Bombillo Amarillo, co-producer of the Annecy Cristal winner ‘The Violinist,’ is establishing an animation studio in Bilbao, Spain, to enhance its production capabilities.
New Delhi, India Jul 7, 2026 ALN: Bombillo Amarillo, the Colombian co-producer behind the acclaimed animated feature "The Violinist," has made a significant move in the animation landscape by launching a new studio, BA Estudios, in Spain. This initiative marks a strategic expansion for the company, which has gained recognition for its contributions to the animation industry, particularly with its recent success at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where "The Violinist" won the prestigious Cristal award for best animated feature film.
BA Estudios is set to begin operations in Bilbao, the capital of Bizkaia, located in Spain's Basque Country. This region is known for its rich cultural heritage and a robust film industry that has produced numerous acclaimed works over the years. The establishment of the studio in such a vibrant locale is a calculated decision, as it positions Bombillo Amarillo to tap into the creative potential and artistic talent that Spain has to offer.
Founded in 2010, Bombillo Amarillo has evolved into a key player in the animation sector, specializing in both 2D and 3D animation services. The studio's involvement in "The Violinist" was substantial, contributing nine minutes of animation that encompassed various aspects of production, including layouts, backgrounds, character animation, and elements of post-production and special effects. This diverse skill set has allowed Bombillo Amarillo to collaborate on a of notable projects, extending its reach and influence in the global animation market.
Some of the studio’s other significant projects include Netflix's "Kayko y Kokosh," a neo-medieval Polish adventure comedy series, where Bombillo Amarillo provided animation services. Additionally, the studio contributed backgrounds for the popular Prime Video series "The Boys," and developed characters and rigs for Cartoon Network’s animated series "Los Colorado." Furthermore, Bombillo Amarillo was responsible for the entire animation production for Netflix's biographical documentary on soccer star James Rodríguez, titled "James." These projects have not only showcased the studio's capabilities but have also established its reputation as a reliable partner in the animation industry.
The launch of BA Estudios comes at a time of transition within the animation sector, particularly in the United States, where there has been a noticeable decline in animation orders from global streaming services. This downturn can be attributed to a shift in viewing habits, particularly among children, who are increasingly consuming animated content on platforms like YouTube. In response to these changing dynamics, Bombillo Amarillo aims to leverage its new Spanish base to enhance its market reach and adapt to the evolving landscape of animation production.
According to CEO Daniel Vélez, the goal of BA Estudios is twofold: to produce original animation titles and to function as a service company that collaborates with other studios and production houses. Vélez emphasized the importance of maintaining high production standards, noting that Europe has a longstanding tradition of creating exceptional artistic works in animation. He cited the success of Oscar-nominated titles, including "Robot Dreams" and "The Violinist," as evidence of the creative talent present in Spain. By establishing a presence in Europe, Bombillo Amarillo seeks to learn from this rich artistic heritage while also bringing its unique perspective and expertise from Colombia to the table.
As the U.S. animation market contracts, many European companies are exploring new avenues for financing, particularly through international co-productions and tax incentives. Spain, particularly the Basque Country, offers attractive tax credits that can significantly reduce production costs. Bizkaia, for instance, provides tax credits of up to 60% of investment, which can increase to 70% if a project is shot in the Basque region. This financial incentive presents a compelling opportunity for Bombillo Amarillo and BA Estudios to attract investment and collaborate on high-quality animation projects.
Vélez articulated the strategic advantage of having a base in Spain, stating that it would enhance Bombillo Amarillo's ability to engage in co-productions. Working from Europe allows for a more integrated approach to collaboration with European studios, which can lead to more innovative and diverse animation projects. Additionally, Colombia’s animation sector has been increasingly recognized for its quality and creativity, which can complement European productions and foster a dynamic exchange of ideas and techniques.
Colombia's animation industry has been gaining momentum, bolstered by institutional support from various organizations such as Proimagenes, the state welfare program Comfama, and the Medellín Chamber of Commerce. This backing has been crucial in nurturing local talent and providing resources for the development of animated content. The upcoming 2026 Bogotá Audiovisual Market will showcase seven Colombian animation titles, highlighting the country’s growing presence in the global animation landscape. These titles will span a range of genres, from intimate 2D projects to preschool series and stylish psychological horror, further demonstrating the diversity and creativity of Colombian animators.
In recognition of its achievements, Colombia has been named the Country of Honor at the 2027 Annecy Festival, a prestigious acknowledgment that underscores the country’s rising status in the animation world. Vélez expressed pride in the recognition, stating that winning the top prize at Annecy is a testament to Colombia's ability to compete on a global scale. He emphasized that the country possesses the capacity to tell compelling stories that resonate with international audiences, showcasing the potential of Colombian animation.
Despite the positive developments, Vélez pointed out a challenge facing the Colombian animation industry: the need for qualified professionals. As the demand for high-quality animation continues to grow, the industry must ensure that it has enough skilled workers to meet this demand. The expansion into Spain with BA Estudios is seen as a strategic move to address this issue by fostering collaboration with European talent and learning from established practices in the industry.
In addition to its expansion efforts, Bombillo Amarillo has recently received recognition for its contributions to the audiovisual sector, winning the 2025 Analdex Colombia Exports Prize in the audiovisual category. This accolade reflects the studio's commitment to excellence and its role in promoting Colombian animation on the international stage.
In summary, Bombillo Amarillo's launch of BA Estudios in Spain represents a significant milestone for the Colombian animation industry. By establishing a foothold in Europe, the studio aims to enhance its production capabilities, expand its market reach, and foster creative collaborations that can elevate the quality of animated content. As the landscape of animation continues to evolve, Bombillo Amarillo is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of animation both in Colombia and abroad.
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