Nørlum: Keeping European 2D animation in motion
Nørlum has built an international reputation as a trusted co-producer in high-end 2D animation. Since launching in 2010, the Danish studio has specialised in a craft many considered overshadowed by the rapid rise of 3D and CG production. While much of the industry moved in one direction, Nørlum chose another path: to champion hand-crafted visual storytelling and the belief that each story deserves its own distinct expression.
International storytelling through collaboration
Choosing to invest in 2D craft at a time of major industry change placed Nørlum at the centre of a new generation of European animated filmmaking. The studio’s early breakthrough came with Song of the Sea, led by Cartoon Saloon alongside partners in Belgium, Luxembourg and France. The film received international acclaim and helped define a new era of visually ambitious European animation.
Nørlum continued along this path with projects such as Long Way North, directed by Rémi Chayé, and Calamity, which won top honours at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. In the Nordic region, Nørlum also co-produced The Ape Star and Dante, both recognised in the European awards circuit.
The studio’s reach extends beyond Europe. Nørlum has worked with Disney Animation Studios on Big Hero 6: The Series and contributed sequences to The Bob's Burgers Movie for 20th Century Fox. These collaborations reflect a production model built on flexibility, technical depth and the ability to adapt across visual styles, pipelines and software environments.
For Nørlum, however, technique only matters when it serves the story. Many of the projects they choose explore family, identity and belonging. From grief and reconciliation in Song of the Sea to independence in Long Way North, the studio has consistently backed stories with emotional substance and broad human relevance.
Alongside co-productions, Nørlum develops original films and new worlds with international partners. Their work reflects a wider Danish creative strength: combining artistic integrity with global collaboration. In doing so, Nørlum helps ensure that European 2D animation continues to evolve, reach new audiences and remain culturally significant.
About
Nørlum develops and producesoriginal stories in diverse worlds through animated feature films and othermedia working with international partners as producers and co-producers with afocus on high story and artistic quality.
Co-producing Cartoon Saloon’s Oscar nominated ”Song of the Sea”, Sacrebleu’s ”Long Way North”, and Maybe Movies “Calamity Jane”, winner of best film in 2020 atAnnecy Int Animation Festival. With LEE Film and Nordic co-production : “Dante”and ”The Ape Star” nominated at the EFA European Film Awards.
Credits alsofeatures work with Disney Animation Studios on “Big Hero 6 - The Series” firstseason, “Bob’s Burgers The Movie” with FOX and also a pilot “Eddie of theRealms Eternal” for Amazon Prime.