Kavaleer, the acclaimed Irish animation studio, is opening its first overseas office at Campfield, Manchester’s creative and technology campus in the thriving cultural heart of Manchester.
The expansion will create 20 jobs, with production beginning in July on a new international preschool animated series developed in collaboration with Klipp Fiction (Norway) and Epic Storyworlds (Canada), set to launch in 2027.
Kavaleer are best known for productions including the Emmy Award-winning Wonder Pets in the City (Apple TV+, Nickelodeon) and the perennial CBBC favourite Boy Girl Dog Cat Mouse Cheese. The UK office at Campfield will serve as the sister studio to the established Dublin operation, which employs 100 staff across multiple production pipelines.
Kavaleer were drawn by Manchester’s cultural energy. The city’s arts, music and creative scene, alongside the collaborative community taking shape at Campfield.
Andrew Kavanagh, CEO and Founder of Kavaleer Productions, said: “Manchester was always our first choice for our expansion into the UK. An existing animation skills base, BBC Children’s and ITV’s kids division at nearby MediaCityUK, outstanding universities producing industry-ready graduates, everything pointed here. But beyond the commercial logic, the culture and energy of the city was what really sealed it.”
Tanya Grady, Commercial Director at Allied London, said: “Kavaleer are a perfect fit for Campfield and the wider creative St. John’s community we are building here. They will join the iconic Blue Peter, who are also based at Campfield, and with Versa Studios right on their doorstep, they couldn’t be better placed to lay down roots in the UK.”
Joe Manning, Managing Director of Invest Manchester, said: “Greater Manchester has one of the UK’s most vibrant creative sectors, built over many years and rooted in our rich cultural heritage. Kavaleer’s decision to establish its UK base here and join the growing creative cluster at Campfield is a strong vote of confidence in both the region and our capabilities in media production, creating new opportunities to develop and deliver content for global audiences.”
