Igniting Innovation: STIM's Strategic Expansion in the Canary Islands

Establishing a New Creative Hub

STIM Tenerife is slated to commence operations this August, with an ambitious goal of recruiting 60 professionals by the close of 2026. The company is actively seeking skilled individuals across various disciplines, including character modeling, set and prop modeling, and look-development artistry, alongside supervisory roles.

Strategic Location and Fiscal Advantages

The decision to situate the new facility within the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC) leverages a favorable low-tax environment designed to attract qualifying businesses to the Spanish archipelago, providing a significant advantage for the expanding firm.

Leadership's Vision for Growth

Amélie Houpline, CEO of STIM Tenerife, articulated that this expansion marks a pivotal moment in STIM's journey, highlighting the Canary Islands' rich confluence of talent, robust growth potential, and a vibrant creative community as key factors in their choice of location.

Enhancing Production Capabilities and Artistic Excellence

Ms. Houpline further elaborated that this new branch will substantially boost STIM's production capacity, all while steadfastly upholding the high standards of artistic and technical prowess that are synonymous with the company's reputation.

A Legacy of Visual Innovation

Founded by Félix Ferrand, Jordan Soler, and Benoit Gielly, STIM has carved a niche in 3D animation, visual effects, and digital production for diverse media including film, television, and advertising. With established offices in France and Belgium, the company has evolved from a specialist in character development to a comprehensive studio managing projects from conceptualization to final delivery.

Portfolio of Acclaimed Works

STIM's impressive credits include collaborative efforts with DreamWorks Animation on facial and body rigging for characters in “The Wild Robot,” as well as significant contributions to Sony's “The Garfield Movie,” Warner Bros.' “Coyote vs. Acme,” FX's Emmy-winning “Shōgun,” and the Annecy-selected Franco-Belgian animated feature “Girl in the Clouds.”

Broadening Financing Opportunities and Global Reach

The Tenerife facility is expected to enhance the company's production capabilities and provide additional financing structures across France, Belgium, and the Canary Islands. This expanded network is anticipated to offer producers more flexible options for securing European animation and visual effects funding.

Fostering a Sustainable Creative Ecosystem

Ms. Houpline emphasized that STIM's aspirations extend beyond merely undertaking international projects. The company aims to cultivate a lasting studio presence, generate highly skilled employment, and actively contribute to the burgeoning creative ecosystem within the Canary Islands.

Canary Islands: A Flourishing Hub for Digital Arts

STIM's arrival coincides with the Canary Islands' continued ascent as a prominent center for animation, visual effects, and digital arts. Data from the ZEC indicates that the region now hosts over 30 specialized firms and nearly 2,000 professionals, marking substantial growth from a decade prior.

Key Players in the Regional Animation Landscape

Notable studios operating in the islands include Fortiche, renowned for “Arcane,” alongside Atlantis Animation, 3 Doubles Producciones, Tomavision, Gigglebug, Amuse Studios, and Ánima Kitchent. Recent developments also feature Surfing Giant Studios' Tenerife expansion and DNEG's investment in Ánima Kitchent, supported by the Spanish government’s SETT initiative, all part of a concerted effort to scale the sector.

From Promise to Established Reality

Pablo Hernández, President of the ZEC, noted that the Canary Islands' animation industry has evolved from a nascent stage to a recognized international force. He highlighted that STIM’s establishment further validates the archipelago's transformation into an established reality within the global animation industry.

Cultivating a Robust Industrial Ecosystem

Hernández underscored the profound impact of these investments, which extend beyond individual companies to foster a comprehensive industrial ecosystem. This includes nurturing local talent, providing specialized training, and developing companies capable of spearheading global productions. He observed a shift from merely attracting specific projects to establishing permanent centers for strategic decision-making, production, and creative development.

Future Horizons for the Digital Arts Sector

Looking ahead, Hernández outlined plans for strengthening local intellectual property, pioneering original content, and drawing in larger-scale international investments. Projections suggest the Canary Islands could achieve between 3,000 and 4,000 specialized animation and digital arts jobs in the coming years, signaling a bright future for the region's creative economy.