Mortal Media, the L.A.-based film and television production company helmed by Blake Griffin and Ryan Kalil, today announced the company has lead an investment round for Swaybox Studios, the animation studio behind 2022’s viral NFL Superbowl LVI commercial directed by Peter Berg. Mortal also joins Swaybox’s advisory board, and Griffin and Kalil have put an untitled live-action/animation hybrid project in development with the company.
Co-founded by co-CEOs Theresa Andersson and Arthur Mintz in 2013 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Swaybox Studios has developed a new animation technology and process for film and television production, called “Momo Animation.” The proprietary technology involves a combination of three traditional animation forms: CGI animation, practical elements of stop-motion and live-action real-time performance.
“We’ve been so impressed with Arthur and Theresa’s vision and long-term aspirations for the company,” said Kalil. “Swaybox’s technology is really remarkable, but it’s the artistry of their animators, puppeteers, and craftspeople that makes Swaybox animation feel like magic.”
During its early stages, Swaybox focused on R&D and patent acquisition. The latest funding round, led by Mortal Media, with participation from Joel Whitley and IAG Capital Partners, will enable the studio to expand its infrastructure and streamline its production pipeline demands.
As Swaybox advisory board members, the Mortal Media team will actively collaborate in identifying new projects and cultivating partnerships that align best with the disruptive potential of the new technology.
“Whenever we get to catch a glimpse of Swaybox’s latest animation tests, we can’t stop smiling. This investment signifies our commitment to helping the talented artists at Swaybox push boundaries and innovate these new tools for storytelling,” said Griffin.
Currently, Swaybox Studios is developing multiple projects with notable directors and writers, including an upcoming feature film with Matt Reeves’ (Cloverfield, The Batman) production company 6th & Idaho, in addition to the to-be-announced project with Mortal.
“We are incredibly excited to have Ryan and Blake as strategic partners,” said Mintz and Andersson-Mintz. “Their creative approach and genuine passion for animation align perfectly with ours, and their commitment to Swaybox will help us continue to explore new possibilities in the medium as we strive to build a first-class animation studio.”
Mortal Media is behind the recent Apple TV+ sci-fi dramedy series Hello Tomorrow!, starring Emmy-winner Billy Crudup, this year’s reboot of White Men Can’t Jump starring Jack Harlow for Disney/20th Century Studios, and is currently in development on both scripted and unscripted film and series projects for Netflix, Paramount, FX, Disney and more.
Mortal Media is repped by UTA, Ziffren Brittenham, and Metro Public Relations.
