Xentrix Studios expands to Australia with acquisition of leading animation house, Viskatoons
Jun 22, 2021 | AS Team
Xentrix Studios, one of India’s leading animation houses today announced its expansion to Australia with the launch of Xentrix Studios Australia in Melbourne and the acquisition of Viskatoons, Victoria’s longest running animation house.
Xentrix Studios Australia will be headed by well-known and respected animation industry leader, Peter Viska, with Ken Cantrill, Melbourne based Marketing Specialist and Content Creator, appointed Head of Creative. Employing over 1400 staff, Xentrix Studios has been servicing industry giants like Marvel, Disney and Warner Bros through its studios in India, Philippines, Canada, Singapore and the new studio in Melbourne, Australia is in continuation of its plans to create and produce globally. Launched on June 3, 2021, Xentrix Studios Australia has exciting plans for the Australian animation sector.
“I believe this is an incredibly exciting opportunity for the Xentrix brand! When Mr Cantrill pitched his vision for Xentrix Studios Australia to me early this year, I could immediately see the value in it. The Xentrix brand is very progressive and is all about the long-term vision. Personally, with the full support of the Xentrix brand and our strong foothold within the global animation industry, I’m looking forward to seeing this new entity flourish. Both Ken and I have been discussing this opportunity for some time now and 2021 has seen us entering into a win/win collaboration. What Peter and Ken brings to the table is unique content, something that the Xentrix brand has been seeking. We are very excited about our new Australian partnership,” said Nandish Domlur, Chairman & CEO, Xentrix Studios.
“Exciting times are ahead for the entire Xentrix Group. The media industry in its current climate is very competitive and crowded at the top. This partnership provides a unique opportunity to look outside the square. Additionally and equally as important, it places Melbourne on the world animation stage and showcases what we have to offer. I’m grateful that Mr Domlur has connected with my long-term plan,” said Ken Cantrill, Head of Creative, Xentrix Studios Australia.
A major step to the launch of Xentrix Studios Australia is the acquisition of Viskatoons, Victoria’s longest running animation house which has worked closely with organisations such as Film Victoria, Film Finance Corporation and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation producing high end animated series for the likes of Network 10 and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The Viskatoons reputation is synonymous with humour, originality and quality. Over the past 30 years, Viskatoons has developed and produced an extensive library of quality content and IP such as Jar Dwellers SOS, which is now into its second series. Xentrix Studios Australia will acquire and continue to development selected IP for international sale.
“Having the backing and support of Xentrix will boost our domestic industry and continue our practise of promoting local artists, animators, writers, directors and concept creators to the global stage. In these difficult Covid times I congratulate Ken Cantrill and Nandish Domlur who have worked tirelessly to bring this amalgamation to fruition.” Peter Viska, Executive Producer, Viskatoons
“It’s evident that Viskatoons has been a prolific contributor to the Australian animation sector over a long period of time. This is testament to Peter’s reputation and professionalism, and it is with great pleasure that we, here at Xentrix, partner with Peter Viska and his team on this new chapter. Xentrix Studios and Xentrix Studios Australia will continue to pay homage to the Viskatoons legacy. This partnership is a wonderful opportunity for both parties involved,” said Nandish Domlur, Chairman & CEO, Xentrix Studios.
BIOS
PETER VISKA
Peter Viska has been a major part of the Australian animation industry for over 30 years, where he has kept abreast of technology to be an original content creator for global television networks, international advertising agencies, and local networks. As a designer and writer specializing in Children’s TV, he weaves his zany humor and irreverence into diverse shows that have entertained young audiences for decades. He created The Hedge and Mr. Snip, The Greatest Tune on Earth, and The Cure. Credits also include Director and Executive Producer “Jar Dwellers SOS”, MonsterChef, Suspect Moustache and Li'l Elvis Jones and the Truckstoppers.
KEN CANTRILL
Freelance marketing specialist, Ken Cantrill, has been appointed, Head of Creative at Xentrix Studios, Australia. Complimented by his degree in Marketing and Brand Development, Ken’s background has seen him accumulate a wealth of knowledge in both the marketing and IP creation sectors. He possesses a unique ability to identify opportunities within the media sector which now sees him working with major organisations such as the World Futsal Federation and the Australian Federation of Australia Futsal. Ken will be responsible for expanding the Xentrix brand into content creation, encompassing both traditional and digital media. His passion has always been creating something from nothing.
NANDISH DOMLUR
Nandish Domlur, promoter of Xentrix and a cardiac surgeon by profession, has spent 15+ years in digital content services business, as a preferred vendor to several leading international animation studios. Founded Paprikaas in 2001, a digital content services studio with a motley group of 12 passionate and creative artists, including key members of Xentrix founding team and scaled it to be the premier studio in India with about 900 artists. Under his leadership, Paprikaas was ranked among the top 100 companies in India by the Red Herring Magazine.
Initially formed a joint venture and then eventually sold Paprikaas to Technicolor, leading global provider of production, post production and distribution services to content creators and distributors
During the Paprikaas venture and later with Xentrix, developed an extensive network among international animation studios and distribution houses, with key relationships in Warner Brothers, Disney, Universal Studios, Marvel, Lego, Nickelodeon, Dreamworks Animations, Viacom Group among others.
About Global Victoria
Global Victoria is the State Government of Victoria, Australia's premier trade facilitation agency and gateway to global economies and communities. With an international network of 23 Victorian Government Trade and Investment (VGTI) offices in key export markets, it supports the Government’s broader economic, social, and sustainability objectives by pursuing strategic partnerships for Victoria. The two offices in India (Bengaluru and Mumbai) play a vital role in the facilitation of trade and investment and develop stronger people-to-people links and institutional ties across sectors.
