Our History

Since 1994, we’ve been crafting cutting-edge animation for audiences around the world. What began with two creatives in a single studio has grown into a global team of hundreds. Along the way, we’ve picked up awards, earned millions of fans, and told stories that stick. 

This timeline shows our journey.

1994

Cathal Gaffney and Darragh O’Connell drop out of college; borrow £2,000 and found Brown Bag Films. We produce our first series for RTÉ, a satire on Ireland’s notorious author Peig. This is produced with hand-painted cels and shot on 35mm film.

Cathal Gaffney and Darragh O'Connell in a makeshift tent
Cathal Gaffney in the studio in 1994 with bookshelves behind him.
Darragh O'Connell working in a the studio in 1994, in a cluttered room filled with paper and paint.
A photo of Cathal Gaffney in 1994
A photo of Cathal Gaffney in 1994 in Dublin standing outside a doorway with a bike.
Person working at a lightbox, tracing or painting animation cels in a dimly lit studio.
Two people standing in a cluttered office space with papers, boxes, and a whiteboard covered in notes.
Individual standing on rocky, seaweed-covered shoreline with tidal pools in the background.
Close-up of animation cel painting on a lightbox, showing a character sketch being filled with color.
Animation studio workspace with shelves of supplies and three people seated at desks working on artwork.
Close-up of an artist painting a watercolor landscape at a desk, surrounded by paint tubes and brushes.
Small stop-motion set on a table, featuring a miniature fireplace, furniture, and a figure of Peig Sayers.
A desk in 1995 cluttered with electronic equipment and papers for digital design.
One person standing by a desk with computer equipment, another seated nearby, both working.
Studio scene with two animators at desks and another person standing, reviewing work near a large window.
Animation studio room with two people at desks, a whiteboard, and walls covered in drawings and notes.
Stop-motion set featuring clay figures of four seated models of Peig Sayers and a pig in front of a dark backdrop.
Two people in an office engaged in a playful mock fight; one person is standing on a desk holding a large metal pole, while the other sits below holding a red phone.
Three animators seated at desks painting animation cels, surrounded by shelves and pinned artwork.
Two animators working at wooden animation desks with character sketches pinned to the wall behind them.
Exhibition booth with a red banner reading “Ireland on Screen”; people wearing white shirts with name badges stand beneath the sign.
Animator working at a wooden animation desk, sketching on paper; character drawings are pinned to the wall behind.
Three individuals seated in front of shelves filled with VHS tapes and books in a small office space.

1995

We move to the first floor of an old Georgian house off Gardiner Street. Still using an electric typewriter and awaiting the advent of the internet, we produce a few commercials and illustrations.

1996

Trying our hand at everything from short films to CD Rom games and commercials, Brown Bag Films produce service animation for ITV series Wolves, Witches & Giants and scramble around trying to develop shows. Darragh ends up in Russia producing animation on a CD Rom Game.

1997

We move to a dodgy building at the back of a fast food restaurant. An investment in computers is finally made and Ireland’s first digital ink-and-paint work station, Animo, finds its way to Brown Bag Films. 

We work on the Warner Bros feature film The King & I, coordinating European animation with LA via the internet (a 56K modem!). Barstool and Taxi (RTÉ) are produced and the commercial business is beginning to grow.

A still from animated show Taxi, showing a 2d animated scene of two characters in a taxi cab, one driving and one in the back seat, with a cityscape background.
Group seated around small tables in a pub, with several glasses of beer and soft drinks visible.
Two individuals standing outdoors on rocky terrain with a bright blue sky and clouds in the background.
Group of people gathered on a porch with white columns and tropical plants, two individuals standing in the foreground.
Person viewing a framed painting in an art gallery; the artwork depicts figures in dynamic poses against a blue sky.
Two people in a small office setting working at a desk with a CRT monitor and keyboard; one person is seated using the computer while the other stands nearby observing.
A cartoon boy sitting up in bed, an episodic still from the animated series "Why?"
Stylized digital artwork of a tall, abstract Elk with thin legs and a curved body standing on a rocky surface against an orange sky with swirling clouds.
Digital artwork of three abstract, long-legged creatures standing on grassy terrain with trees and mountains in the background.
Two people in a studio with a computer and a TV screen displaying colorful animation.
Person seated at a desk using a computer with two CRT monitors and a keyboard.
Two people in a studio with a computer and a TV screen displaying colorful animation.
Two people standing in front of a wall covered with storyboard sketches, one holding a large sheet of paper.
Overhead view of two people at animation desks in a studio, one holding a pencil and paper, the other working near a fan.
Magazine cover titled Computers in Business featuring a person holding a street sign in front of a Hollywood backdrop, with headlines and smaller images along the side.
Person seated at a desk with two CRT monitors and a keyboard, working in a computer setup.
Person standing on a rooftop surrounded by older brick buildings and urban architecture.

1998

We produce Why? For RTÉ which goes on to sell in over 100 countries worldwide.

1999

Our short film The Last Elk, directed by Alan Shannon, is released and goes on to win numerous international awards. We start to dip our toes into some very crude computer animation.

2000

Having avoided being annihilated by the Millennium Bug we continue to produce high-quality commercials for a growing number of clients.

2001

We begin work on Give Up Yer Aul Sins, which is a short film based on rediscovered tapes from the 1960’s of Dublin schoolchildren retelling bible stories to their teacher.

A person wearing sunglasses holds a phone receiver to their ear in an office setting with shelves of books and binders in the background.
Two people standing in front of a purple wall with a poster for The Last Elk, each holding a small brown paper bag.
Group of people gathered in a room during a social event, some holding drinks and chatting.
Group seated at a restaurant table with plates of food, wine glasses, and a bottle of wine.
An animated character with long hair smiling broadly and gesturing with one hand. The background is blurred.
Large group photo of Academy Awards nominees posed on a stage with a golden Oscar statue and a banner reading “74th Academy Awards Nominees.”
Three people standing outdoors in front of a large, ornate building with a mansard roof and landscaped grounds.
Person reclining in an office chair with feet propped on a desk, surrounded by computer equipment and a coat hanging nearby.
Cartoon-style elderly person leaning forward near a stone fireplace with kitchen utensils and a burning fire in the background.
Three people standing on a snowy slope with ski gear, trees, and mountains in the background.
A classroom scene with a young student sitting at a desk looking up at a microphone hanging from the ceiling. Other students are visible in the background.
Person working at a desk with two computer monitors, audio equipment, and a graphics tablet.
Vince Commisso and Steve Jarosz.
Peep and the Big Wide World

2002

We receive our first Oscar® nomination for Give Up Yer Aul Sins. The subsequent series becomes the highest-selling Irish DVD ever. Over in Toronto, 9 Story Entertainment is founded by Vince Commisso & Steven Jarosz.

2003

We invest in our own post production facilities and move to a nicer premises at the back of a hotel. We produce the short film, The Boy Who Had No Story and the Tales Wot I Know series for ITV. Across the pond, with just under 20 employees, 9 Story Entertainment produces the 2D animated hit Peep and The Big Wide World.

2004

Our commercials business is thriving and we do work for Coca Cola, The National Lottery, Aer Lingus and other clients as far away as Dubai and Beirut. We continue to invest in technology and in-house post production yet we firmly remain a hand-drawn animation company.

2005

We produce short film, Ding Dong Denny’s History of Ireland. We begin work on a music video for rock giants Oasis. Five-minute-long The Masterplan is voted best Oasis video of all time by fans. In Toronto, our 9 Story studio wins their first Emmy for Peep & the Big Wide World. 

Person operating a large professional video camera mounted on a tripod, with additional crew and equipment visible in the background.
Bartender Denny holding a pint glass and gesturing with his hand.
Animator seated at a wooden desk covered with papers and reference materials, working on hand-drawn animation sheets.
Person seated at a desk using a computer with a CRT monitor displaying a design or animation interface.
Wide view of an open-plan office with desks, computers, shelving units, and a red carpeted floor.
Office workspace with a desk, computer monitor, and a coat hanging on the wall; person standing near the desk.
Person at a workstation with multiple monitors showing animation software, holding a sheet of paper.
A still from the Oasis music video Masterplan, with the members walking across a street in the style of The Beatles
some lion cubs with their lioness moms
Characters from Wobblyland standing on the grass in front of a big white cloud
Burno and Paulie sitting together.

2006

We produce 52 episodes of I’m an Animal for RTÉ and the Irish Film Board. It has since been sold to 160 countries worldwide. We also have our first major international breakthrough with Wobblyland (HIT Entertainment/ Nickelodeon UK); a pre-school animation series based on director Cat Little’s student film. 

We produce the first season of Nicky Phelan’s Crap Rap for RTÉ.

2007

We start work on our first 3D animation series Olivia for Chorion & Nickelodeon US. Halfway through production we also commence work on Noddy in Toyland. We move into a state-of-the-art new studio in Smithfield. 

We produce another season of Crap Rap as well as Bronagh O’Hanlon’s teen show Teenology and David McCamley’s preschool series Grabby Bag for RTÉ.

Stage performance scene with Olivia and two other characters dressed up and performing an opera or musical act.
3 characters from Teenology standing in front of their school lockers
Noddy in a yellow and red helicopter soaring above Toyland
Modern office reception with a curved wooden desk, red tile flooring, recessed lighting, and a glass-walled meeting room with red chairs.
A still from Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty
Olivia in her bed with her mother reading her a book.
Noddy with his head out the window of a train
Person seated at a desk with two monitors, surrounded by colorful concept art pinned to the wall depicting animated characters and environments.
Animator working at a lightbox in a small, cluttered workspace with shelves of papers and office supplies.
Person inserting a VHS tape into a professional video deck; monitor above shows a 3D animated character.
Close-up of hands adjusting knobs on an audio mixing console with a computer screen displaying sound levels in the background.
Person working at a dual-monitor setup with 3D character models on one screen and animation on the other; desk decorated with cut-out character art.
Animator seated at a cluttered desk using a lightbox to work on hand-drawn animation sheets; shelves behind are filled with papers and figurines.
Octonauts in their Gup-A vehicle
Office scene with two people at a desk, one seated at a computer displaying an email interface, and a large framed artwork on the wall.
Team shot at the 2007 Gemini Awards

2008

We begin work on Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty, directed by Nicky Phelan. Olivia premieres on Nickelodeon US. This is followed by the premiere of Enid Blyton’s gazillion-selling classic, Noddy in Toyland on FIVE UK and France Televisions (where it is known as Oui-Oui).

2009

Brown Bag Films are named European Producer of the Year at the Cartoon Forum in Norway. We begin production on a second series of Olivia and new series the Octonauts for Chorion/BBC. 

To put total focus on our growing TV business we close down our commercials division.

2010

Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty nets us our second Oscar® nomination for Best Animated Short. 

We open offices in LA to explore feature and transmedia production. Our second series of Olivia airs on Nickelodeon US. 

The Octonauts premieres on CBeebies and within three months is the top-rated pre-school show on the channel. Shortly afterwards it premieres on ABC Australia where it is also a huge hit.

Two people in formal suits playfully posing with a large golden Oscar statue on a stage.
A still from Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty
Group photo of Academy Awards nominees on stage with a large golden Oscar statue in front of a blue curtain.
Octonauts in their Gup-A vehicle
The character of Olivia the pig and her toy inside a room filled with objects, sitting together at a desk or table.
A still from the animated short film 23 Degrees 5 Minutes showing Professor Orit making some mathematical calculations
Doc McStuffins standing in front of her clinic with Chilly, Lambie, and Hallie
The Octonauts in the Octopod with the screens behind them and some killer whales swimming past
Large group of people in formal attire gathered at a reception, holding champagne glasses.
A person in a brown suit jacket smiling while holding a BAFTA award in a warmly lit banquet hall with tables, floral centerpieces, and chandeliers.
Group of people posing closely together outdoors at night, some with arms around each other.
The Hugglemonster family posed together outside their home
Three people sitting on a yellow couch reading an Octonauts book, with another person holding a notepad.
Four people dressed in formal suits standing together in a hotel lobby, arms linked.

2011

We premiere Darragh’s latest short film, 23 Degrees, 5 Minutes, voiced by John Hurt. 

We begin production on Doc McStuffins – the first show commissioned by newly-rebranded Disney Junior US. The Octonauts is nominated for a Bafta. The first season of Wild Kratts leaps onto screens, unleashing incredible creature powers for generations to come! 

We begin production on our own original series, Henry Hugglemonster, based on a book by Niamh Sharkey, for Disney Junior US.

2012

In March, Doc McStuffins premieres on Disney Junior and breaks rating records for the most watched pre-school premiere ever. It immediately becomes the No 1 pre-school show in the U.S.A. We continue production on Henry Hugglemonster and a second season of the Octonauts, and are joined by a very special new staff member - Toby the Studio Dog! That September, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood launches on PBS KIDS, carrying forward the beloved legacy of Fred Rogers. 

On December 14th, Peter Rabbit premieres with a 22-minute holiday special episode 'Peter Rabbit’s Christmas Tale' on Nickelodeon to over three million viewers in the US.

Doc McStuffins pointing at a picture of a whale on a chart
Black and white photo of a small scruffy dog with a collar and taut leash, sitting on a paved surface.
Henry and his family on a brightly lit stage
Peter, Lily and Benjamin hopping through the farmers garden with carrots in their mouths
Four people sitting at an outdoor wooden table with glasses of beer and cider, overlooking a river and white buildings in the background.
Two people sitting close together outdoors at a wooden table in a casual setting, with empty chairs and greenery visible in the background.
Two people seated outdoors at a wooden table, talking; several bottles and glasses are visible on tables in the background.
Two people seated at a table outdoors, painting small objects with brushes; bright orange plates and paint supplies are on the table.
Large group of people in costumes gathered in a courtyard for a Halloween event, featuring various props and themed outfits.
Brown Bag crew at a party
A still from animated short film Anya, showing a small girl holding a teddy bear
Close-up of a purple BAFTA-themed chocolate box labeled “Tiddly BAFTAs,” featuring a molded BAFTA mask design.
Group of people dressed in formal attire holding champagne glasses at a crowded awards event.
Group posing in front of a BAFTA-branded backdrop at a formal event.
Group photo at an International Emmy Kids Awards event, with people dressed in formal attire standing close together, with colorful confetti falling around the people.
Close-up of a gold International Emmy Awards nominee medal resting in a hand.
Open display case showing an International Emmy Awards certificate and medal for Octonauts.
Doc McStuffins giving a pink coloured Chilly a check-up
Black-and-white photo of four people seated at a table during a formal dinner event with glasses and menus visible.
Peter, Lily and Benjamin in a cart rolling through the snow
Person speaking into a microphone on a stage with red lighting and a wooden staircase in the background.
Large group gathered in a bar or club setting, some standing and others seated on steps, with drinks in hand.
Group photo of people posing in a lively indoor venue, many wearing novelty headbands.
The Octonauts in their vehicles navigating through the Mariana Trench
Black-and-white photo of three people wearing small party hats, standing close together at an indoor event.
Person holding a microphone on a stage with red lighting and a stone wall background.
Two people embracing while holding a microphone on a stage with red accent lighting and stone walls.
Two-tiered cake decorated with green and blue fondant and a figure of Henry Hugglemonster riding a tricycle on top.
Three people standing together in a dimly lit venue holding wine glasses, with a chandelier overhead.
Crowd gathered in a dimly lit venue watching an animated character projected on a large screen; some people holding drinks.
Crowd standing in a bar area, holding drinks, with large decorative vases and plants in the background.

2013

We begin production on our short film ANYA, being made to raise awareness for the charity To Russia With Love. The Octonauts and Doc McStuffins are nominated for Baftas.

Peter Rabbit launches on Nick Jr on February 18th 2013, and hops to the top of the charts delivering 1.7 million viewers. The premiere also ranks as Nick's highest-rated preschool series premiere since 2011.

We begin production on a second season of Henry Hugglemonster, Peter Rabbit and Doc McStuffins. We recruit 30 new staff and expand the studio into a third premises. 

Projected image of two people on stage at an awards ceremony, with audience seated in front.
Four people in formal attire smiling and holding awards and champagne bottles in front of a spiral-themed backdrop, while someone takes their photo with a smartphone.
Person in formal attire holding a tall award trophy at an event with decorated tables.
A group of people in formal attire seated at a table set for dining, with one person taking a selfie in front of a starry curtain backdrop.
Doc McStuffins holding a clip board walking down the Toy Hospital hallway with Hallie
Large group celebrating indoors with raised arms, one person holding a gold trophy.
The Octonauts standing in a coral reef
A still from the short film An Ode to Love, showing a man deserted on a beach with a stick
Group of people standing in front of Foyle Film Festival posters inside a venue.
Bing and friends walking in a line through the park
Three Emmy statuettes on a dinner table at the ceremony.
Three people in formal attire holding Emmy awards at a seated event with a crowd in the background.
Five people standing together in a modern office space with a screen in the background.
Three people indoors, each holding an Emmy award in separate office settings.
A still from the short film Anya featuring a young orphan girl on a train with the word mama scrawled on the steamed up window
Four people standing indoors, one holding a blue sculpted award.
Peter, Lily and mother goose
Henry facing forward while his baby brother is in the background

2014

We announce our new show Bing, based on the book series by author and illustrator Ted Dewan. We continue production on a 2nd season of Henry Hugglemonster and Peter Rabbit, a 3rd season of Doc McStuffins and a 4th season of Octonauts. 

We launch Brown Bag Labs, an online space for behind-the-scenes fun and tutorials from the studio. Octonauts brings home an IFTA for Best Children's Programme. We celebrate our 20th Anniversary! 

Our short film Anya is released online to raise funds for To Russia With Love charity. We announce the opening of our 2D studio in Manchester! Our short film An Ode To Love is awarded Best Irish Animation at Foyle Film Festival. We release the Christmas Special episode of our new online series Trouble In Paradise.

2015

In January, our pilot episode of The Stinky and Dirty Show, based on the 'I Stink!' book series by Jim and Kate McMullan, debuts on Amazon Prime. And in November, Nature Cat, animated by our Toronto studio, premieres on PBS KIDS. 

Bing is awarded for Best Writing in a Children’s TV Episode by The Writer's Guild of Great Britain! Doc McStuffins is awarded for Outstanding Children's Program at the 46th NAACP Image Awards! And Wild Kratts is nominated for a prestigious Peabody award. Amazon greenlights a full season of The Stinky And Dirty Show. In August, we announce we are now part of the 9 Story Media Group family!

The characters Stinky and Dirty chasing some bowling balls that are on the road
A glass award plaque from The Writers' Guild of Great Britain recognizing “Best Children's TV Episode” in 2014 for “Bing: Bye Bye” by Denise Cassar and the Bing writing team.
Doc McStuffins taking supplies out of her bag
Large group posing on a Peabody Awards red carpet with a character mascot in the center.
Person in a suit holding a Peabody Award trophy at an event with golden decor.
Four people posing together on Peabody Awards red carpet.
Group posing on Peabody Awards red carpet with a Doc McStuffins character mascot.
Close-up of a 2014 Peabody Award trophy engraved for “Doc McStuffins.”
Large screen showing a group on stage during an awards ceremony.
Group of four people posing indoors in formal attire.
Two people posing with a Doc McStuffins mascot on Peabody Awards backdrop.
Group photo on Peabody Awards red carpet with mascot in center.
Group seated at a banquet table during an awards ceremony.
Group of eight people indoors holding multiple Peabody Award trophies and a framed certificate.
Group photo at a banquet table during an event with wine glasses and table settings.
Two people seated at a table holding an Irish Animation Award at the ceremony.
Group posing at an event, one person holding an Irish Animation award.
Close-up of a decorated cookie featuring a cartoon rabbit face with a blue bow tie.
Two people standing in a theater holding a large silver trophy cup.
Three people posing on stage at DAFF 2015, child holding a tree-shaped award.
Three people standing in front of a DAFF 2015 backdrop, one holding a tree-shaped award.
Group on stage at Tech Excellence Awards with screen displaying “Gemini Technology with Brown Bag Films.”
Clear acrylic award with a star on top, labeled “Tech Excellence Awards 2015 – IT Project of the Year.”
Group in formal attire posing with framed Tech Excellence Awards certificates and trophies.
Six people standing indoors, holding a framed Tech Excellence Award certificate.
Four people dressed in black formal wear posing in a brightly lit room.
Four people holding a large illustrated Bing book in a brightly lit room.
Group of five people posing on Emmy Awards red carpet in formal attire.
Two people posing in front of a National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences backdrop.
Large screen displaying “The 42nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards” with event graphics.
Person in formal attire standing in front of Emmy Awards backdrop.
Emmy Award trophy displayed on a banquet table.
Person speaking at podium holding an Emmy Award during a formal ceremony.
Person in a suit holding an Emmy Award trophy at a formal event.
Close-up of multiple Emmy Award trophies arranged on a table.
Close-up of an Emmy Award trophy against a dark background with engraved text.
Four Irish postage stamps featuring animated characters from popular shows.
Vampirina and her family posed together in the entrance hall of their house
Doc McStuffins giving a check-up to a dino toy
Bing and friends playing with some coloured blocks
Two people standing at a podium with an Emmy Award trophy during International Emmy Kids Awards ceremony.
Large group outdoors posing with raised arms, one person holding an Emmy Award trophy.
Three people holding an Emmy Award trophy at a formal event.
Group posing outdoors making playful claw gestures in front of a building.
Group holding an Emmy Award trophy together at an indoor ceremony.
Close-up of two people holding an Emmy Award trophy against an International Academy of Television backdrop.
Illustration with Bing characters and text reading “We won an Emmy!” on a blue background.
Celebratory photo with rose petals falling and an Emmy Award held high.
Two people holding an Emmy Award trophy in front of an International Academy of Television backdrop.

2016

Our Manchester studio is featured in the Creative England 50! Doc McStuffins is awarded for Outstanding Children's Program at the 47th NAACP Image Awards! 

In March, we announce we are going into production on the new animated pre-school series, Vampirina! Our new show Bear, Bud & Boo is featured in Kidscreen Magazine's Cool New Shows. Bing is awarded an Emmy® in the Kids: Pre-school category at the 4th International Emmy® Kids Awards! 

Brown Bag Films' CEO Cathal Gaffney is appointed to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) for our parent company 9 Story Media Group! Peter Rabbit wins two Emmy Awards® at the 43rd Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards!

Doc McStuffins with her toy friends sitting around her in her room
A still from animated holiday special Angela's Christmas
Two people standing in front of a colorful LED backdrop at an event stage.
Clear acrylic award engraved “Kidscreen Awards 2017 – Best Animated Series, Doc McStuffins.”
Nella the Princess Knight and her friend raising a medallion together
placeholder image

2017

Nella the Princess Knight gallops onto screens! Doc McStuffins scoops up Best Animated Series at Kidscreen.

Octonauts, Doc McStuffins, Peter Rabbit, Peg + Cat and Nature Cat all receive nominations for the 44th Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards. Nickelodeon greenlights a second season of the preschool hit, Nella the Princess Knight! We launch Bookbag in St. Eithne's GNS, in May, marking our third year rolling out the Bookbag project.

We begin production on animated holiday special, Angela's Christmas, based on the popular children’s story from Pulitzer Prize winning author Frank McCourt! 

9 Story’s Toronto studio specializing in award-winning 2D animation is rebranded to Brown Bag Films Toronto. And together as one, we are voted #1 in Production on the Kidscreen Hot50. 

2018

Vampirina and Top Wing are greenlit for second seasons! Season 2 of The Magic School Bus: Rides Again launches on Netflix and Let’s Go Luna! created by industry icon Joe Murray premieres on PBS KIDS! Doc McStuffins wins Outstanding Children's Program at the NAACP Image Awards and Best Animated Series (Preschool) at the Kidscreen 2018 awards!

We're ranked NUMBER ONE in production in the Kidscreen Hot50! Octonauts wins the Annie Award for Best Animated Television/Broadcast Production for Preschool Children! Brown Bag and 9 Story shows receive a whopping 15 Daytime Emmy® Award nominations! Nella the Princess Knight is named this year's Best Family Series at the 43rd Annual Gracie Awards!

We announce our new animated series Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum! Angela's Christmas makes its global premiere as a Netflix Original! Our short Pins and Needles airs on RTÉjr!

Group standing outside a building decorated with festive lights and greenery.
Three people posing on the red carpet in front of a British Academy Children’s Awards backdrop.
Group standing indoors near a large gold BAFTA mask display at an awards event.
Close-up selfie taken in a dimly lit event space with purple lighting.
Group seated in a dark venue holding drinks and a BAFTA award trophy..
Cathal Gaffney holding a BAFTA award statuette in front of his face at the awards ceremony.
Vampirina and an Egyptian mummy
An image from the animated series Top Wing
Doc McStuffins and her dad cycling. Doc is wearing a purple helmet and has Hallie in her bike basket. Her dad is wearing a blue helmet.
Nella the Princess Knight and her unicorn on a stage
A still from animated holiday special Angela's Christmas
A still from animated short film Pins and Needles
Group dressed in formal attire posing beside a large poster for “Angela’s Christmas.”
Two people on stage holding awards and champagne glasses with Kidscreen branding in the background.
Three people on stage holding awards and champagne glasses in front of a screen reading “Best Animated Series – Preschool Category.”
People posing indoors holding a clear circular award.
Close-up of a clear circular award engraved “2017 Kidscreen Hot 50 – #1 in Production, 9 Story Media Group/Brown Bag Films.”
Group standing under a sign that reads “We Love Animation” inside an office space.
People gathered in a modern office, listening to a discussion near computer workstations.
Individuals observing computer screens in an open-plan office environment.
Person demonstrating drawing techniques at a cluttered desk filled with art supplies and sketches.
Two people talking in a workspace decorated with books, figurines, and colorful lights.
Group posing in front of colorful posters featuring animated characters.
Stage screen displaying Kidscreen Hot 50 rankings for 2018 with categories like Broadcasting, Production, and Digital Media.
Close-up of a clear circular award engraved “2018 Kidscreen Hot 50 – #1 in Production, 9 Story Media Group/Brown Bag Films.”
Sadie on the phone looking at her hand with Gilbert in the background looking perplexed
Vampirina, Poppy and Bridget flying on broom sticks in the night sky
Doc McStuffins and her friends outside the clinic on a snow day. Some of her toy friends are sitting on a sled.
Emmy Awards - Daniel Tiger Crew in a group shot with award at ceremony.

2019

Kidscreen announces its HOT50 companies for 2018, ranking the most happening companies in kids entertainment, and for the second year in a row Brown Bag Films/ 9 Story Media Group is ranked the NUMBER ONE production company!

The nominees for this year’s Daytime Emmy Awards are announced and Brown Bag Films and 9 Story Media Group shows have reached a new record with a total of 20 nominations combined! And to top it off, three of our series win Emmys, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood for Outstanding Preschool Children’s Animated Series. Vampirina and Doc McStuffins win a total of three awards at the Irish Animation Awards!

Sadie Sparks is scheduled to launch on Disney Channel UK on April 20th and both Blues Clues & You! and Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum premiere on November 11. And the BIG red reboot of Clifford drops on Amazon Prime Video and PBS KIDS.  

Our Bali studio rebrands and officially becomes part of the Brown Bag Family!

Doc McStuffins on a picnic blanket with Stuffy and Lambie in the evening outside her home
A still from animated holiday special Angela's Christmas 2

2020

We navigate the Covid-19 pandemic, which results in many unforeseen challenges and uncertainties. Thanks to the incredible efforts of our teams around the globe, we find new ways to work, stay in touch, and continue to do what we love—animation.

We say goodbye to our beloved Doc McStuffins, a show that's been a 10 year journey for us from start to finish!

We see the worldwide Netflix release of our animated holiday special, Angela's Christmas Wish, the sequel to the Emmy® nominated special Angela’s Christmas, based on beloved characters by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt (Angela’s Ashes). 

We announce exciting new shows that have been greenlit—Karma's World, Ada Twist, Scientist and Ridley Jones!

2021

Our incredible teams continue to work from home and produce amazing results despite the many challenges.

We launch an incredible slate of new shows: Ridley Jones, Ada Twist, Scientist, Karma's World, Get Rolling with Otis, and Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show!

We also celebrate the 10-year anniversary of hit-series, Wild Kratts! 

Ada Twist, Scientist soars to unimagined heights as a giant parade balloon for her inaugural flight in this year's Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!

This year also marks 9 Story and Brown Bag's return to the number ONE spot on the Kidscreen Hot50 Production list, since we last charted in first place back in 2018! 

Ridley Jones and friends in the museum
Karma and her family in a group pose. Her dad, Conrad Grant is next to her mom, Lillie Carter-Grant. Her dog, Major, and her brother, Keys, are next to Karma.
Key Art for Ada Twist, Scientist featuring Iggy, Ada, and Rosie posing together
Otis next to a cow and her calf, with the farm in the background

2022

This year saw the launch of incredible new shows: Eureka!, Rosie’s Rules, Sago Mini Friends, and StoryBots: Answer Time! 

In March of this year, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the premiere of Doc McStuffins on Disney Junior, a series which is near and dear to our hearts.

In September, we were so excited to celebrate 10 Grr-ific years of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood along with Fred Rogers Productions and PBS. 10 Years of Tiger Tunes was released on all digital platforms, a collection of songs including never-before-released tracks from the series. We also saw new season drops of Ada Twist, Scientist, Ridley Jones, Karma’s World and Get Rolling with Otis. 

Four people standing in a gym beside flip charts displaying colorful drawings.
Group of young children seated on a colorful rug listening to an adult in a classroom decorated with books and wall art.
Close-up of a child holding a paper bag labeled “Bookbag” with books inside.
Ridley Jones and friends
Person in a gray suit holding a golden award trophy against a green curtain backdrop.
Two people posing with oversized blue pencils in front of a cartoon-themed wall mural.
A still from the animated series Eureka!
Ada, Rosie, and Iggy peeking at the door
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: Daniel waves outside his house.
Switch, Karma and Winston striking a dance pose on Karma's stage
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Eva the Owlet holding her journal while flying in front of Treetopington
Cupcakes with white frosting and edible toppers featuring animated characters and the number 29.
Box of cupcakes decorated with edible images of characters, logos, and the number 29.
Group of people standing in a decorated room with balloons and a screen displaying “Happy Anniversary.”
Close-up of cupcakes topped with edible images of animated characters and logos.
People mingling near a table of cupcakes in a room with a “Happy Anniversary” screen and colorful balloons.
Two people standing close together in a dimly lit bar, one holding a pint of beer.
Children seated around a table drawing and coloring during an indoor activity session.
Two people holding drinks at a casual indoor gathering with brick walls and large windows.
Group gathered around a person speaking in a colorful room with an orange couch and forest-themed wall decor.
Children seated on an orange couch listening to a presenter in a decorated room with art supplies and a large screen.

2023

Karma’s World continues to shine, earning accolades from the NAACP Image Awards, Annie Awards, and Irish Animation Awards, while Let’s Go Luna! takes home a Canadian Screen Award. New shows Eva the Owlet (Apple TV+), Lu & The Bally Bunch (Cartoonito, CBC, RTÉ), and Super Why’s Comic Book Adventures (PBS KIDS) make their debut.

With 16 nominations at the Children’s & Family Emmy® Awards and a Top 5 ranking in Kidscreen’s Hot50, we reaffirm our place as a global leader in children’s animation.

2024

In 2024, Brown Bag Films celebrated its 30th anniversary—three decades of storytelling, innovation, and growth. From its humble beginnings in Dublin to becoming a global studio with over 1,000 team members, the milestone marked a proud moment in the studio’s journey. The year also brought strategic growth, as we became part of the Scholastic family!

Our new show Dee and Friends in Oz launches on Netflix and Eva the Owlet and Sago Mini Friends are renewed for new seasons.

Four people posing in front of a branded backdrop and screen, giving thumbs-up gestures.
Dee and her friends walking through Oz
Three people standing behind a table filled with cupcakes and desserts at a celebration event.
Large group of students lying on the floor drawing on long sheets of paper during an art activity.
Audience seated in a casual venue listening to two speakers during a discussion session.
Children seated at tables participating in an animation workshop with a presenter and screen.
Three people standing behind a table with cupcakes and a banner reading “We Love Animation” at a company celebration.
Large group photo of people seated on tiered steps indoors, raising hands in a celebratory pose.
Two people standing behind a dessert table with cakes and cupcakes, musician playing guitar in the background.
Panel of five speakers seated on stage in front of a large presentation screen during a conference.
Two animation character models displayed on a table with a colorful backdrop of artwork.
Group of eight people posing in front of a branded backdrop at an event.
Person standing near a screen displaying a presentation titled “Jelly by Name, Jelly by Nature” at an event.
Tall indoor atrium with a large vertical banner reading “Unreal Fest Prague ’24” hanging from the upper floors.

2025

Dylan’s Playtime Adventures launches on Max. Lu & The Bally Bunch expands into publishing, bringing its characters from screen to shelf. We celebrate award wins for Wild Kratts and Let’s Go, Bananas!, the latter earning a Youth Media Alliance Award and a GLAAD Media Award nomination. And Blue’s Clues & You! Wins Outstanding Preschool Series at the Children's & Family Emmys.

Our series RoboGobo premieres on Disney, and Horton! and The Sneetches are announced at Annecy Animation Festival. 

Group photo of people standing and kneeling in a brightly lit indoor space with colorful wall art above.
Two people posing between two silver humanoid statues in front of a Perforce sign at an event venue.
Group standing around a ping pong table indoors, some holding drinks during a casual office event.
Panel discussion with speakers seated on stage holding microphones, water glasses on a table in front.
Large group dressed in creative costumes posing on tiered seating for a themed event at Brown Bag Films.
Group posing indoors under a neon sign that reads “Stop Thinking Start Drinking,” with festive lights and a banner featuring animated characters.
Two people standing between silver humanoid statues holding an award in front of a screen reading “Welcome to Unreal Fest 2025.”
A Sneetch standing in lush, colorful vegetation, looking off to the side. Next to a monkey using binoculars.
Hopper, Shelly, Wingo, Booster and Allie in their Robo-suits in hero poses
Horton sitting with various animals in a forest under a starry sky.
Group gathered together in a warmly lit venue with drinks in hand and greenery hanging overhead.
Wide group photo of people seated and standing in a modern office space during a company gathering.
The Blue's Clues Team accepting their Emmy Award
The Rosie's Rules Team at the Emmy Awards