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The Business Side of Animation: Starting a U.S. Studio
Details
The Business Side of Animation: Starting a U.S. Studio
APPLICATION GROUP 3
Applications Open:
February 5, 2026
THIS CIRCLE IS PERFECT FOR
- Candidates who want to start their own studio or switch to full-time freelance and coordinate working with others
- Candidates that need to learn about the business side of animation for their careers and to be able to navigate specific conversations in the workplace
- Candidates that want to help change or shape the industry from the top down, through developing leadership skills
WHAT TO EXPECT
- the business pipeline, from sales to marketing to taxes and more
- the different challenges studios face at scale, from emotional to logistical
- how studios can implement better workplace practices, policies, etc
- how to begin the process of starting a studio or how to grow a studio from scratch
WHAT NOT TO EXPECT
Going through every single aspect of business development at a studio
Qualification Criteria
Upper Level (10+ yrs of experience)
Mid Level (6-10 yrs of experience)
Early Career (3-5 yrs of experience)
Day / Time
Times Per Month:Â Weekly
Day / Time:Â Monday 9PM
Timezone:Â EST
* You must meet the qualification criteria AND be able to attend the posted day/time of the circle (please note the timezone posted)
CIRCLE DESCRIPTION
This circle will discuss the ins and outs of the business side of an animation studio, share why and how decisions are made, and what steps are required to start your own studio or full-time freelance entity.
There will be a mix of engaging conversations, some small lectures, and some speakers from other businesses (large and small!). The goal is to come out of the circle with a better understanding of how studios operate and to provide information that can help with your personal goals and dreams.
ADDITIONAL Application Requirements
Please submit the following as part of your Application Profile:
*(AFTER you click to apply, you must go into your member profile and complete the member-specific portion; these requirements should be submitted through that profile):Â Â
- Please share a statement as to why you want to start or manage a studio (if that is your primary reason for joining). Why is it important to you to understand the business side of the industry? What are your goals?
- If applicable, include a statement about the problems you see in the industry that you hope you could help to address with the education from this mentorship.Â
Circle Leader
Kathryn Taccone
“Kathryn has experience in many industries through her unique background in animation, video games, film, and theater. She has a strong passion for advocating for safe work environments within the industry and providing access to information that is typically held behind closed doors.Â
Through working as a Co-CEO for over 8 years, Kathryn has seen the many common pitfalls that studio owners and full-time freelancers run into when building their own studio. She has a keen understanding of why studios make specific decisions, and uses her speaking engagements and digital platform to help creatives make informed choices for their careers.Â
She also continues to pursue work within climate justice, after newly forming Evident Narrative Lab, to help organizations develop strong communication campaigns.Â
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Current Title: Co-CEO
Studio / Employer:Â Open Pixel Studios & Evident Narrative Lab
LinkedIn Profile:Â LINK
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