India-based animation house enters the competitive Australian animation industry with studio expansion; newly acquired Victoria-based animation studio includes 30 years of IP and ties to Film Victoria, Film Finance Corporation, and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation.
India-based animation house, Xentrix Studios, has expanded its footprint to Australia with the recent launch of Xentrix Studios Australia in Melbourne, and the acquisition of Victoria-based animation house Viskatoons. The new entity will be headed by Australian animation veteran, Peter Viska. Ken Cantrill, Melbourne-based marketing specialist and content creator, has been named head of creative. The new Melbourne studio expansion is part of the company’s plans to create and produce content for global markets.
“I believe this is an incredibly exciting opportunity for the Xentrix brand!” commented Xentrix Studios chairman & CEO Nandish Domlur. “When Mr. Cantrill pitched his vision for Xentrix Studios Australia to me early this year, I could immediately see the value in it. The Xentrix brand is very progressive and is all about the long-term vision. Personally, with the full support of the Xentrix brand and our strong foothold within the global animation industry, I’m looking forward to seeing this new entity flourish. Both Ken and I have been discussing this opportunity for some time now and 2021 has seen us entering into a win/win collaboration. What Peter and Ken brings to the table is unique content, something that the Xentrix brand has been seeking. We are very excited about our new Australian partnership.”
“Exciting times are ahead for the entire Xentrix Group,” shared Cantrill. “The media industry in its current climate is very competitive and crowded at the top. This partnership provides a unique opportunity to look outside the square. Additionally, and equally as important, it places Melbourne on the world animation stage and showcases what we have to offer. I’m grateful that Mr. Domlur has connected with my long-term plan.”
Recently acquired Viskatoons has worked closely with organizations such as Film Victoria, Film Finance Corporation, and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, producing animated series for Network 10 and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Over the past 30 years, Viskatoons has developed and produced an extensive library of content and IP such as Jar Dwellers SOS, which is now in Season 2. Xentrix Studios Australia will continue development of selected IP for international sale.
“Having the backing and support of Xentrix will boost our domestic industry and continue our practice of promoting local artists, animators, writers, directors and concept creators to the global stage,” noted Viska. “In these difficult Covid times I congratulate Ken Cantrill and Nandish Domlur who have worked tirelessly to bring this amalgamation to fruition.”
“It’s evident that Viskatoons has been a prolific contributor to the Australian animation sector over a long period of time,” added Domlur. “This is testament to Peter’s reputation and professionalism, and it is with great pleasure that we, here at Xentrix, partner with Peter Viska and his team on this new chapter. Xentrix Studios and Xentrix Studios Australia will continue to pay homage to the Viskatoons legacy. This partnership is a wonderful opportunity for both parties involved.”
Source: Xentrix Studios
