Hong Kong-based manufacturer ZURU is expanding beyond the toy aisle with the launch of ZURU Studios. 

The company decided to get into animation production less than 18 months ago and has since assembled a 120-strong team to bring its first slate of projects to life, according to a release. 

One of these hires is creative director Theo Baynton, who is wrapping up ZURU Studios’ first CG-animated preschool series Eggy Wawa. Set to premiere on YouTube at the end of March, this toon follows along with four children and their elephant friend Sheldon as they search for magical eggs that are full of solutions and surprises. 

ZURU is planning to roll out a range of Eggy Wawa products to retailers worldwide later this year, including surprise eggs that feature characters from the show. 

Next up, ZURU Studios is developing a second as-yet-untitled CG-animated series for a digital-first launch later this year. 

Baynton joined ZURU in December 2022 after a five-month stint as creative director at New Zealand-based VFX company Weta Workshop. He has more than 22 years of experience in the animation industry and has previously worked on Thunderbirds Are Go (2015) The WotWots (2009) and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005).