Triggerfish Animation Studios

Triggerfish was established in 1996 by Jacquie Trowell and Emma Kaye in Cape Town, South Africa.{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mfonobongnsehe/2012/10/01/meet-the-man-behind-triggerfish-africas-answer-to-dreamworks-disney-and-pixar/|title=Meet The Man Behind Triggerfish|author=Mfonobong Nsehe|work=Forbes|date=October 1, 2012|access-date=October 2, 2012|archive-date=October 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003021548/http://www.forbes.com/sites/mfonobongnsehe/2012/10/01/meet-the-man-behind-triggerfish-africas-answer-to-dreamworks-disney-and-pixar/|url-status=live}} As a stop-motion animation studio, it produced multiple commercials for South African ad agencies. From 1998 through 2008, Triggerfish produced animation for Sesame Workshop for the South African version of Sesame Street, Takalani Sesame, as well as the US domestic and international versions of the pre-school kids' program.

Stuart Forrest joined as a junior animator in 2002 to work on Takalani Sesame for seasons two and three. In 2004, Forrest and James Middleton became partners in Triggerfish and in 2005 became the sole partners when the original founders left the company. In 2007, Anthony Silverston joined as creative director, and Mike Buckland joined as head of production. At the same time, the company moved away from stop-frame animation and relaunched as a computer animation studio.

In 2015, at the Premier's Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards (PERA), Triggerfish was named Business of the Year by the Western Cape Government.{{cite web | url=https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/pera-winners-announced | title=Pera Winners Announced | access-date=2021-06-21 | archive-date=2021-06-24 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624205206/https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/pera-winners-announced | url-status=live }}

In 2021, Triggerfish received the Mifa Animation Industry Award at Annecy for "the pioneering role that the company has played in animation in South Africa, and Africa most widely.”{{Cite web|url = https://www.animationmagazine.net/events/annecy-triggerfish-wins-mifa-industry-award/|title = Annecy: Triggerfish Wins MIFA Industry Award|date = 11 June 2021|access-date = 21 June 2021|archive-date = 24 June 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203527/https://www.animationmagazine.net/events/annecy-triggerfish-wins-mifa-industry-award/|url-status = live}}

In 2008, Triggerfish created a 30-minute short entitled The Rise and Fall of Tony the Frog. The short was produced by Ambient Animation in Cape Town{{cite web |url=http://www.animationsa.org/article/milestone-south-african-animation |title=Milestone in South African Animation | Animation SA |access-date=2013-11-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202160204/http://www.animationsa.org/article/milestone-south-african-animation |archive-date=2013-12-02 }} for Isaac Entertainment.

In 2018, Triggerfish released an original 4-minute short entitled Belly Flop, co-directed by Jeremy Collins and writer Kelly Dillon. This was one of four shorts screened during the closing ceremony at Annecy 2018.{{Cite web|url = https://directorsnotes.com/2018/11/21/belly-flop/|title = Belly Flop by Jeremy Collins & Kelly Dillon | A Triggerfish Animated Short Film|date = 21 November 2018|access-date = 21 June 2021|archive-date = 24 June 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201825/https://directorsnotes.com/2018/11/21/belly-flop/|url-status = live}} A second original short film,Troll Girl premiered at the Cape Town International Animation Festival in 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt15447656/releaseinfo?ref_=tt_ov_rdat|title=Troll Girl (2021)|website=IMDb|access-date=2021-10-20|archive-date=2021-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020085020/https://m.imdb.com/title/tt15447656/releaseinfo?ref_=tt_ov_rdat|url-status=live}}

Triggerfish was one of nine studios selected around the world to produce a short for Star Wars Visions: Volume 2 anthology. The short, entitled "Aau's Song", was released on 4 May 2023.{{cite web |title=Star Wars: Visions |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-visions-volume-2 |website=www.starwars.com |access-date=27 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202140332/https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-visions-volume-2 |archive-date=2023-02-02 |language=en |date=February 2, 2023 |url-status=live}}

From 2006, the team began to shift focus to motion pictures by writing their first script Adventures in Zambezia, with US-based rights company Wonderful Works. The script went into production in 2009 and was released in 2012. In 2010, the studio started production on Khumba which started its worldwide release in Q3 2013. Triggerfish's third feature, called Seal Team.,{{cite news | url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/south-african-animation-studio-triggerfish-656331?mobile_redirect=false | work=The Hollywood Reporter | first=Georg | last=Szalai | title=South African Animation Studio Triggerfish Gets Funding, Plans Action-Comedy 'Seal Team' (Exclusive) | date=November 15, 2013 | access-date=November 17, 2013 | archive-date=October 11, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011235151/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/south-african-animation-studio-triggerfish-656331?mobile_redirect=false | url-status=live }} premiered on Netflix on 31 December 2021. In 2022, Seal Team made the Netflix Top 10 Films global list for its launch week.

On April 16, 2019, it was announced that Netflix had given a series order for the animated superhero series Mama K's Team 4.{{cite web|url=https://media.netflix.com/en/press-releases/netflix-announces-first-original-african-animated-series-mama-ks-team-4|title=Netflix announces first original African animated series Mama K's Team 4|work=Netflix Media Center|date=April 16, 2019|access-date=April 18, 2019|archive-date=April 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416132648/https://media.netflix.com/en/press-releases/netflix-announces-first-original-african-animated-series-mama-ks-team-4|url-status=live}} The series is expected to be produced by the studio in collaboration with CAKE. Malenga Mulendema will be credited as an executive producer and writer of the series.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/netflix-first-animated-series-africa-mama-k-team-4-triggerfish-1203189786/|title=Netflix Picks Up Its First Animated Series From Africa, 'Mama K's Team 4'|last=Vourlias|first=Christopher|work=Variety|date=April 16, 2019|access-date=April 18, 2019|archive-date=April 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417134615/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/netflix-first-animated-series-africa-mama-k-team-4-triggerfish-1203189786/|url-status=live}}

In February 2021, it was announced that eOne had greenlit the animated superhero series Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes, about a seven-year-old African girl whose passions in life are dancing and martial arts. The original idea for Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes was created by Kelly Dillon and Marc Dey, then developed for television by Robert Vargas. Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes launched in March 2023 across linear and streaming platforms including Disney Jr., Disney + globally, and France Télévisions.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/eone-kiya-disney-1234700795/|title='Peppa Pig' Studio eOne Greenlights Pre-School Series 'Kiya'; Disney+ Picks Up Show Globally|date=25 February 2021|access-date=March 3, 2021|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225215650/https://deadline.com/2021/02/eone-kiya-disney-1234700795/|url-status=live}}

In June 2021, it was announced that Disney+ had greenlit Triggerfish's animated anthology series Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire.{{cite web|last=Milligan|first=Mercedes|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2021/06/triggerfish-launches-pan-african-story-artist-lab-backed-by-netflix/|title=Triggerfish Launches Pan-African Story Artist Lab Backed by Netflix|website=Animation Magazine|date=June 25, 2021|access-date=June 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208101744/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2021/06/triggerfish-launches-pan-african-story-artist-lab-backed-by-netflix/|archive-date=December 8, 2022|url-status=live}}{{cite press release |last=Schreibfeder |first=Lisa |date=June 27, 2021 |title=Animated Anthology “Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire” From Leading African Creators Set To Release On Disney+ In 2022 |url=https://press.disneyplus.com/news/disney-plus-animated-kizazi-moto-generation-fire-releases-2022 |location=Burbank, California |publisher=Disney |agency=Disney Plus |access-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410221620/https://press.disneyplus.com/news/disney-plus-animated-kizazi-moto-generation-fire-releases-2022 |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Tartaglione|first=Nancy|url=https://deadline.com/2021/06/disney-plus-kizazi-moto-generation-fire-kiya-and-the-kimoja-heroes-annecy-1234776961/|title=Disney+ Sets Animated Sci-Fi Anthology ‘Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire’, Picks Up ‘Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes’ – Annecy|website=Deadline|date=June 17, 2021|access-date=June 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520023911/https://deadline.com/2021/06/disney-plus-kizazi-moto-generation-fire-kiya-and-the-kimoja-heroes-annecy-1234776961/|archive-date=May 20, 2023|url-status=live}} Inspired by the continent's diverse histories and cultures, the 10-part anthology brings together a slate of rising animation talents from six African nations to produce action-packed sci-fi and fantasy stories that will present bold visions of advanced technology, aliens, spirits and monsters imagined from uniquely African perspectives.

Oscar-winning director Peter Ramsey (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) is as executive producer, with Tendayi Nyeke and Anthony Silverston. Triggerfish is the lead studio for the anthology, working in collaboration with animation studios across the continent and globally. The development process was curated and produced by the team at Triggerfish, including Tendayi Nyeke, Anthony Silverston, and Kevin Kriedemann, who proposed the initial idea for the anthology.

The final 10 films are from Ahmed Teilab (Egypt), Simangaliso “Panda” Sibaya and Malcolm Wope (South Africa), Terence Maluleke and Isaac Mogajane (South Africa), Ng’endo Mukii (Kenya), Shofela Coker (Nigeria), Nthato Mokgata and Terence Neale (South Africa), Pious Nyenyewa and Tafadzwa Hove (Zimbabwe), Tshepo Moche (South Africa), Raymond Malinga (Uganda) and Lesego Vorster (South Africa).

Each film is 10-15 minutes long, and together comprises a feature-length anthology of original animation that will be released as a Disney Plus Original across the globe.{{cite web|last=Vourlias|first=Christopher|url=https://variety.com/2021/film/global/disney-plus-kizazi-moto-annecy-1234998580/|title=Disney Taps Top African Toon Talents for Animated Anthology ‘Kizazi Moto’ (EXCLUSIVE) |website=Variety|date=June 17, 2021|access-date=June 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509204143/https://variety.com/2021/film/global/disney-plus-kizazi-moto-annecy-1234998580/|archive-date=May 9, 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Milligan|first=Mercedes|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2023/04/annecy-unveils-feature-film-competition-first-looks-screening-events/|title=Annecy Unveils Feature Film Competition, First-Looks & Screening Events|website=Animation Magazine|date=April 27, 2023|access-date=June 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509044652/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2023/04/annecy-unveils-feature-film-competition-first-looks-screening-events/|archive-date=May 9, 2023|url-status=live}} The series will release on July 5, 2023.{{cite web|last=Milligan|first=Mercedes|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2023/06/disney-branded-tv-disney-emea-kick-off-next-100-years-of-toons-at-annecy/|title=Disney Branded TV & Disney EMEA Kick Off Next 100 Years of Toons at Annecy|website=Animation Magazine|date=June 13, 2023|access-date=June 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619041109/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2023/06/disney-branded-tv-disney-emea-kick-off-next-100-years-of-toons-at-annecy/|archive-date=June 19, 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite press release |last=Schreibfeder |first=Lisa |date=May 25, 2023 |title="Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire" Streaming July 5th Exclusively On Disney+ |url=https://press.disneyplus.com/news/disney-plus-kizazi-moto-generation-fire-streaming-july-5 |location=Burbank, California |publisher=Disney |agency=Disney Plus |access-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528120234/https://press.disneyplus.com/news/disney-plus-kizazi-moto-generation-fire-streaming-july-5 |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |url-status=live}}

In mid-2015, Triggerfish announced the Triggerfish Story Lab, a program that aimed to develop African writers and directors. The initiative had the support of the Walt Disney Company.{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/triggerfish-animation-story-lab-disney-808493|title=South African Animation Studio Triggerfish Launches Story Lab With Disney Support|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=2017-08-30|language=en|archive-date=2017-08-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830201720/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/triggerfish-animation-story-lab-disney-808493|url-status=live}} Mama K's Team 4, the first Netflix Original animation series from Africa, was one of the projects unearthed by the Triggerfish Story Lab.{{Cite web|url=https://qz.com/africa/1598854/netflix-picks-mama-ks-team-4-as-first-african-childrens-animation/|title=Netflix's first children's animation from Africa is an all-girl spy team written by women|first=Lynsey|last=Chutel|website=Quartz Africa|access-date=2020-02-28|archive-date=2020-05-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509124309/https://qz.com/africa/1598854/netflix-picks-mama-ks-team-4-as-first-african-childrens-animation/|url-status=live}} A second TV series from the Triggerfish Story Lab, Kiya! (previously Ninja Princess), was announced in February 2021 to have been picked up by Disney+.{{cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/eone-greenlights-african-pre-k-superhero-kiya-to-save-the-day/|title=eOne Greenlights African Pre-K Superhero 'Kiya' to Save the Day|first=Mercedes|last=Milligan|date=February 25, 2021|access-date=February 26, 2021|archive-date=February 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225220823/https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/eone-greenlights-african-pre-k-superhero-kiya-to-save-the-day/|url-status=live}}

In June 2019 Triggerfish launched a free online learning platform aimed at encouraging young creatives to create their first animated film.{{Cite news|url=http://www.gautengfilm.org.za/2019-news/267-june/1835-triggerfish-launches-free-career-focused-learning-platform-for-animators|title=Triggerfish launches free career-focused learning platform for animators|work=Gauteng Film Commission|access-date=2019-08-30|language=en|archive-date=2020-02-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207114453/http://www.gautengfilm.org.za/2019-news/267-june/1835-triggerfish-launches-free-career-focused-learning-platform-for-animators|url-status=live}}

;Feature films

;Television specials

;Television series

• 2012 Best South African Feature Film at The Durban International Film Festival
• 2012 Best Animation at South African Film and Television Awards
• 2013 Best Animation at Africa Movie Academy Awards
• 2013 Best Children's Feature at Anima Mundi
• Nominated for Best Music in An Animated Feature (Bruce Retief) and Voice Acting In An Animated Feature (Jim Cummings) at the 2013 Annie Awards
• Nominated for Best Male Vocal Performance in An Animated Feature (Jim Cummings) at the 2013 Behind The Voice Actors Awards
• Nominated for Best Director (Wayne Thornley) & Best Original Score (Feature Film) at the 2013 South African Film and Television Awards{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1488181/awards|title=Zambezia|work=IMDb|access-date=2021-02-28|archive-date=2021-07-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725065417/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1488181/awards|url-status=live}}

Prior to its release, Khumba screened in competition at Annecy International Animation Festival 2013, where it was nominated for the Cristal, and was in the Official Selection of Durban International Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival 2013.

• Gold Panda Award for Best Foreign Animation (2013)
• Gold Panda Award for Grand Prize (2013)
• 2014 Best Animation at South African Film and Television Awards
• 2014 Best Music Composition for a feature film at South African Film and Television Awards
• 2014 Best Animation at Africa Movie Academy Awards
• Nominated for Best Male Vocal Performance (Liam Neeson and Steve Buscemi), 2015 Behind The Voice Actor Awards{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1487931/awards|title=Khumba|work=IMDb|access-date=2021-02-28|archive-date=2022-05-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524004735/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1487931/awards|url-status=live}}

•  2018 Gryphon Award for Best Short 6+ at Giffoni{{Cite web|url=https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/belly-flop/|title=Must Watch: Belly Flop… a South African short film that has won 7 international awards!|first=Brent|last=Lindeque|date=November 25, 2018|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=June 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629093754/https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/belly-flop/|url-status=live}}
• 2018 Best Animation, Africa Movie Academy Awards{{Cite web|url=https://qz.com/africa/1473637/watch-award-winning-animated-short-film-belly-flop/|title=This award-winning short film is an adorable metaphor for Africa's animation industry|first=Lynsey|last=Chutel|website=Quartz Africa|access-date=2020-04-17|archive-date=2020-05-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521061053/https://qz.com/africa/1473637/watch-award-winning-animated-short-film-belly-flop/|url-status=live}}
• 2019 Audience Prize: Favorite Short Animated Film, Children's Film Festival Seattle
• 2018 Children's Jury Award at Cinemira in Budapest
• 2018 Best In Show and Best In 3D at Longwood Animation Film Festival
• 2018 Czech TV Audience Award at Zlin Film Festival
• 2018 Special Mention at Cinema In Sneakers Film Festival in Warsaw
• 2018 Best Local Film at Kleinkaap Short Film Festival
• 2018 Family Shorts Award at Tenerife International Short Film Festival
•  2018 Audience Award: Best Short Film at Animatopia ICAF
• 2019 Special Jury Award at CMS International Children's Film Festival
• 2019 2nd Place: Best Short Film at Kingstoon International Animated Film Competition
• 2019 Grand Prize: Short Film at Seoul Guro Kids Film Festival
• 2019 Audience Award for Best Short Animation at Festival Internacional de Cine para Niños
• 2019 Audience Award for Best Short Animation at Madrid Film Festival FCM-PNR

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|http://www.triggerfish.com}}
• {{YouTube|user=TriggerfishAnimation|suffix='}}

{{Triggerfish}}

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Category:South African animation studios

Category:Irish animation studios

Category:Companies based in Cape Town

Category:Mass media companies established in 1996

Category:Mass media in Cape Town

Category:South African companies established in 1996