From big screen to stream: How animation studios are adapting to OTT-first releases

When I first entered the world of animation, the dream was always to see our work light up the silver screen. The thrill of sitting in a packed theater, watching your creation unfold before a live audience—it was magical. But over the past few years, a subtle yet seismic shift has occurred. Animation studios, including the one I work for, are increasingly crafting stories not for theatrical release, but for the streaming world.

And honestly, it’s changing everything.

As an artist, I see this OTT-first trend as a renaissance for animation. Studios are evolving—not just in how we distribute, but in how we think. We’re no longer chasing the theatrical calendar. We’re chasing ideas, emotions, and cultural relevance.

A New Canvas for Storytelling

OTT platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and others have become the new playgrounds for animation. What excites me most as an ...