Full Breakdown
STIM Opens a New Animation Production Center in the Canary Islands
7/23/2026, 7:45:20 AM
STIM Expands to the Canary Islands
French animation and visual-effects studio STIM announced the launch of a new production hub in the Canary Islands’ Special Zone (ZEC). The facility, branded STIM Tenerife, will start operations in August and is slated to employ 60 staff by the end of 2026, with a longer-term goal of creating more than 100 jobs as the company broadens its European footprint.
Growth of the Canary Islands Animation Hub
The ZEC, a low-tax regime designed to attract creative-tech firms, has seen rapid development over the past decade. According to ZEC President Pablo Hernández, the archipelago moved from “practically no animation industry” to hosting dozens of studios and close to 2,000 professionals. Recent entrants include Fortiche (studio behind *Arcane*), Atlantis Animation, and DNEG’s investment in Ánima Kitchent, reflecting a concerted effort to scale the sector.
Employment and Industry Scale
- STIM’s Tenerife operation aims for 60 employees by late 2026, with a target of over 100 jobs overall.
- ZEC data show more than 30 specialist animation and VFX companies currently operating in the islands.
- Industry projections suggest the region could support between 3,000 and 4,000 specialized animation and digital-arts jobs in the coming years.
Official Statements & Responses
“The opening of STIM Tenerife in the Canary Islands marks a strategic stage in STIM’s evolution,” — STIM Tenerife CEO Amélie — Amélie Houpline, STIM Tenerife CEO, highlighted the move as a “strategic stage in STIM’s evolution.” “Our ambition is not limited to producing international projects from the islands,” — Amélie Houpline, STIM tenerife CEO.
“A few years ago, there was practically no animation industry in the Canary Islands,” — ZEC President Pablo Hernández.
Why It Matters
STIM’s entry bolsters the Canary Islands’ emerging animation ecosystem, offering producers additional financing routes across France, Belgium, and the islands. The expansion is expected to deepen local talent pipelines, stimulate specialist training, and position the archipelago as a hub capable of handling large-scale global productions, thereby diversifying the European animation landscape.
