Primarily an animation studio that produces animated feature films for family entertainment, Beijing-based Light Chaser Animation Studios creates some of the most visually stunning animation coming out of China right now.
Way back in 2014, the studio told the BBC its goal was to create feature films that rivaled studios like Dreamworks and Pixar in quality, animation and storytelling.
With that goal in mind, along with highly-skilled Chinese animators, Light Chaser has hired various American former employees of companies like Pixar, and gone ‘all in’ on creating extremely innovative projects.
The company’s motto is — “We have a mission to combine technology and art to create unprecedented pieces of work” — and it looks like, so far at least, they are succeeding.
Light Chaser explains its business plan in this way, as it also attempts to recruit not just Chinese animation talent but also that from other countries.
Light Chaser Animation Studios, based in Beijing, was founded in March 2013 by Gary Wang, founder and ex-CEO of Tudou.com, China’s leading internet video website.
Our goal is to create world-class animated films with a Chinese cultural touch.
Our startup team combines a unique view towards artistic creation with deep experience in business management and operation.
We aim to create a world class artistic, technical, and management team, and we welcome top animation talent from China and around the world to join us on this exciting journey.
Donghua films animated by Light Chaser Animation
- Xiao Yeyou (aka Little Yeyos) — (2014) – company’s first production – a 3-minute short
- Xiao Men Shen (aka The Guardian Brothers) — (2016)
- A Tang Qi Yu (aka Toys & Pets) — (2017)
- Mao Yu Tao Hua Yuan (aka Cats and Peachtopia) — (2018)
- Bai She: Yuan Qi (aka White Snake) franchise — (2019-present) (see trailer below for latest release)
- Xin Shen Bang: Nezha Chongsheng (aka New Gods: Nezha Reborn) franchise — (2021-2022)
- Chang An San Wan Li (aka 30,000 Miles From Chang’an) — (2023)
More information: Light Chaser Animation’s website (in English)
Entertainment journalist covering Japanese and Chinese anime industry for a decade.
Favorite donghua — World of Immortals, A Will Eternal, The Demon Hunter, Perfect World, Battle Through the Heavens, Fabulous Beasts, Spy x Sect, Soul Land, Tales of Herding Gods, Heaven Officials’ Blessing, Qi Refining for 3000 Years.