Jolly Squid is a female-led boutique animation studio, building on the legacy of Shrinkfish Media & Animation, Nigeria’s pioneering studios with a track record of award-winning films and global collaborations including Universal Pictures, Universal Music, Nickelodeon, ARTE/ZDF, NDR, and others.
As a boutique studio, we believe in close creative partnerships and distinctive stories that reflect our values. Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, we are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and career growth through initiatives like “Motion to the Sound” and “AniJollyGIRLS” supporting freelance animators and young women from Sub-Saharan Africa.
With a hybrid production model and a global team across Africa, Europe, and the USA, Jolly Squid brings together talent from different cultures and backgrounds. We are not here to follow trends. We are here to build new paths, nurture real collaborations, and tell stories that leave a lasting mark.
feel-good showreel | 2023
These are some bits from our productions (own and commissioned), driven by upbeat music. Clear the space around you because you mightn’t resist the groove!
value & identity
Accomplishment is a visible manifestation of imagination fueled by perseverance.
The art of being unmistakable lies in putting your heart into what you do. At Jolly Squid, we put our hearts and soul not only into what we create, but also the well-being of our team members
We don’t follow a path that leads to a known destination. We aim for where there is no path, so that we can leave a trail
community
Motion to the sound(MTTS) is a skills-building initiative that empowers black, African and PoC freelance animators. It was founded by Ebele Okoye, a pioneer of the Animation industry in Africa. Visit the page and check out the winners and beneficiaries so far. Join the collabs. There is a place for animators as well as studios, festivals, institutions and basically anybody that loves pushing animation
some brands we have created for
universal pictures | jurassic world | 2022
Augusst 2022: Jolly Squid was one of 9 global studios commissioned by Universal Pictures to produce a series of short animations for their Jurassic World franchise. Below is the first compilation
universal music | martha and the vandellas | dancing in the street < 2020
Official music video for the Motown hit “Dancing in the street” written by Marvin Gaye, Ivy Jo Hunter and Mickey Stevenson in 1956 and performed by Martha Reeves & the Vandellas in 1964. You can also watch it on the JollySquid YouTube Handle if you’d prefer to boost our views.
the legacy of rubies | 2015
African fairy tale-inspired 29 minutes shorts produced under Shrinkfish.
Winner of numerous animation awards including the 2015 Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Etisalat Prize for Innovation | 2015
A motion graphics and animation advert piece created in 2015 under
our former name Shrinkfish
The rule of three | 2016
For those who have issues understanding the mathematical rule of three. This animated explainer from 2016 does help
Proper Foot Care in Diabetes [excerpt] | 2017
An excerpt of a 3-part explainer video on proper foot care in diabetes.
marcas de amor | 2017
This short piece, made by Ebele Okoye in 2017 (and transferred to Jolly Squid in 2021) reflects a child’s perspective on domestic violence.
the red bar | 2020
a long internal fight | 2020
An immersive VR installation
marcas de amor | 2017
This short piece, made by Ebele Okoye in 2017 (and transferred to Jolly Squid in 2021) reflects a child’s perspective on domestic violence.
a long internal fight | 2020
Commissioned by the Deutsche Aidshilfe, this is one of a set of animations that explore the problems of LGBTIQ migrants in Eastern Europe
the red bar | 2020
An immersive VR installation
For an array of original projects involving shorts, a feature and web series, we’re looking for people to join our team for long and short-term hybrid freelance engagements.
CURRENT OPENINGS [Click to See]
Next on-location openings:
* Abuja, NG | March. 2024
* Berlin, DE | Oct 2023
* Zadar, HR| June 2024
