‘The Wild Robot’ VFX Studio STIM Opens Canary Islands Production Center

French animation and visual effects studio STIM is opening a new production center in Spain’s Canary Islands, according to a report from Variety. The studio, whose recent credits include DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot, plans to create more than 100 jobs with the expansion.

STIM Tenerife is scheduled to begin operations in August. The company expects to employ 60 people by the end of 2026 and is already recruiting for high-skilled positions including character modelers, set and prop modelers, and look-development artists.

Why is STIM expanding to the Canary Islands?

The company chose to establish its new base within the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC), a low-tax regime designed to attract businesses. STIM Tenerife CEO Amélie Houpline called the move a strategic stage in the company’s evolution. “We have found an environment here that brings together talent, strong development potential and a dynamic creative community,” Houpline said in a statement reported by Variety.

The new facility will allow STIM to increase its production capacity while maintaining its standards. “Our ambition is not limited to producing international projects from the islands,” Houpline added. “We want to build a studio with a long-term future, generate highly qualified employment and contribute to the development of the Canary Islands ecosystem.”

What other projects has STIM worked on?

Founded by Félix Ferrand, Jordan Soler and Benoit Gielly, STIM specializes in 3D animation, VFX, and digital production. For The Wild Robot, the studio collaborated with DreamWorks on the facial and body rigging for several characters. Its other notable credits include Sony’s The Garfield Movie, Warner Bros.’ Coyote vs. Acme, and the Emmy-winning FX series Shōgun.

The Canary Islands have rapidly developed into an animation hub. “We are seeing the creation of a genuine industrial ecosystem, with local talent, specialist training and companies capable of leading global productions,” Hernández said.

STIM’s arrival follows other studios like Fortiche (Arcane) and DNEG investing in the area, signaling its established role in the international animation industry.