‘Smiling Friends’ Creators Launch zam Studios, New Animation Hub in Los Angeles
los Angeles, CA – The creative force behind Adult Swim’s critically acclaimed Smiling Friends has launched Zam Studios, a new independent animation studio based in Los Angeles. The studio is a collaboration between Zach Hadel and producer Aron Fromm.
Zam Studios will provide animation, VFX, production, and post-production services for television, feature film, and commercial projects, alongside developing original content. The launch signifies a growing demand for high-quality, creatively driven animation, notably as Smiling Friends gains wider recognition. The studio aims to recapture the magic of classic animation while embracing modern techniques.
“Zam will focus on what matters most in animation – high-quality work made by people who understand the process, are obsessed with craft and have a knack for producing cartoons that recapture the magic of years past,” Hadel and Fromm said in a joint statement with co-creator Michael Cusack.
Currently, Zam Studios is handling all specialty and mixed media animation, live action, compositing, and VFX for the third season of Smiling Friends, which premieres Sunday, October 5 on Adult Swim and Monday, October 6 on HBO Max.The upcoming season features a diverse range of animation styles, including claymation, 2D animation, CG animation, stop motion, and live action.
Cusack (Yolo: Crystal Fantasy) and Hadel (OneyPlays, Hellbenders) co-created Smiling Friends, with Fromm (Sessions with Stan, Mike Judge Presents: Tales from the Tour Bus) serving as a producer/director.Zam Studios’ previous credits include the Smiling Friends shorts, Smiling Symphonies, the Billy Idol Should Be Dead documentary, and bumpers for Rick & Morty and Adult Swim.
Zam Studios is represented by Fourth wall Management. More facts can be found at https://www.zamstudios.net/.
