Buyer Database · Production Company · Updated
Laika
Laika is expanding beyond its stop-motion roots into live action, television, CG, and publishing, while actively developing its sixth animated feature and several greenlit live-action projects.
Current mandate
Laika is in active transformation. The Oregon-based studio, long defined by its handcrafted stop-motion aesthetic, is repositioning itself as what its leadership describes as a "global storytelling powerhouse," expanding into live action, television, exhibitions, publishing, and CG shorts. The strategic priority is four-quadrant, all-audience appeal, with story and emotional impact placed above technique. Development lead producer Peter McCown has stated the studio seeks "unique, bold, original stories," with a particular interest in books to adapt and distinctive spec scripts. The studio leans toward original material and singular character-driven narratives, though it has not ruled out sequels or existing IP.
On the production side, the sixth animated feature "Wildwood," based on Colin Meloy's book series, is in final stages of production and set for release next year. "The Night Gardener" is in development, directed by CEO Travis Knight with screenwriter Bill Dubuque attached. Several live-action projects have been greenlit with filmmakers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, Lulu Wang, and Jon Spaihts attached. The live-action division launched in 2023. Laika also recently acquired the project "Crumble" (July 2024). The studio's first CG short, "ParaNorman: The Thrifting," marks an expansion into that medium in partnership with Passion Pictures.
Writers and rights holders with original, emotionally resonant material should note that Laika's development team is actively reading books and spec scripts. The studio has over a half-million-square-foot facility in Oregon and a stated goal of reducing the gap between releases. Outreach through established representation is the standard pathway, though the studio's public-facing development commentary signals genuine openness to new voices with bold material.
Signature peaks
- Wildwood (Feature 6) Animated Features in Pipeline — Final production stages; release slated for next year
- Launched 2023 Live-Action Division — Multiple projects greenlit; Lord/Miller, Lulu Wang, Jon Spaihts attached
- ParaNorman: The Thrifting CG Expansion — Studio's first CG short; produced with partner studio Passion Pictures
Mandate dimensions
- Genre focus
- Not disclosed
- Territory focus
- Not disclosed
- Budget tier (observed)
- Not disclosed
- Access pattern
- Represented submissions are the standard entry point. Laika's development team, led by Peter McCown, is actively reading books for adaptation and spec scripts. Literary agents and entertainment attorneys are the expected intermediaries. The studio's expansion into live action and television creates additional access points beyond the animated feature pipeline.
- Deal structure
- Laika acquires books for adaptation and develops original spec scripts. Recent activity includes the acquisition of "Crumble" (July 2024, terms not disclosed) and development deals with established filmmakers attached to greenlit live-action projects. Budget and deal terms are not publicly disclosed. The studio develops projects internally with directors and writers attached early in the process.
Recent productions and projects
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Crumble
Market context
"We're turning over every stone to find these unique and impactful stories." — Peter McCown, development lead producer
Aligns with broader market trend of animation studios pursuing theatrical event releases and four-quadrant positioning; reflects shift from prestige/niche positioning to mainstream cultural impact
Common questions about Laika
Does Laika accept unsolicited scripts or submissions?
Laika's development team, led by producer Peter McCown, is actively seeking material but operates through standard industry channels. The studio has publicly signaled openness to books for adaptation and unique spec scripts, and McCown has stated they are 'turning over every stone.' In practice, submissions from unrepresented writers are unlikely to be reviewed; representation by a recognized literary agent or entertainment attorney is the expected pathway for getting material in front of the development team.
How does Laika develop and attach to projects?
Laika develops projects internally, typically attaching a director and key creative collaborators early in the process. Recent examples include 'The Night Gardener,' where CEO Travis Knight is directing from a script by Bill Dubuque, and live-action projects where established filmmakers such as Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, Lulu Wang, and Jon Spaihts are attached. The studio acquires books for adaptation and develops original spec material, maintaining its handcrafted creative DNA across formats, including its newer CG and live-action work.
What is Laika currently producing?
Laika is in the final stages of production on 'Wildwood,' its sixth animated feature, based on Colin Meloy's book series, with a theatrical release planned for next year. 'The Night Gardener' is in active development. Several live-action projects have been greenlit with filmmakers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, Lulu Wang, and Jon Spaihts attached. The studio also recently produced 'ParaNorman: The Thrifting,' its first CG short, which is accompanying the theatrical rerelease of 'ParaNorman' in a RealD 3D remastered print.
Who leads development at Laika?
Peter McCown serves as development lead producer and is the primary public voice on Laika's content strategy. Travis Knight is CEO and is also directing 'The Night Gardener.' The studio tracks 25 decision makers across its organization, according to recent activity data. Knight has been the creative and strategic driver behind the studio's expansion from boutique stop-motion operation into a multi-format production company with ambitions across animation, live action, television, exhibitions, and publishing.
How do you get a project to Laika?
The clearest pathway is through representation. Laika's development team is actively reading books for adaptation and spec scripts, and McCown has publicly encouraged writers with bold, original material to seek them out. The studio is based in Oregon and operates its own over half-million-square-foot facility. Industry-standard query through a literary agent or entertainment attorney is the recommended approach. Laika's expansion into live action and television also opens additional entry points beyond its traditional animated feature pipeline.
Is Laika actively acquiring and developing new projects right now?
Yes. Laika acquired the project 'Crumble' in July 2024, has multiple live-action projects in active development, and is in final production on 'Wildwood.' The studio launched a live-action division in 2023 and has stated a strategic goal of increasing output so audiences do not have to wait years between projects. Activity metrics show 24 total records in the past 12 months and 25 decision makers currently tracked, indicating a studio in an active, expansionary development posture rather than a holding pattern.
Adjacent buyers in this lane
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- Chernin Entertainment — Chernin Entertainment is actively producing seven films simultaneously across Netflix, Apple TV+, A2
- LuckyChap — LuckyChap is scaling its creator-driven production model into the U.K. and Europe through LuckyChap
- Federation Studios — Federation Studios is a Paris-based production and distribution group actively seeking a major capit
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