Animation + AI

The business of TV and film animation has been a roller coaster in recent years, from increased demand during the pandemic to the ensuing post-peak TV contraction, as the streaming bubble burst and cable lost an important segment of animation viewers in kids.

And yet there’s still potential for greater disruption ahead with generative AI, a technology that has become a divisive flashpoint in the animation industry.

With the data-filled special report Animation + AI, Luminate Intelligence examines the state of the U.S. animation industry through a review and analysis of data from Luminate Film & TV. We shed light on studio output trends in animated film and series production across streaming, broadcast and cable networks for kids and adults, as well as the incredible growth of anime.

The report also offers compelling insights on moviegoing and streaming service usage among animation genre fans from Luminate’s quarterly U.S. Entertainment 365 survey.

The final section reviews the state of the animation industry’s attitudes and approaches toward generative AI, drawing from 30+ one-on-one interviews conducted from March to July 2025 with global sources at traditional animation studios, VFX studios, AI studios, generative AI tech providers, streaming services, animation directors, unions and animation industry groups.

Interview participants include (in alphabetical order) Aardman, ABRACA (L’Association Belge Regroupant les Auteurices Créateurices de l’Animation), AiMation Studios, Animago, Animaj, Animated Company, Asteria Film Co., Baobab Studios, Blue Zoo Animation Studio, Bria, Cartoon Saloon, Cartwheel, Cheehoo, Crunchyroll, Dada! Animation, FBRC.ai, Framestore, Gasolina Studios, Native Foreign, Promise, Storybook Studios, The Animation Guild (TAG) and Titmouse.