Oscar-nominated studio posts jump in profit

The Kilkenny animation firm behind the Oscar-nominated Song of the Sea last year enjoyed a further jump in profits, according to the managing director of Cartoon Saloon Gerry Shirren.

The firm’s 2013 accounts showed that pre-tax profits increased almost threefold to €123,418.

The Cartoon Saloon is currently riding high after the Ireland and UK release of its critically acclaimed Song of the Sea. The feature missed out on the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film in March, but Mr Shirren said yesterday that he was overwhelmed by praise for it.

He said: “The film has won major awards in the US, Canada, Brazil, France, China, Japan, and locally here, while the reviews worldwide has also been fantastic.”

Song of the Sea was launched in France and the US in December and here last month. Mr Shirren said the feature will launch in some territories in the next month of next summer.

A large customer of Cartoon Saloon Ltd during 2013 was a connected firm, Song of the Sea Productions Ltd. Cartoon Saloon provided services totalling €1.19m in 2013 and €1m in 2012.

At the end of 2013, Cartoon Saloon had accumulated profits of €304,116. It was established in 1999 and currently employs 56 people.

Last week, the studio confirmed it was linking up with Angelina Jolie for its upcoming Breadwinner animated feature.

Mr Shirren said the studio is close to capacity with work on Breadwinner, Season 2 of Puffin Rock, a new feature, and TV projects.