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Laika

Laika is the Oregon-based stop-motion studio behind Coraline and ParaNorman, now expanding into live action, television, and CG as it positions its sixth feature, Wildwood, for theatrical release.

Current mandate

Laika occupies a singular position in the animation landscape: a fully independent, owner-operated studio in Hillsboro, Oregon, with a half-million-square-foot production facility and a track record of handcrafted stop-motion features that have earned both critical prestige and genuine audience affection. Under CEO Travis Knight, the studio is now executing what it describes as a transformation from boutique stop-motion house into a "global storytelling powerhouse," deliberately broadening its format mix to include live action, television, publishing, exhibitions, and CG shorts. The mandate is explicitly story-first: executives have stated publicly that Laika seeks "unique, bold, original stories" with emotional resonance and a risk-taking approach to storytelling that separates the work from mainstream animated fare. The studio leans toward original material but has not ruled out sequels or existing IP, provided the story centers on a singular, important moment in a character's journey.

On the production side, Laika's sixth animated feature, Wildwood, is in the final stages of production and is being positioned as a theatrical event with broad emotional appeal rather than craft-focused prestige. The studio's live-action division, launched in 2023, has already greenlit several projects: The Night Gardener, directed by Travis Knight from a screenplay by Bill Dubuque, is in development, and separate projects with filmmakers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, Lulu Wang, and Jon Spaihts have been attached. On the CG front, the short ParaNorman: The Thrifting, produced with partner studio Passion Pictures, marks Laika's first formal move into computer-generated animation. The theatrical rerelease of Coraline grossed $56 million, demonstrating the enduring commercial value of the studio's catalog and informing its current strategy of increasing output frequency so audiences "don't have to wait years between projects."

Material reaches Laika primarily through established industry relationships: the live-action slate has been assembled through attachments with name filmmakers and their representatives, and the studio's public statements indicate active outreach to book properties and spec scripts through the development community. No open submission portal or named public program is documented in tracked coverage; the most observable pathway is through literary representation or producer partnerships that connect to Laika's development executives. The studio's own executives have stated they are "turning over every stone" for impactful stories, signaling genuine development appetite even as the formal access routes remain relationship-driven.

Signature peaks

  • 2023 Live-Action Division Launch — Laika launched a dedicated live-action division with multiple projects already greenlit and name filmmakers attached.
  • $56M Catalog Rerelease Power — The 2024 theatrical rerelease of Coraline grossed $56 million, validating the studio's catalog strength and audience loyalty.
  • 500,000+ sq ft Studio Footprint — Laika operates a half-million-square-foot production facility in Oregon, sustaining hundreds of local jobs.

Mandate dimensions

Genre focus
animation, family
Territory focus
Not disclosed
Budget tier (observed)
Not disclosed
Access pattern
Every tracked development deal at Laika has come through filmmaker attachments or established industry relationships; the live-action slate was assembled by attaching name directors and writers through their representatives. Studio executives have stated publicly that they are actively seeking book adaptations and spec scripts through the broader development community, but no open submission portal or named public program is documented in tracked coverage.
Deal structure
Laika develops and produces projects in-house or in partnership with attached filmmakers, financing production through its own resources as a fully independent studio; for live-action projects, the studio structures deals around filmmaker attachments, with distribution arrangements handled separately for each title.

Market context

Laika is evolving from a boutique stop-motion studio into a self-described global storytelling powerhouse, adding live action, TV, and CG to its handcrafted DNA.

Laika occupies a singular position in the animation landscape: a fully independent, owner-operated studio in Hillsboro, Oregon, with a half-million-square-foot production facility and a track record of handcrafted stop-motion features that have earned both critical prestige and genuine audience affection. Under CEO Travis Knight, the studio is now executing what it describes as a transformation from boutique stop-motion house into a "global storytelling powerhouse," deliberately broadening its format mix to include live action, television, publishing, exhibitions, and CG shorts. The mandate is explicitly story-first: executives have stated publicly that Laika seeks "unique, bold, original stories" with emotional resonance and a risk-taking approach to storytelling that separates the work from mainstream animated fare. The studio leans toward original material but has not ruled out sequels or existing IP, provided the story centers on a singular, important moment in a character's journey.

Common questions about Laika

Does Laika accept unsolicited scripts?

No unsolicited submission portal or open call is documented in tracked coverage of Laika. However, studio executives have stated publicly that they are actively looking for books to adapt and unique spec scripts, describing the search as turning over 'every stone' for impactful stories. That appetite is real; the documented pathway to reach the development team runs through literary representation and established producer relationships rather than any named public program.

How does Laika attach to or develop projects?

Laika develops projects in-house and through filmmaker attachments. The live-action slate, for example, was assembled by attaching established directors and writers, including Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, Lulu Wang, and Jon Spaihts, to greenlit projects. On the animation side, development is driven internally by the studio's creative leadership. The studio also actively scouts book properties for adaptation alongside original spec material sourced through the industry.

What is Laika currently producing or developing?

Laika's sixth animated feature, Wildwood, is in the final stages of production and is being positioned as a broad theatrical event. In live action, The Night Gardener, directed by CEO Travis Knight from a Bill Dubuque screenplay, is in development, alongside several other greenlit live-action projects with filmmakers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, Lulu Wang, and Jon Spaihts. The CG short ParaNorman: The Thrifting, produced with Passion Pictures, marks the studio's first move into computer-generated animation.

Who are Laika's key creative leaders?

Travis Knight serves as CEO and is also directing The Night Gardener, the studio's live-action development project with screenwriter Bill Dubuque. Knight has been the central creative and strategic voice behind Laika's expansion into live action, television, and CG. The studio tracks approximately 20 decision makers across its development and production operations, reflecting the broader team built to support its expanding format slate beyond stop-motion animation.

How do I get my project in front of Laika?

The most observable route is through literary representation or an established producer relationship that connects to Laika's development team. The studio has publicly stated it is actively seeking books to adapt and original spec scripts with bold, emotionally resonant storytelling. No open submission portal or named fellowship program is documented. Attaching a name filmmaker or coming in through a literary agent with a strong book property aligns most closely with the deals tracked in Laika's recent development activity.

Is Laika currently active in development?

Yes. Laika is in one of its most active development periods on record, with its sixth animated feature in final production, a live-action division launched in 2023 with multiple greenlit projects, and a new CG short already completed with partner studio Passion Pictures. Executives have signaled a deliberate strategy to increase output frequency so audiences do not have to wait years between projects, suggesting the development pipeline will remain busy across animation, live action, and emerging formats.

Adjacent buyers in this lane

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  • Plan B Entertainment — Plan B Entertainment is a prestige production company backed by Mediawan, now expanding into Europe
  • Mediawan — Mediawan is a European premium content powerhouse actively bridging legacy TV production with digita
  • Banijay Kids & Family — Banijay Kids & Family is a global kids and family production and distribution powerhouse, currently

Related reading

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