Oleg Kuzovkov is taking Masha and the Bear into a new era.
The creator of the globally recognized animated franchise launched Studio MiM following the expiration of his exclusive licensing agreement with Animaccord. The new company will oversee future development of the property, including a feature-length film already in pre-production.
According to the company, the film will mark the first in a planned series of animated theatrical releases built around a rebooted vision of the characters. Studio MiM expects to complete the production pipeline for the first movie by the end of 2028.
“I’m truly touched by this opportunity to expand the world of Masha and the Bear to its first long-form feature,” Kuzovkov said.
Studio MiM said it plans to combine modern production technology with the handcrafted 3D animation style and character-driven storytelling that helped establish the original series.
Originally launched in 2009, Masha and the Bear became one of the most successful family entertainment properties in digital media. The series built a global audience through streaming and YouTube, where one episode surpassed 4.6 billion views, making it one of the platform’s most-watched non-music videos.
Kuzovkov originally assembled the creative team behind the series, including composer Vasily Bogatirev and sound engineer Boris Kutnevich, who also voices Bear.
The franchise has earned global recognition over the years, including a Guinness World Record and a Kidscreen Award for Best Animation.
Ahead of Licensing Expo, the company is meeting with interested partners. Email licensing@mimanimation.com for information.
