Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has visited award-winning animation studio Paper Owl Films, commending their significant contributions to the local animation industry and their global success.

Paper Owl Films, with support from Northern Ireland Screen's 'Stories, Skills and Sustainability' Strategy, is not only developing ambitious international projects but also actively nurturing a homegrown workforce. The studio is particularly noted for its innovative working practices, including bespoke talent initiatives and Pablo's Academy, which provides work experience opportunities for neurodivergent individuals and offers employee access to a neurodivergent consultant for workplace support.

During her visit, Minister Archibald toured the new 5,000 square foot facility. She observed a live voice recording session for Lí Ban, a Celtic-inspired anime available in both Irish and Welsh languages. The Minister also met with creatives working on Pablo: Next Level, the much-anticipated sequel to the acclaimed Pablo series, which has been lauded for its trailblazing representation of autism.

In a show of support, Minister Archibald even recorded a line to be featured in the upcoming Pablo: Next Level series, co-produced with Cake Entertainment in association with Crayola for BBC Children's and RTÉJr, which is scheduled to air in March 2026. The Minister highlighted the sector's importance to Northern Ireland's economy. "The north has established itself as a leading global location for film and TV production and its fast-growing interactive sector," Dr Archibald said. "One of my Department's seven priority areas, it is an exciting and thriving sector which is critical to delivery of my economic plan."

She praised Paper Owl Films' operational model: "It was great to visit the new office space to witness first-hand how Paper Owl Films delivers real economic impact through innovation, inclusion, and international collaboration. It is particularly inspiring to see how this studio is championing indigenous talent as well as providing opportunities for neurodivergent creatives, creating good jobs and supporting careers here at home."

Gráinne McGuinness, Co-founder and Creative Director of Paper Owl Films, expressed the studio's pride in its new facilities and mission. "We were delighted to welcome the Minister to our new offices. It's a space we are very proud of as it supports our team to create work that has the power to enable understanding, inspire change, and connect people of all ages and backgrounds," she commented. "We're proud to be growing our studio here in Belfast, nurturing diverse creative talent, and telling stories that travel far beyond these shores. To compete globally, it's essential that we continue to attract and retain world-class talent — and create the kind of inclusive, inspiring workplace where that talent can thrive."

To find out more about Paper Owl Films and the content produced for local and international platforms including CBBC, CBeebies, RTÉjr, TG4, CBC, Netflix and NBC Universal, visit Paper Owl Films - Inspiring audiences to see the world in different ways.