WME Signs AI Animation Studio Toonstar & Sets Creator Project with Nigel Ng

Tech-driven animation studio Toonstar today announced they have signed with WME as their exclusive representation. As one of the first AI animation studio to be represented by a major talent agency, the company says this deal underscores WME’s belief in Toonstar’s ethical and innovative approach to the integration of AI-powered production capabilities into their animation workflow.

Toonstar and WME will collaborate to launch a new slate of creator driven animated series, the first of which is , with internationally popular comedian and digital creator Nigel Ng, who has partnered with Toonstar to create an animated series based on his popular online character, Uncle Roger.

Toonstar was founded by former Disney and Warner Bros. executives John Attanasio and Luisa Huang, who wanted to set up an animation studio that addressed the changing needs of creators, consumers and the industry at large. The studio’s model incorporates AI technology to reduce production time and costs, helping artists and storytellers to launch new IP while maintaining creative control.

“We’re thrilled to partner with WME and work to expand access to animation for their incredible roster of talent and beyond,” said John Attanasio, CEO & co-founder of Toonstar. “Together, we can unlock the creative and commercial power of this global medium for a wide range of creators.”

COO and co-founder Luisa Huang added, “This partnership with WME validates our approach and will help us scale original animated IP. We’re not using AI to replace animators  —we’re using it to empower more creators and bring fresh perspectives to the medium we love. Creators like Nigel, who have built massive audiences through their unique voices, can now expand into animation and reach new heights of creative expression.”

Ng, best known for his viral persona “Uncle Roger,” a global comedy brand with over 10 million YouTube subscribers and sold-out international tours, will co-create and voice a new original series with Toonstar.

“Expanding Uncle Roger’s storytelling possibilities through animation is something I’ve long dreamed about,” said Ng. “When I met John and Luisa, I understood right away that Toonstar is a creator-focused studio using technology to make high quality animation accessible to people like me. They can help me, someone who can’t draw at all, animate Uncle Roger and bring him to life in a whole new way.”

Toonstar has developed copyright clean proprietary AI engines that are customized for each production, ensuring all artwork remains original, copyright-compliant, and unique to each show. Their proprietary technologies include Ink & Pixel, an AI production engine that significantly improves speed and cost efficiency, and SPOT, an AI-powered distribution tool that provides real-time audience insights to guide creative development and optimize content strategy.

The studio says its approach draws inspiration from pioneering studio Hanna-Barbera, which introduced new streamline production techniques that made animated storytelling more viable for television, giving rise to cultural icons like The Flintstones, Scooby-Doo and The Jetsons. Toonstar’s technology-driven production model, allied with its ethical practice commitment, has already created successful IP expansions for emerging talent like Parker James, whose Toonstar-produced series StEvEn & Parker has amassed billions of views across five continents on YouTube.

Toonstar is backed by media tech investors including Founders Fund, Greycroft, Snap and GFR.

Ng is represented by WME, United Agents and MVE Management.