Apr 18, 2024

Atlanta Animation Studio Primal Screen Closes 30 Years of History

Primal Screen, a design animation studio that was a fixture in Atlanta's broadcast-driven animation scene, is closing after 30 years of operation, the company's owners announced this week.

In a post on Linkedin, Primal Screen said it will cease operations by the end of May. The company, whose current CEO is Julia Bundesman, did not give a reason for the closure.

Primal Screen was founded by Douglas Grimmett in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, around 1995. The company initially focused on producing animated music videos and advertising, but after moving to Atlanta, it found a more lucrative niche: on-air branding. Primal Screen developed a particularly close relationship with the then fledgling Cartoon Network, part of the Atlanta-based Turner Broadcasting Systems empire, and over the years produced thousands of IDs, bumpers, and promos for the Cartoon Network.

In addition to his work for CN, Primal Screen was involved in the launch of Boomerang, the launch of Animania on Voom HD (touted as the first global high-def animation network), the renewal of Nick Jr. and the launch of Sprout and was involved in the on-air branding of Sprout. The company also has a decades-long relationship with PBS Kids, having revamped its on-air graphics at least half a dozen times.

Dozens of former employees have shared their memories of the studio on the company's Linkedin page. The official statement on Primal Screen's closure can be read in full below:

Every great story comes to an end.

We started Primal Screen to do great work with people we love. For the past 30 years, we have worked with amazing clients who have trusted us and entrusted us with their audiences. Together, we have never lost sight of the power of playful storytelling. And we have told many stories.

At the end of May, Primal Screen's story comes to a close. Words cannot express how grateful we are for all the opportunities, friendships, and beautiful work we have been a part of. Although we are no longer accepting new projects, the amazingly talented artists and producers who made us great will continue to create smart, fun, and extraordinary work. Welcome one of them into your organization and you will be happy!

We want to thank everyone who has shared in this adventure with us. Your support and creativity are at the heart of Primal Screen.

Examples of Primal Screen's work can be found at: