Aardman Animations Appoints CAA Brand Management as Licensing Agent for Japan and Greater China
Aardman Animations has appointed CAA Brand Management to lead its brand licensing and promotional programs across Japan and Greater China, aiming to accelerate growth for iconic IPs like 'Shaun the Sheep' and 'Wallace & Gromit'.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 2, 2026 at 02:00
(Release Date: April 1, 2026)
Bristol, UK - Aardman Animations, the award-winning independent animation studio, announced today the appointment of CAA Brand Management—the licensing and consumer products division of Creative Artists Agency (CAA)—as its agency for brand licensing, partnerships, live events, and promotional programs in Japan and Greater China (including Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau), effective April 1.
This appointment reflects Aardman Animations' ambition for further growth in Asian markets. The company's brands, such as "Shaun the Sheep" and "Wallace & Gromit," have seen high recognition and growing popularity in the region, and this partnership aims to further strengthen that foundation.
CAA Brand Management, known for its expertise in high-quality brand development and management, has a wealth of experience across diverse sectors and services. The firm will oversee Aardman's entire brand licensing business in the target regions, developing and implementing local strategies for consumer products, digital, and live events. Through this partnership, the goal is to expand reach into new and untapped sectors and consumers while deepening engagement with existing fans through fan-focused strategies rooted in high-quality content, products, and experiences. Furthermore, the presence of Aardman Animations in Asia will be further enhanced by strengthening support for key licensee partners and acquiring new licensees.
Alison Taylor, Director of Licensing & Distribution at Aardman, stated: "We are delighted to partner with CAA Brand Management in key Asian markets. While our brands already have a strong and loyal fan base in Japan and China, this partnership allows us to leverage local expertise to further accelerate that momentum. We believe there are significant opportunities to deepen relationships with consumers and achieve sustainable, long-term growth across Asia through the opening of new categories and partnerships."
Rommel Maranon, Vice President of Asia Brand Management at CAA Brand Management, added: "We are honored to team up with Aardman Animations to represent such beloved and iconic brands in Asia. By leveraging our regional expertise and global network, we will support Aardman in increasing consumer touchpoints and building meaningful relationships with fans. We are committed to delivering innovative brand experiences and achieving long-term growth across Aardman's entire portfolio, including 'Shaun the Sheep' and 'Wallace & Gromit'."
This appointment builds upon Aardman Animations' recent strengthening of its licensing and consumer products team, including Alison Taylor's promotion to Director. CAA Brand Management will report to her and work in coordination with senior brand and licensing management, including Director of Attractions & Live Experiences Ngaio Harding-Hill, Director of Digital, Social & Community Kenny England, and Director of Brand Marketing & PR Amy Pearson.
Previously, Aardman Animations' licensing operations were handled by TFC in Japan and U-Young in China.
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Contact: Jules Barretto, Riot Communications. TEL: 07888671581 Email: Jules@riotcommunications.com
About Aardman Animations:
Aardman Animations, based in Bristol, UK, is an employee-owned company co-founded in 1976 by Peter Lord and David Sproxton. An independent studio with multiple Academy Award® and BAFTA® wins, it produces feature films, series, advertising, and interactive content.
The studio's work is globally acclaimed for its unique and charming character expressions. It has created many popular characters, such as "Wallace & Gromit," "Shaun the Sheep," "Timmy Time," and "Morph." These works, while often imitated, continue to lead the animation industry by producing visually superior comedy across film, broadcast, digital platforms, and live experiences.
In 2026, the studio will celebrate its 50th anniversary, with various events planned to honor its craft and legacy. As part of this, the new film "Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom" is scheduled for release in the fall.
Aardman Animations also operates the world-class "Aardman Academy," providing education and mentoring in the fields of film and animation. Through instruction by industry-leading professionals, it works to nurture the next generation of animation talent.
www.aardman.com
About CAA Brand Management:
CAA Brand Management is a premier brand development and management firm that helps clients formulate and execute growth strategies across a wide range of consumer product sectors. With over 30 years of partnership and licensing experience and a network of offices in 20 countries, it provides innovative and profitable brand extension programs for the world’s leading brands.
The company is a division of CAA, the leading American entertainment and sports agency, and possesses global expertise in fields such as film and live entertainment, digital media, publishing, sponsorship sales, media finance, consumer investment, fashion, licensing, and philanthropy. With a collaborative culture and exceptional client service, it creates opportunities and maximizes value for people and organizations that shape culture and influence the world.
www.caabrandmanagement.com
Bristol, UK - Aardman Animations, the award-winning independent animation studio, announced today the appointment of CAA Brand Management—the licensing and consumer products division of Creative Artists Agency (CAA)—as its agency for brand licensing, partnerships, live events, and promotional programs in Japan and Greater China (including Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau), effective April 1.
This appointment reflects Aardman Animations' ambition for further growth in Asian markets. The company's brands, such as "Shaun the Sheep" and "Wallace & Gromit," have seen high recognition and growing popularity in the region, and this partnership aims to further strengthen that foundation.
CAA Brand Management, known for its expertise in high-quality brand development and management, has a wealth of experience across diverse sectors and services. The firm will oversee Aardman's entire brand licensing business in the target regions, developing and implementing local strategies for consumer products, digital, and live events. Through this partnership, the goal is to expand reach into new and untapped sectors and consumers while deepening engagement with existing fans through fan-focused strategies rooted in high-quality content, products, and experiences. Furthermore, the presence of Aardman Animations in Asia will be further enhanced by strengthening support for key licensee partners and acquiring new licensees.
Alison Taylor, Director of Licensing & Distribution at Aardman, stated: "We are delighted to partner with CAA Brand Management in key Asian markets. While our brands already have a strong and loyal fan base in Japan and China, this partnership allows us to leverage local expertise to further accelerate that momentum. We believe there are significant opportunities to deepen relationships with consumers and achieve sustainable, long-term growth across Asia through the opening of new categories and partnerships."
Rommel Maranon, Vice President of Asia Brand Management at CAA Brand Management, added: "We are honored to team up with Aardman Animations to represent such beloved and iconic brands in Asia. By leveraging our regional expertise and global network, we will support Aardman in increasing consumer touchpoints and building meaningful relationships with fans. We are committed to delivering innovative brand experiences and achieving long-term growth across Aardman's entire portfolio, including 'Shaun the Sheep' and 'Wallace & Gromit'."
This appointment builds upon Aardman Animations' recent strengthening of its licensing and consumer products team, including Alison Taylor's promotion to Director. CAA Brand Management will report to her and work in coordination with senior brand and licensing management, including Director of Attractions & Live Experiences Ngaio Harding-Hill, Director of Digital, Social & Community Kenny England, and Director of Brand Marketing & PR Amy Pearson.
Previously, Aardman Animations' licensing operations were handled by TFC in Japan and U-Young in China.
###
Contact: Jules Barretto, Riot Communications. TEL: 07888671581 Email: Jules@riotcommunications.com
About Aardman Animations:
Aardman Animations, based in Bristol, UK, is an employee-owned company co-founded in 1976 by Peter Lord and David Sproxton. An independent studio with multiple Academy Award® and BAFTA® wins, it produces feature films, series, advertising, and interactive content.
The studio's work is globally acclaimed for its unique and charming character expressions. It has created many popular characters, such as "Wallace & Gromit," "Shaun the Sheep," "Timmy Time," and "Morph." These works, while often imitated, continue to lead the animation industry by producing visually superior comedy across film, broadcast, digital platforms, and live experiences.
In 2026, the studio will celebrate its 50th anniversary, with various events planned to honor its craft and legacy. As part of this, the new film "Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom" is scheduled for release in the fall.
Aardman Animations also operates the world-class "Aardman Academy," providing education and mentoring in the fields of film and animation. Through instruction by industry-leading professionals, it works to nurture the next generation of animation talent.
www.aardman.com
About CAA Brand Management:
CAA Brand Management is a premier brand development and management firm that helps clients formulate and execute growth strategies across a wide range of consumer product sectors. With over 30 years of partnership and licensing experience and a network of offices in 20 countries, it provides innovative and profitable brand extension programs for the world’s leading brands.
The company is a division of CAA, the leading American entertainment and sports agency, and possesses global expertise in fields such as film and live entertainment, digital media, publishing, sponsorship sales, media finance, consumer investment, fashion, licensing, and philanthropy. With a collaborative culture and exceptional client service, it creates opportunities and maximizes value for people and organizations that shape culture and influence the world.
www.caabrandmanagement.com
FAQ
Who is the new licensing agent for Aardman in Asia?
As of April 1, 2026, CAA Brand Management is the exclusive agent for Japan and Greater China (including mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau).
When will the next Shaun the Sheep movie be released?
The new feature film 'Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom' is scheduled for release in the Fall of 2026.
What regions are covered by this new partnership?
The partnership covers Japan, Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.