London and LA-based production company Riff Raff announces the launch of its own animation department, Our Animated Cousin, a dedicated home for an element of creativity that has long been a part of the company's DNA.

The new department will be anchored by directors on the Riff Raff roster who are renowned for their distinctive approaches to animation - including Smith & Foulkes, The Sacred Egg, Francois Rousselet, Alden Volney, and recent signing, Oscar-nominated director Johnny Kelly.

Together with these directors, all with the proven ability to craft memorable, design-led storytelling, Riff Raff is also offering access to new emerging talent across the world in illustration, concept, puppetry and stop frame animation.

“What inspires me most is how animation combines creativity and technology (yes, even AI!) to bring ideas to life in a unique and unforgettable, instantly ownable, way," says Tracey Cooper, Riff Raff’s Executive Producer & Joint Managing Partner.

"I feel positively evangelical about the importance of craft in our industry and know that the professionalism, talent and heart that makes Riff Raff what it is, will keep pushing us into original and inspiring animated worlds.”

• Watch the Our Animated Cousin showreel at Riff Raff here