The Indian 2D animation studio arrived at MIPJunior with eight intellectual properties in development and plans to establish new production and distribution partnerships. Among its projects is Shelly and Friends, a preschool animated series combining underwater adventures with environmental awareness.
*with reporting by Carolina Mussio and Ana Paula Carreira from Cannes, France.
Prayan Animation Studio is expanding into original content development after more than a decade focused primarily on providing 2D animation services. The Indian company arrived at MIPJunior 2026 with eight intellectual properties at different stages of development, seeking new co-production partners, investors, and broadcasters.
“We are looking for 2D animation service work, but also partners for producing our own IPs, good projects to acquire, and financing opportunities,” Vinayan V, CEO and co-founder of Prayan Animation Studio, told ttvnews.
Founded in 2012 by Vinayan Vijayan and Remesh Ram, the company is based in Kerala, southern India, and has grown from just four animators in its early days to a team of more than 100 professionals. Its main focus remains 2D animation, although it also provides illustration, pre-production, post-production, and 3D animation services.
“For many years, we focused on animation services, working on numerous international projects. Last year, we also started focusing on our own IPs, and we have developed eight projects targeting different audiences,” the executive explained.
Among its international projects, Prayan has worked on productions associated with franchises such as Hasbro’s G.I. Joe. The company also has extensive experience in publishing illustrations, having contributed to more than 500 books for different clients.
One of the projects Prayan is currently promoting is Shelly and Friends, a preschool animated series set in the ocean, where a group of marine animals embark on adventures combining entertainment, friendship, and environmental education.
The project follows Shelly, a young clam, and her friends as they explore underwater life while learning about cooperation, pollution, and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.
“We have an IP called Shelly and Friends, about the ocean and the animals living there. Today, our oceans are polluted by plastic and oil, and there are many problems affecting fish and other marine creatures,” Vinayan explained.
“We want to give children information about how they can protect our oceans. That’s the message we want to convey to our audience,” he added.
This focus on educational storytelling also reflects the changes the executive is observing in children’s viewing habits, particularly the growth of YouTube, short-form videos, and content designed to immediately capture viewers’ attention.
“Children are changing the way they consume content. They are now looking for short stories, YouTube content, and things that engage them immediately. If you can’t hook them in the first three seconds, they move on to the next video,” he said.
Against this backdrop, Prayan is also exploring educational content related to subjects such as mathematics and science, alongside stories that promote positive values.
“We are working on educational projects and learning materials, including mathematics and science. We would like to develop more education-related IPs and collaborate with partners in this area,” he explained.
