At our Spa Studios in vibrant Madrid, Spain, we bring together a collective of world-class animation talent dedicated to crafting original and captivating feature animated films. You might be surprised to learn that the globally recognized franchise, Despicable Me, was born from the creative minds at The SPA Studios. Alongside this blockbuster, we’ve contributed to other beloved films like Warner’s Smallfoot and our very own critically acclaimed production, Klaus, nominated for Best Animated Feature in 2020. Our spa studios environment fosters innovation and artistic excellence, making us a leading force in animation.
Our leadership team is the backbone of our success at SPA Studios. They guide our creative vision and studio operations with years of industry expertise.
Sergio Pablos, the visionary founder and Chief Creative Officer of The SPA Studios, is a celebrated Spanish director, writer, and producer. His journey began at Walt Disney Feature Animation Studios, where he lent his remarkable animator skills to iconic classics such as Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, and Tarzan. In 2004, Sergio, in partnership with Marisa Román, established The SPA Studios (Sergio Pablos Animation) in Madrid, Spain. This spa studios quickly became renowned for delivering top-tier animation and visual development services for prestigious animated productions. While steering his company, Sergio conceived original film concepts that resonated worldwide, including Warner’s Smallfoot and Illumination’s Despicable Me, where he also served as Executive Producer. Most recently, Sergio showcased his multifaceted talent by producing, writing, and directing SPA Studios‘ first original animated feature film, Klaus, a multi-award-winning Netflix Original. Sergio’s individual achievements have been recognized by ASIFA Hollywood with multiple Annie Award nominations and wins, and by Animation Magazine with the 2020 Gamechanger award.
Marisa Román, an Academy Award-nominated Producer and the Head of The SPA Studios, plays a pivotal role in our studio’s achievements. Marisa’s animation career began at Walt Disney Feature Animation in Burbank, CA, within the Communications Department, contributing to films like Mulan, A Bug’s Life, and Tarzan. Returning to Spain in 2004, she co-founded The SPA Studios with Sergio Pablos. For 15 years, Marisa expertly managed the spa studios‘ service operations, catering to major clients such as Disney, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures Animation, and Blue Sky Animation. Marisa also spearheaded the studio’s original content development, leading to the creation of globally recognized properties like Universal Pictures’ Despicable Me and Warner Bros.’ Smallfoot. More recently, she produced SPA Studios‘ debut film and Netflix’s first original animated film, Klaus. This film garnered widespread critical acclaim and audience adoration, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Picture, a BAFTA Award, seven Annie Awards, and two Quirino Awards. Marisa’s impact has been further recognized through her inclusion in Variety’s International Women’s Impact Report in 2020 and Forbes’ list of the 50 most powerful women in Spain’s audiovisual industry in 2022.
Behind every successful animated film from SPA Studios is a dedicated and highly skilled crew. Our spa studios are more than just workspaces; they are collaborative hubs where talented artists, animators, and technical experts come together to bring stories to life.
Our talented crew is the heart of SPA Studios. We foster a creative and supportive environment within our spa studios, encouraging collaboration and innovation at every stage of production. From concept development to final rendering, each member of our team plays a crucial role in ensuring the high quality and artistic integrity of our films. The dedication and passion of our crew are evident in every frame of animation produced at SPA Studios.
Located in the heart of Madrid, our SPA Studios provide a state-of-the-art environment for animation production. Equipped with the latest technology and designed to inspire creativity, our facilities are where imagination transforms into cinematic reality. We are proud of our spa studios and the inspiring atmosphere they provide for our teams to excel and create groundbreaking animated films.
Our portfolio includes a range of successful projects, demonstrating the versatility and creativity of SPA Studios. From Klaus to Despicable Me, Rio to Smallfoot, our work reflects our commitment to excellence in animation. These films, conceived and brought to life at SPA Studios, have captivated audiences worldwide and solidified our reputation as a leading animation studio.