CinéGroupe
CinéGroupe is a Montreal-based Canadian animation studio and production company whose television, film, and interactive properties have reached audiences in more than 125 countries.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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History
CinéGroupe was established in Montreal in 1974 by Jacques Pettigrew. It developed into one of Canada's internationally active animation producers, working across television series, feature films, specials, direct-to-video releases, and selected licensed interactive projects. The studio's productions eventually reached more than 125 countries. Its early and established catalogue was centered on animated entertainment for children and families. Among the company's better-known series were What's with Andy?, The Kids from Room 402, Pig City, Mega Babies, and Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat. The company also produced the more adult-oriented or genre-focused Tripping the Rift. Its international profile was supported by relationships with broadcasters and distributors such as Fox Family and PBS. CinéGroupe's film output included Lion of Oz, produced with Sony Wonder, and later Heavy Metal 2000, an animated continuation of the 1981 cult film. In 2004, it released Pinocchio 3000, which relocated the familiar Pinocchio story into a science-fiction setting. The company expanded its ownership and partnership structure during the late 1990s and early 2000s. In August 1998, Fox Family Worldwide bought a 20 percent minority stake. Lions Gate Entertainment also held a substantial interest, although CinéGroupe's relationship with Lions Gate changed over time from subsidiary status toward a partner relationship. In January 2001, CinéGroupe formed an 80/20 production and distribution venture with Telescene. The first production identified with the arrangement was the third series of Big Wolf on Campus. Later that year, CinéGroupe launched CinéGroupe Image to pursue live-action programming, reflecting an effort to broaden the business beyond animation. The studio's early-2000s activity was notably diversified. It produced or participated in live-action youth projects including Galidor: Defenders of the Outer Dimension and continued work in animated television and film. With MGA Entertainment, it helped create Bratz: Starrin' and Stylin', a direct-to-video film based on the Bratz doll franchise. It also developed three Game Boy Advance titles between 2002 and 2003: Tom and Jerry in Infurnal Escape, Dora the Explorer: The Search for Pirate Pig's Treasure, and Dora the Explorer: Super Spies. These projects were published by NewKidCo and Gotham Games. In October 2002, CinéGroupe joined with Les Disques Star Records to form CinéGroupe Star, a home-video distribution operation. The venture was folded in January 2004. The same period brought financial pressure: after production cuts, the studio sought protection from creditors before the Quebec Superior Court. Publicly available reference material does not provide a definitive, continuous account of the company's corporate status after this episode. CinéGroupe remained connected with catalogue distribution and new development in subsequent years. HG Distribution has been identified as a distribution partner for part of the company's library, although not all titles are represented in the listed catalogue. In 2018, CinéGroupe co-produced Tshakapesh, a two-dimensional series based on an Innu legend that aired on APTN and Radio-Canada. Later development activity was described as including educational entertainment projects focused on water preservation and environmental protection, as well as possible revivals or revitalization of older properties. The available sources do not establish current ownership, leadership, headquarters beyond Montreal, or whether the company remains fully active, so those corporate details remain unresolved.
- 2018
Tshakapesh is co-produced
[1]CinéGroupe co-produces the animated series Tshakapesh for APTN and Radio-Canada.
- 2004
CinéGroupe seeks creditor protection
[1]Following production reductions, the company files for protection from creditors in Quebec.
- 2002
CinéGroupe Star is launched
[1]CinéGroupe and Les Disques Star Records establish a home-video distribution venture.
- 2001
CinéGroupe forms a venture with Telescene
[1]CinéGroupe and Telescene establish an 80/20 production and distribution joint venture.
- 2001
CinéGroupe Image is created
[1]The company creates a division to expand into live-action programming.
- 1998
Fox Family Worldwide takes a minority stake
[1]Fox Family Worldwide acquires a 20 percent interest in the studio.
- 1974
CinéGroupe is founded in Montreal
[1]Jacques Pettigrew establishes CinéGroupe as a Canadian animation and production company.
Products and positioning
An internationally oriented Canadian animation producer focused primarily on children's and family entertainment, while also developing genre animation, feature films, live-action youth programming, licensed interactive products, and educational properties.
Animated television series
What's with Andy?
A youth-oriented animated comedy among CinéGroupe's best-known television properties. The series helped establish the studio's international children's-programming profile and was associated with the Fox Family broadcast ecosystem in the United States.
Animated television series
The Kids from Room 402
An animated school-based comedy produced for the children's television market. It forms part of the catalogue that gave CinéGroupe a broad international presence in youth programming.
Animated television series
Pig City
A children's animated series included among CinéGroupe's notable franchises. Its distribution history is associated with Fox Family and the company's wider international television catalogue.
Animated television series
Tripping the Rift
A science-fiction animated series that broadened CinéGroupe's output beyond conventional children's programming. It aired in the United States on the Sci Fi Channel, now known as Syfy.
Animated television series
Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat
A family-oriented animated property based on the children's book concept of a Chinese Siamese cat. The series was associated with PBS in the United States and contributed to CinéGroupe's profile in educational and family television.
Animated television series
Mega Babies
A children's animated series produced with Sony Wonder. It was also carried by Fox Family and exemplifies CinéGroupe's use of co-production and distribution partnerships for international youth properties.
Animated feature film · 2000
Heavy Metal 2000
An animated sequel to the 1981 cult film Heavy Metal. CinéGroupe produced the animation for Columbia TriStar Home Video; the film premiered on Starz in the United States and was later shown on Teletoon in Canada.
Animated feature film · 2004
Pinocchio 3000
A science-fiction adaptation of the Pinocchio story, relocating the classic narrative into a futuristic setting. The film was released in 2004 and represents CinéGroupe's feature-animation activity.
Animated television series · 2018
Tshakapesh
A two-dimensional animated series based on an Innu legend. CinéGroupe co-produced the series, which aired on APTN and Radio-Canada in 2018.
Game Boy Advance video game · 2002
Tom and Jerry in Infurnal Escape
A licensed Game Boy Advance title developed by CinéGroupe in 2002 and published by NewKidCo.
Game Boy Advance video game · 2002
Dora the Explorer: The Search for Pirate Pig's Treasure
A licensed Game Boy Advance game developed by CinéGroupe and published by NewKidCo in 2002.
Game Boy Advance video game · 2003
Dora the Explorer: Super Spies
A Dora the Explorer Game Boy Advance title developed by CinéGroupe and published by Gotham Games in 2003.
Brand decisions
2004
Production reductions and creditor protectionStrategyBackground
The company faced production cuts and financial pressure at the beginning of 2004.
Action taken
CinéGroupe sought protection from its creditors through the Quebec Superior Court.
Aftermath
The available reference material does not establish a complete subsequent restructuring or the company's definitive current status.
2002
Creation of CinéGroupe StarStrategyBackground
The studio pursued greater control or participation in home-video distribution through a relationship with Les Disques Star Records.
Action taken
CinéGroupe and Star Records created the CinéGroupe Star home-video distribution venture.
Aftermath
The joint venture was discontinued in January 2004.
2001
Expansion into live-action productionStrategyBackground
CinéGroupe sought to broaden its business beyond animation and established a division dedicated to live-action programming.
Action taken
The company created CinéGroupe Image and pursued live-action youth projects including Galidor: Defenders of the Outer Dimension.
Aftermath
The move expanded the range of formats associated with the studio, although the available material does not quantify its commercial results.
Sources1 sources
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