Abstract

Independent animation studios—also known as “indie studios”—are companies that create animated content outside of major studio systems. They produce shorts, web series or feature films without the backing of large corporate firms. (Wikipedia) Advances in software, digital distribution and crowdfunding have lowered the cost of entry for animators to start their own studios. (catcow.tv) Examples include the pilot episode of Hazbin Hotel, which earned millions of views on YouTube and led to acquisition by a streaming service. (Aviator News) For high school students considering university animation programs, understanding how indie studios work offers insight into versatile career paths: you may work with small teams, take on multiple roles, and learn DIY production skills in addition to traditional animating. This article explains key terms (such as rigging, frame rate and asset reuse), outlines the rise of indie studios, gives examples of current studios, and suggests what you might focus on as a student preparing for animation-studies.

Keywords: independent animation studios, indie animation, digital distribution, rigging, asset reuse

Animation creates movement by showing many individual frames in quick sequence. Key-frames are the main drawings or models that define major poses or moments. In-betweens (or “in-betweens”) are the frames that fill the motion between key-frames. “Frame rate” refers to how many frames appear per second. Understanding these terms helps when you see how smaller studios organise their production.

What is an independent animation studio?

An independent animation studio is a company that makes animated content outside the big studio system. According to the Wikipedia article on independent animation, this includes animated shorts, web series and feature films produced outside a major national animation industry. (Wikipedia) For example, the article on independent animation notes that Mary Ellen Bute and Oskar Fischinger worked via small teams outside mainstream studios. (Wikipedia)

Why are indie studios growing?

One major reason is access to digital tools. The article “The rise of small animation studios” explains that animation software formerly exclusive to large studios is now available on affordable computers, and cloud computing and subscription models let small teams scale down overhead costs. (catcow.tv) Online platforms and streaming services enable distribution without traditional TV or cinema deals. The article “How indie studios are changing the animation industry” states that online independent projects reached larger audiences because “the internet allows so many talented creatives to release whatever they want without a studio looming over them.” (The Beacon)

Production workflows in indie studios

In a small studio you may have a compact team doing many roles: storyboard, animation, rigging, compositing. “Rigging” refers to setting up character parts (limbs, joints) so they can move, especially in digital 2D or 3D animation. “Asset reuse” means that once a character or background is designed, it can be reused in multiple shots or episodes, reducing workload. These efficiencies help keep costs lower compared to large productions where every scene may be custom-drawn.

Examples of independent studios

The article about “The rapid rise of independent animation” mentions several popular web-series created by independent studios such as Hazbin Hotel, Murder Drones and The Amazing Digital Circus, which achieved large view counts on YouTube and were created by small teams. (Aviator News) The Wikipedia entry on Baobab Studios highlights its status as an independent studio that develops transmedia franchises and VR experiences. (Wikipedia)

What this means for students exploring animation programs

If you are a high school student interested in animation university programs, indie studios suggest a few useful directions:

  • Develop broad skills: Storyboard, design, rigging, compositing. Smaller teams require multi-skilled animators.
  • Familiarise yourself with digital tools: Many indie studios rely on digital pipelines, asset reuse and cloud workflows.
  • Learn distribution and audience building: Knowing how to publish work online, build a portfolio and engage a community can raise your profile.
  • Understand production scale: Small studios often operate with tighter budgets, shorter schedules or leaner teams; knowing efficient workflows (asset reuse, modular design) helps.

By understanding how independent animation studios operate, you’ll be better prepared to evaluate university programs: check whether they teach digital pipeline workflows, whether they encourage personal or team portfolio projects, whether they simulate small-studio conditions as part of training. That gives you options: you could aim to join a large studio in the future, or start your own independent project soon after graduation.