The animation industry in the Canary Islands adds a new relevant player. Surfing Giant Studios, headquartered in Manchester, has confirmed the opening of a facility in Santa Cruz de Tenerife for spring 2026. This move, which will generate over a hundred jobs, strengthens the archipelago's positioning as an animated production hub, a growth supported by tax incentives and the development of local talent. The studio arrives with momentum, following the premiere of its series Hey A.J.! on Disney.
An Initial Focus on 2D and a Networked Production Structure 🏝️
The new Canary headquarters will begin operations focused on 2D animation, working in a network with the central team in the United Kingdom. This distributed structure allows optimizing workflows and leveraging the advantages of each location. The Tenerife studio is expected to participate in the development of a new series for a U.S. network, already in production. The technical decision to start with 2D aims to consolidate a solid team before exploring other areas, using production pipelines already established by the company.
From Wave Pools to Renders: Canary Surfing Changes Boards 😄
While tourists seek perfect waves on the coast, a new type of surfer will arrive on the island: the one who navigates timelines and keyframes. The studio promises to bring more than 100 waves of employment, although these will be digital and come with deadlines instead of tides. At least the weather will remain a plus; it's easier to render with sun than under Manchester rain. That said, we'll have to see if the coffee during breaks measures up to the British one.