(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Mayor Vincent C. Gray today announced that animation company Pigmental Studios, whose animators have worked with animation studios such as Disney, Dreamworks and Pixar, will relocate from Los Angeles, Calif., to open its headquarters in the District of Columbia. Attracting Pigmental Studios is part of Mayor Gray’s mission of creating job opportunities for the city’s indigenous production community. 

“We are excited to have Pigmental call the District home and look forward to seeing the creative energy they will bring to our burgeoning film production community,” said Mayor Gray. “Attracting businesses such as Pigmental is fueled by our efforts to create a more sustainable economy and generate opportunities that tap into the creative industry.”

Pigmental Studios, led by industry veterans Marina Martins and Adam Miller, will produce animated content in feature film and television format, gaming, commercials, online content and other animated media while based in the District of Columbia. An estimated 12 employees will relocate from Los Angeles to the District, and the animation company plans to hire another 50 full-time employees by 2016. Among their projects currently in the works is Kong, which was announced at the Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2014. Pigmental, in partnership with Aquamen Entertainment, expects to release Kong in 2016.

“D.C.’s vibrant and cultural environment is an ideal location for inspiring and stimulating our seasoned artists,” said Martins. “We look forward to building a group that could interact, support and complement the independent adventurous spirit that exists in D.C.”

The Office of Motion Picture and Television Development (MPTD) played an instrumental role in attracting Pigmental to the nation’s capital. MPTD plans to work closely with Pigmental to build a robust animation platform that will, in turn, help to strengthen the District’s burgeoning entertainment industry.

Pigmental also plans to offer an apprenticeship training program for individuals interested in animation to help produce a pool of talent for Pigmental and other emerging companies. The company will partner with the Department of Employment Services (DOES) to ensure the program complies with DOES requirements.

To view a teaser for Pigmental's first feature film Kong, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rtt5meVdCEw.

Media Contacts:

• Chanda Washington (DMPED), 202.727.6365
• Leslie Green (MPTD), 202.724.2070