Global streaming giant Netflix has officially opened its new animation studio in Vancouver, marking a major investment in Canada’s growing film and television industry and reinforcing the city’s reputation as a global production hub.
The newly launched Netflix Animation Studios Vancouver facility spans more than 110,000 square feet and is designed as a state-of-the-art production hub for animated films and series. The opening was celebrated with a high-profile ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by government officials and senior Netflix executives, signaling strong public-private support for the creative sector.
The studio is already employing more than 450 workers, with expectations that it will create hundreds of additional high-quality jobs in animation, visual effects, and production. Officials say the facility will inject more than $100 million annually into British Columbia’s economy, with construction alone contributing over $50 million.
“This is an exciting new chapter,” said Hannah Minghella, Netflix’s Head of Feature Animation and Family Film, noting that the Vancouver hub reflects the company’s long-term commitment to producing original animated content for global audiences.
The decision to expand in Vancouver is widely seen as a strategic move to tap into one of the world’s most established talent pools in animation and visual effects. The city often dubbed “Hollywood North” has become a magnet for major productions due to its skilled workforce and strong industry infrastructure.
Netflix’s new facility will also integrate with its in-house visual effects division, Eyeline Studios, creating a centralized ecosystem where animation and VFX teams can collaborate under one roof.
Industry observers say this integrated model will allow Netflix to streamline production and scale its animation output at a time when demand for original content continues to rise globally.
The opening underscores Netflix’s broader investment strategy in Canada, where the company has steadily increased production across film, television, and animation. Past projects filmed in British Columbia including major series and films have already contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economy.
The Vancouver animation team has also played a role in producing successful Netflix titles, demonstrating the city’s growing influence on the global entertainment stage.
Among the first major projects to emerge from the new studio is an animated feature film titled Steps, a reimagining of the classic Cinderella story. The production will showcase the studio’s capabilities while setting the tone for future projects developed in Vancouver.
As Netflix deepens its footprint in Canada, the launch of its Vancouver animation studio represents more than just a new workplace it signals a long-term commitment to storytelling, job creation, and innovation in one of the world’s fastest-growing creative industries.
With talent, technology, and investment now aligned, Vancouver is poised to play an even bigger role in shaping the future of global animation.
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