Rabbit Films invests in Haruworks

Independent Finnish production and distribution outfit Rabbit Films has invested in Haruworks, the animation start-up founded by former Rovio Entertainment exec Nick Dorra.

Nick Dorra

Rabbit Films now holds a minority stake in Haruworks’ development slate, with Rabbit CEO Olli Suominen taking a seat on the Haruworks board following the deal, financial details of which were not disclosed.

Dorra, former head of content strategy at Angry Birds producer Rovio Entertainment, set up Haruworks in 2018 with creative director Maija Arponen.

The new deal marks the second round of investment raised for Haruworks’ first development slate and gives the two Helsinki-based companies access to each other’s know-how and networks, as well as a first foothold in children’s content for Rabbit Films.

Haruworks pitched two projects from its development slate, 1001 Animals and Worst Best Friends, at Cartoon Forum in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

“We see this investment as proof of the strength of our slate. Even in the challenging circumstances of a global pandemic, great content always carries potential, and with this new partnership we’ll be well positioned to exploit it,” said Haruworks producer and CEO Dorra.

Suominen added: “Haruworks has a creative and original slate of projects, all with great values and artistic ambition. We believe this investment will benefit both parties in the future. I look forward to our work together and see great opportunities in the future.”