UK Animation Reconnects with Europe in a Post-Brexit Era
At Cartoon Forum 2025, the “Animated UK Meets Europe” initiative marked a powerful return for British creativity on the European stage. Organized by Animation UK in collaboration with CARTOON, and supported by BBC Children’s & Education and S4C, the segment spotlighted three new projects from UK producers that are actively seeking European co-production and distribution partners.
This initiative has become especially critical in a post-Brexit environment, because UK companies were largely excluded from leading pitches at Cartoon Forum after leaving the Creative Europe MEDIA programme. Kate O’Connor, Executive Chair of Animation UK, emphasised that Europe remains a “vital partner” for the UK animation sector, and that this session helps to sustain long-term creative alliances.
Three Standout UK Projects Pitch Their Vision
During the pitching session on Wednesday, 17 September, 75 animated TV series and TV specials were presented. Here are three that stood out:
- Amelia Fang – This is a 2D animated show aimed at children aged 6-9. It’s produced by CAKE Entertainment (UK) in partnership with DCM (Germany).
- Let’s Play in Tiger Bay – A mixed 2D and 3D preschool series for kids aged 2-4, made by Hoho Entertainment and Bumpybox, both UK-based.
- The Adventures of Robin Robin – A 3D animated preschool show crafted by Aardman Animations, known for their high quality and charming style.
These projects reflect a broad range of audiences, from preschool to early school-age, and highlight the creative versatility of UK animation. You can see the full list of projects here.
Building Bridges Through Co-Production
Cartoon Forum paired these pitches with a “Cartoon Talk” titled Funding the Future: Unlocking the Power of Co-Productions in Animation. Moderated by Vanessa Chapman, the panel included key public service broadcasters: Sarah Muller from the BBC, Vicky Schroderus from Finland’s YLE, and Pierre Siracusa from France Télévisions. Their discussion covered how cross-border partnerships are essential in today’s challenging funding environment, especially for creative and financially sustainable animation.
This conversation comes at a meaningful time. According to the Cartoon Forum 2025 report, co-productions remain one of the strongest levers for animated series development, with nearly half of the selected projects already backed by two or more countries.
Why These Projects Matter
These three projects represent a meaningful strategic re-entry for UK animation within the wider European market. After Brexit, British studios faced limitations in pitching opportunities and access to Creative Europe MEDIA support, which made collaboration more challenging. The “Animated UK Meets Europe” program provides an essential platform that rebuilds those connections and places UK creators back in front of European broadcasters, distributors, and co-production partners.
Another reason these projects stand out is the range of audiences they serve. Amelia Fang reaches older children with its quirky and imaginative storytelling, while Let’s Play in Tiger Bay focuses on toddlers and preschoolers with bright visuals and gentle educational themes. The Adventures of Robin Robin brings in Aardman’s familiar charm, giving preschool animation a distinctive British personality. Together, they highlight the versatility of UK studios and their ability to develop content that resonates across markets and age groups.
These selections also emphasize the increasing importance of sustainable international collaboration. European co-productions often offer more financial stability, shared resources, and broader distribution networks. By participating in initiatives like this, UK creators strengthen their ability to produce high-quality animation that can compete globally. The partnership-driven model showcased at Cartoon Forum helps the UK animation sector remain resilient during a time when budgets are tightening across the industry.
Finally, the projects matter because they reflect a uniquely British voice in animation. Whether it is the whimsical fantasy world of Amelia Fang, the culturally rooted charm of Tiger Bay, or Aardman’s signature storytelling style in Robin Robin, each production highlights something distinctly creative about the UK animation identity. Their presence at Cartoon Forum signals that British studios are not only still in the game but ready to expand their influence through renewed collaboration with European partners.
What This Could Signal for the UK Animation Industry
Animation UK’s successful presentation at Cartoon Forum has the potential to drive more UK-led co-productions across Europe. By reconnecting with European partners, British producers may gain access to more resources, audience reach, and long-term support. This could lead to a stronger export pipeline, more original IP, and continued creative exchange post-Brexit.
For fans of British animation and industry watchers alike, these three series are worth keeping on the radar. Their success at Cartoon Forum could well mark the beginning of a new chapter for UK-EU animated storytelling.
