Locksmith Animation, the London-based studio led by co-CEOs Julie Lockhart and Sarah Smith, has signed a multi-year production partnership with 20th Century Fox that will bring a steady stream of Locksmith animated features to Fox distribution. Under the agreement, Locksmith will deliver a new animated film to Fox approximately every year to 18 months, bolstering Fox’s theatrical animation slate alongside its existing animation output.
The deal arrives as Fox looks to maintain a consistent presence in the family and animation market. In recent years Fox distributed films from DreamWorks Animation, a relationship that is set to wind down as the DreamWorks agreement concludes with the release cycle for Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie. With that distribution arrangement ending, Fox sought a reliable partner to ensure it does “not miss a season when it comes to animated films,” an objective overseen by studio head Stacey Snider. Locksmith joins Blue Sky Studios in helping Fox meet that goal and expand its portfolio of animated releases.
Locksmith is said to already have several projects in development. Founders Lockhart and Smith have reportedly been preparing three separate projects, and the studio announced that their first film under the Fox partnership is slated for release in 2020. The company has emphasized that its creative focus is on original storytelling, developing wholly new intellectual property for theatrical release under the Fox banner rather than relying on pre-existing franchises or adaptations.
The partnership highlights Locksmith’s emergence as a notable creative force in European animation. The studio’s roots trace back to its founding in London and its early support from key industry figures. Elisabeth Murdoch, daughter of media executive Rupert Murdoch, played a significant role in helping Locksmith establish itself when the studio launched in 2014. Locksmith was briefly linked to a potential arrangement with Paramount as well, a plan that did not proceed after a change in management at that studio in early 2017.
For Fox, the agreement with Locksmith strengthens a diversified approach to animated content: maintaining Blue Sky’s continuing franchise projects while adding fresh, original films from a smaller studio focused on distinctive storytelling and creative talent. The move reflects a broader studio strategy of balancing reliable franchise work with risk-taking on new original properties that can build long-term value and attract top-tier creative teams.
Locksmith’s leaders framed the collaboration as a meeting of creative visions and distribution expertise. In announcing the partnership, Julie Lockhart and Sarah Smith highlighted their enthusiasm for working with a studio experienced in marketing and releasing animated features worldwide, and for the shared appreciation of the stories Locksmith aims to tell. They described the arrangement as an exciting new chapter for their studio as it begins production on its first film for Fox and continues to develop additional titles.
“We are thrilled by the response of both Stacey and the Fox team to Locksmith’s vision, talent and IP. [Fox] has a first-class track record in marketing and distributing animation, and their shared appreciation of our stories make this a truly exciting partnership. Embarking on production of our first film, with more titles in the pipeline, is a great moment for Locksmith.”
Stacey Snider, head of the Fox studio, praised the founders’ experience and creative commitment when commenting on the new relationship. Fox emphasized the importance of storytellers with strong creative voices in building a world-class animation offering and noted that Locksmith’s leadership had attracted talented filmmakers and artists to the studio’s expanding slate.
“Julie and Sarah are each singular talents, and together with their vast experience and belief in the preeminence of the storyteller, they are building a world class animation studio that is attracting top tier talent to an ambitious slate of projects.”
The precise titles and creative details of Locksmith’s upcoming films have not been revealed, and the studio remains tight-lipped about storylines and character information. What has been made clear is the studio’s commitment to producing original animated features for theatrical release under the Fox distribution umbrella, with plans to cultivate distinct, character-driven stories that stand apart from major franchise tentpoles.
As the partnership progresses, it will be watched by industry observers as an example of how major distributors can work with independent creative studios to refresh their animation slates. Locksmith’s entrance into a steady release rhythm with Fox suggests a long-term plan to build audience recognition for its original IP while contributing to Fox’s broader animation strategy alongside existing producers.