The animation studio is using Flix with Adobe Photoshop to support storyboarding on the Sycamore Studios animated feature set for a 2027 release.
Reel FX Animation Studios has adopted Foundry’s Flix as a collaborative story development hub for its pipeline and is using the software with Adobe Photoshop to storyboard the animated feature Doctor Dolittle: King of the Wild, which it is producing in partnership with Sycamore Studios.
The animation studio made the move to Flix to standardize its pipeline and streamline processes across departments. The company began testing the software to help alleviate common production bottlenecks, particularly when creative work is shared among teams and individual artists working in remote locations.
Flix unites story, editorial and production teams in a shared workspace, connecting departments and applications while centralizing assets, organizing versions and tracking feedback. The software is designed to support fast-paced creative collaboration during story ideation and development, helping teams communicate ideas clearly and in a timely way across departments.
“We see, access, collaborate on, and deliver assets quickly and more efficiently with Flix,” shared Jonathan Bouchard, chief technology officer, Reel FX Animation Studios. “It brings us a structured workflow for story development and centralizes files for seamless implementation with remote and hybrid teams. It’s easy to give and receive notes and feedback, especially when away from the studio or unable to do so live. Foundry has always delivered an experience that surpasses our expectations.”
Doctor Dolittle: King of the Wild is directed by Academy Award nominated Timothy Reckart, Sycamore co-founder and Chief Creative Officer, who previously helmed Sony’s The Star. It is currently slated for delivery in the third quarter of 2027.
In the reimagined new adventure, Doctor Dolittle is a world-famous zoologist who must clear his name after a live-streamed expedition accidentally delivers a legendary creature into the hands of poachers. With the world turning against him, Dolittle reunites with three estranged zoo friends for a rescue mission that could save the animal kingdom.
The screenplay is written by Cal Brunker and Bob Barlen, whose previous credits include PAW Patrol: The Movie and PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie. Christian McGuigan and Cooper Waterman executive produce, with Saxton Washburn producing for Sycamore.
Flix connects with industry-standard sketching, creative and editorial applications, including Storyboard Pro, Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro, allowing artists to continue using their storyboarding tool of choice. The software simplifies project administration, improves team efficiency on a global scale, enhances artist creativity and helps eliminate technical barriers.
Foundry develops creative software for the media and entertainment industry, with products used across feature films, episodic content and commercials. The company has received four Academy Sci-Tech Awards for Mari, Katana, Nuke and Furnace, two HPA Engineering Excellence Awards for Flix and Nuke, and an Engineering Emmy for Nuke. Founded in 1996, Foundry is headquartered in London and has more than 275 employees worldwide.
Source: Foundry
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
