast-paced agency environments while maintaining refined compositing and detailed CG finishes. They excel in creating hero shots, standout sequences, and visually intense short-form content. Their rapid iteration capability makes them a preferred partner for time-sensitive briefs. Pricing aligns with premium commercial standards.
Artistic Edge
Stylised, punchy CG with high-impact visual direction.
Ideal Use Case
Premium advertising, music videos, and fast-turn creative campaigns.
- Website: electrictheatre.tv
- Phone: +44 207 636 5317
- Address: 91 Brick Lane; London; E1 6QL
- Email: hannah@electrictheatre.tv
Review: ★★★★☆ “Visually striking work fast, creative, and beautifully executed.”
9. Untold Studios – “Create Brave”
Untold Studios represents a new generation of 3D animation and creative production, combining real-time technology with contemporary design. Their London team delivers inventive, stylised CG for music videos, commercials, and cultural content.
Agile workflows allow them to move quickly without sacrificing polish, making them ideal for trend-forward and experimental briefs. The studio’s creative identity leans toward bold visual concepts, modern aesthetics, and innovative pipelines.
They collaborate closely with brands and artists seeking unconventional storytelling or rapid production cycles. Pricing is bespoke and varies by technical requirements.
Notable Strength
Next-gen pipelines with an emphasis on stylish modern CG.
Best Applied For
Trend-driven campaigns, artist collabs, and fast-paced creative briefs.
- Website: untoldstudios.com
- Phone: Via website
- Address: London, UK
- Email: Via website
Review: ★★★★☆ “Dynamic visuals and fast delivery perfect for modern brands.”
10. Passion Pictures – “Animating Stories People Remember”
Passion Pictures is a celebrated London studio known for its emotionally powerful narratives and beautifully crafted character animation across 3D and mixed media. They collaborate with award-winning directors who excel at bringing depth, nuance, and cultural resonance to every project.
Passion’s work spans commercials, short films, series, and branded storytelling, often fusing design, CG, and performance-driven animation. Their production pipeline is steady and reliable, ensuring quality from concept to completion.
The studio’s storytelling-first approach appeals to brands seeking heartfelt, memorable content. Pricing varies depending on director involvement and creative scope.
Major Advantage
Narrative-rich 3D animation characterised by emotional depth.
Best Matched For
Brands and broadcasters wanting story-first, character-driven films.
- Website: passion-pictures.com
- Phone: Via website
- Address: London, UK
- Email: Via website
Review: ★★★★☆ “Emotional, well-crafted, and memorable characters truly come alive.”
What Services Do Leading 3D Animation Companies Offer in London?
The top animation studios in London provide comprehensive services that cater to both creative and commercial needs. A standard project often includes concept development, storyboarding, modelling, animation, texturing, lighting, rendering, and post-production editing.
Many studios specialise in specific niches some focus on creating emotionally resonant character animations for storytelling, while others develop hyper-realistic CGI for product visualisation or architectural walkthroughs. Explainer videos, motion graphics, advertising campaigns, and even immersive experiences in virtual and augmented reality are all within their capabilities.
This variety allows businesses to choose a studio whose strengths align with their goals, ensuring a more targeted and effective outcome.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a 3D Animation Company in London?
Hiring a 3D animation studio in London can vary greatly in cost depending on the scope and complexity of your project. Short, simple animations designed for internal training or basic social media marketing may start from a few thousand pounds. On the other hand, high-end commercial projects or long-form animations can easily run into tens of thousands, especially when they require bespoke characters, complex environments, or integrated sound design.
While cost is a key factor, it should be considered alongside the value the animation brings to your business. A well-executed 3D animation can generate returns far beyond its production budget through improved brand visibility, audience engagement, and sales performance.
Studios often provide tailored quotes and flexible pricing options to suit both startups and large corporations, making professional animation more accessible than ever.
Can Small Businesses Benefit from Hiring a 3D Animation Studio?
Absolutely. One of the misconceptions about 3D animation is that it’s only for large enterprises with big marketing budgets. In reality, many studios in London have adapted their services to cater to startups, small businesses, and independent creators. These studios understand the challenges smaller brands face and often offer budget-friendly packages, fast turnaround times, and personalised service.
For small businesses, animation can act as a brand differentiator. It allows them to present their offerings in a way that feels modern, dynamic, and professional. Animated videos can also boost social media engagement, improve website conversion rates, and help communicate ideas more clearly to customers or investors.
Why Are Character Animations So Popular Among London Studios?
Character animation is one of the most effective ways to build emotional connections with audiences. London studios are particularly known for creating unique, expressive, and often humorous characters that resonate with viewers across all age groups.
What makes character animation so powerful is its ability to convey complex emotions and ideas in a relatable and memorable format. Whether it’s a quirky mascot in a product ad or a fully developed protagonist in a short film, characters help make stories more engaging.
Studios like The Line, Animade, and Blue Zoo have earned international acclaim for their work in this space, often blending traditional animation techniques with modern 3D technology to produce visually stunning results.
How Do 3D Animation Companies Collaborate with Clients?
Collaboration is key to a successful animation project. Most London studios begin with a consultation phase, where they gather information about your goals, brand identity, and target audience. From there, they help develop a script and storyboard, ensuring you have input at every stage.
As the project moves into production, the studio will keep you informed with updates, drafts, and previews. Most studios use project management tools and file-sharing platforms to streamline communication, making remote collaboration easy even if you’re not based in London.
Feedback is encouraged throughout the process, with revision rounds built into the timeline. This approach not only ensures a better final product but also helps build a strong working relationship between the client and studio.
Conclusion
The creative energy in London continues to position it as a global leader in animation. Whether you’re looking to tell a compelling story, showcase a product, or create an immersive experience, the city’s top 3D animation companies are equipped to help you achieve your vision.
From industry giants like Framestore and Passion Pictures to innovative, boutique studios like Seed Animation and Golden Wolf, there’s no shortage of talent and expertise. The key is to choose a studio that aligns with your goals, communicates clearly, and has a portfolio that inspires confidence.
Investing in 3D animation is more than just a trend. it’s a strategic decision that can elevate your brand, engage your audience, and deliver results.
FAQs About 3D Animation Companies in London
What industries benefit most from 3D animation services?
Industries like advertising, education, healthcare, architecture, and entertainment use 3D animation to explain, promote, or visualise complex ideas.
Can animation companies in London work with international clients?
Yes. Most studios are set up for remote collaboration and regularly work with global clients across different time zones.
How long does it take to produce a 3D animation?
Depending on complexity, timelines can range from two weeks to several months. Shorter projects like explainer videos are quicker to deliver.
Is voiceover included in animation services?
Many studios offer full production packages that include scriptwriting, voiceover, sound design, and even localisation.
What makes character animation so effective for brands?
Characters make content more relatable and emotionally engaging, helping brands connect with their audience on a deeper level.
Do I need technical knowledge to work with a studio?
Not at all. The studio will guide you through every step. Your input matters most in the creative and strategic direction.
How do I know which studio is right for my project?
Review portfolios, check client testimonials, and have a consultation. The right studio will understand your vision and be transparent with pricing and timelines.