After years of speculation and rumors that Walt Disney Studios would open an animation studio in either Toronto or Vancouver, the Hollywood major’s television division has settled the score.

Two facilities – one in Vancouver and the other in Toronto – will start staffing in January 1996, employing approximately 200 Canadian animators per project for straight-to-video release and television product. Animators in all capacities – ranging from storyboard artists, color stylists and layout artists to directors will be recruited. Disney is also putting together a digital ink and paint team.

Volume is not decided yet, but Disney executives say probably up to three projects – two in development and one in production – will be underway at any given time.

Lenora Hume, vp international production, Walt Disney television animation, who will oversee the Canadian operation, says initially the two studios will work together on a single project ‘so that we don’t put a strain on either of the communities.’ Hume says, however, there is the potential for growth and one day each studio may handle its own projects.

The idea for the Canadian studio came out of Disney’s anticipation for increased production and the success of the direct-to-home video The Return of Jaffar, which topped dth video sales.

Plans are to take a temporary space for January and to look for permanent space once the whole process is underway.

As to how the two facilities will compare, Hume says, ‘We will be doing a recruiting effort beginning in January, and once we’ve had a response from the talent that’s interested, we will evaluate size in each city.’

Walt Disney Animation Canada will follow in the footsteps of the studios located in Tokyo and Sydney, which opened in 1988 and in 1989 respectively. Local management and local talent are hired to staff the facilities and development and recording take place in California, with all visual execution handled by the foreign studios.

The studio in France, a tv and direct-to-video operation, is now working with Disney’s features division on the film The Hunchback.

Hume says Disney will continue to hire independent companies in Canada for service work.

Originally from Ontario, Hume started in the animation business 20 years ago. She worked for Nelvana as a cinematographer and was dop on the feature Rock and Rule.

Hume says she is happy to be setting up this shop in Canada where the constant exodus of animation talent has labeled Canadian animators ‘the gypsies’ of the industry. Citing the fact that about 50% of last year’s graduating class at Sheridan left the country, Hume says, ‘we felt if there were more opportunities for Canadians to stay at home and work on meaty projects, they may choose to stay north of the border.’

Disney says it’s too early to announce the first title the Canadian studios will be assigned.