Plankton: The Movie

feature

Plankton surrounded by colourful sea creatures in the Empathy Trip sequence from Plankton: The Movie.

Plankton: The Movie (2025)

PLAY FILM

Yukfoo created two bespoke sequences for the Nickelodeon and Netflix feature film. The fully hand-drawn 2D Empathy Trip sequence and Karen's stylised musical number, which blended 2D animation with 3D production inspired by the visual language of classic 1980s anime..

"Yukfoo were true partners to me and my team. Not only were they a pleasure to work with, but the animation they produced was absolutely outstanding. The Empathy Trip and '80s Karen Song sequences truly elevated the movie and are going to delight fans of the show.‍Dave Needham (Director, Plankton: The Movie)‍

The project carried a strong New Zealand connection. Yukfoo's animation sequences were produced by a Kiwi team under Sequence Director Dan Sumich, showcasing the studio's ability to deliver bespoke animation for a major international feature while collaborating seamlessly within a large-scale production.

The wider film also brought together an exceptional group of New Zealand creatives, with a score by Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper, original songs by Bret McKenzie, and music supervision by Karyn and Otis Rachtman through Mind Your Music NZ Ltd. Alongside these collaborators, Yukfoo was proud to contribute its animation craft to a major global animated feature, demonstrating the strength of New Zealand talent on the world stage.

Empathy Trip Sequence

Production Frames

Plankton flies through swirling pink clouds in the Empathy Trip sequence.
Plankton floats beside a glowing heart-shaped cloud in a starry pink dreamscape.
A huge grinning creature looms over a dark, colourful dream landscape in Plankton: The Movie.A monstrous green Plankton head appears among pipes and machinery in the Empathy Trip sequence.
Plankton faces a chicken and a neon Chum Inferno sign in a surreal dream scene.A cartoon chicken rises from pink liquid beside a Chum barrel in the Empathy Trip sequence.

Karen's Song sequence

Production Frames

Karen's giant robot form channels green energy above the city in her musical sequence.
A city building lifts from the waterfront amid green energy in Karen's Song.
Karen's robot form towers above the Earth against a star-filled sky.Karen raises her robot arms as green energy arcs between her hands.
Karen dances on a colourful illuminated floor in the 1980s-inspired musical sequence.A bright sun shines beside an open, cratered planet in outer space.

"I have immensely enjoyed working with your team on this project. You’re exceptionally well organized, professional, and the quality of the work is super impressive."
NICK RUSSELL (Producer, Plankton: The Movie)
‍

ClientParamount / Nickelodeon for Netflix

Director - Dave Needham
Line Producer - Nicholas Russell

CreditsDirector: Dan Sumich
Producers: Alan Dickson, Amy Neave
Animation Supervisor: Alex Dron
Production Manager: Theo Veltman
2D Illustration: Thomas Wellman
2D Animators: Glenn Bailey, Ryan Bird, Trevor Dedekind, Perrin Hastings, Sandi Tsai.
Digital Compositing: Fraser Munro, Bobby Dazzler, Theo Veltman
3D / Pipeline: Jason Li, Sean Brennan, Lucus Mirkai

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