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Our Story
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The Heart of Thunderbird Entertainment

Everyone here is a skilled artist. We are driven by the desire to create and fuelled by our always-evolving expertise. It is in our blood and shows in our programming and our ongoing strength in attracting and retaining top talent.

Subsidiary Companies

We have two companies under Thunderbird Entertainment, Atomic Cartoons and Great Pacific Media. Atomic, founded in 1999, produces award-winning animation and GPM, founded in 2011, creates dynamic, award-winning factual and scripted content.

Atomic Cartoons

Atomic Cartoons is an artist-driven, multifaceted studio that includes some of North America’s most creative animators, directors, producers and writers.

Great Pacific Media

GPM develops, produces and finances factual, documentary, game show and reality television. We also create award-winning scripted programming in film and tv.

Our Story

Thunderbird Entertainment was founded in 2003. With offices in Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Los Angeles, we have more than 1400 creatives on our team. And though we all have our unique skills, techniques, niches and passions, one thing is true for us all: we are artists at our core.

Company Evolution

2003
Founded to generate content libraries, lift and fund IP exploitation and create global brands
2009
Zigby animated series
2011
Mr. Young: Netflix
2013
Acquired Continuum producer, Reunion
Continuum
2016
Kim’s Convenience: CBC / Netflix
Launched spin-off of Highway Thru Hell
Heavy Rescue 401: Discovery Canada
Acquired Atomic Cartoons
Beat Bugs: Netflix
Atomic Cartoons Vancouver office colourful building mural
2020
Molly Of Denali wins Peabody Award
Atomic opens new LA animation studio
The Last Kids on Earth: merchandising deal
GPM launched second spin off of Highway Thru Hell Franchise
2022
Launched Thunderbird Scripted in LA to increase global footprint
Ramped up efforts to positively impact by creating a robust Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) plan and roadmap
Received more than 21 industry and/or business accolades
Participated in Acknowledgement Ceremony hosted by Sts'ailes recognizing Thunderbird Entertainment as the official company name
2005
Zixx animated series
2010
Secured rights to Blade Runner sequel
2014
Man in the High Castle: Amazon
Some Assembly Required: Netflix
2015
Highway Thru Hell: Discovery Canada
Acquired Great Pacific Media
2018
Thunderbird becomes public company
Atomic opens an additional animation studio in Ottawa
Blade Runner 2049 wins Academy Award
2019
The Last Kids on Earth: Netflix
Molly Of Denali: PBS/CBC
2021
Launched of new Global Distribution and Consumer Products Division
Entered partnership with Wapanatahk Media - a new production studio focused on authentic Indigenous storytelling
Team 1400+ people

Our Leadership Team

Our team has industry veterans, fresh talent and everything in between. We strive to be an inclusive leader in diversity, creativity and well-being. With a deep belief in the personal and professional rewards of an active work-life balance, we attract top talent and retain it.

Our Mission in Action

“Entertainment that makes the world a better place”

This means all our programming is progressive, dynamic and broad-minded. We explore and amplify diverse voices, perspectives and stories. Everything we put our name on and energy into is a conscious contribution to the world.

A Tight Focus on the Future

We are clear and specific about our strategic priorities. They include building franchises, developing and owning IP and expanding our international reach. With our vertical integration, expertise and transparency, we are building a large and growing library which delivers recurring revenue.

Media Recognition

THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH leaps from book to Netflix to toys. Next stop: billion-dollar franchise.

… adapting to remote work and capitalizing on the demand for animated content to keep its 1,000 employees working.

Pilot of Atomic’s Molly of Denali listed as one of the Best TV Episodes of 2019.

Rick and Morty Pringles commercial from Atomic called one of the best commercials.

The Bottom Line

We produce fresh, vibrant and successful programming, and there is much more to come. The Thunderbird Entertainment story is only getting bigger and better. Let’s connect and explore opportunities with you.

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