The art of animation success

Nine years ago, a small animation company was founded in a corner of the medieval town of Kilkenny in Ireland.

At the time, Kilkenny was better known for being a destination for stag and bachelor parties, and for dominance in one of Ireland’s national sports - hurling.

Last month, it was reported that Cartoon Saloon had landed a major deal with Apple TV for the distribution of Wolfwalkers, the studio’s fourth feature-length animated movie.

For many animation studios, this would stand out as a towering achievement, but when it comes to Cartoon Saloon, it’s just the latest in a line of major coups.

From humble beginnings, the trio of Tomm Moore, Paul Young and Nora Twomey, all graduates of Ballyfermot college in working-class west Dublin, have built a thriving animation hub amidst the twisting lanes of that county town.

With The Secret of Kells landing a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2009, the studio shot to notoriety. Capitalising on their success, they’ve since landed two more Oscar nominations, for Song of the Sea and The Breadwinner.

The company has expanded from a small team to roughly 145 staff.

“Things are good and we have a lot on,” reports CEO Paul Young from his Kilkenny office. “We’re very busy, which can cause a…