Completed
Cartoon characters and the ZAM Studios logo over a sunset city skyline background.
UPDATED True US

Zam Studios Launches Independent Animation Company in Los Angeles

Luca Fischer
Edited by Reviewed by
Updated Reading Time: 2 min
21 views 0 Comments

Smiling Friends Team Opens Animation Studio in L.A.

The creators of 'Smiling Friends' have launched a new animation studio, Zam Studios, in Los Angeles.

  • New studio called Zam Studios
  • Creators: Michael Cusack, Zach Hadel, Aron Fromm
  • Focus on high-quality animation and VFX
  • Handling mixed media for upcoming show
  • Creating original content and client services
  • Represented by Fourth Wall Management

Zam Studios, an independent animation and visual effects company, officially opened in Los Angeles on October 3, 2025. The studio was founded by Michael Cusack, Zach Hadel, and Aron Fromm to deliver handcrafted animation and VFX for television, film, commercials, and original projects.[1]

Founders and Mission Zam Studios

Zam Studios is a Los Angeles-based independent animation studio founded in 2025 by Michael Cusack, Zach Hadel, and producer Aron Fromm. Known for their work on the Adult Swim series Smiling Friends, the founders launched Zam Studios to focus on high-quality animation, VFX, and post-production services across television, feature films, commercials, and original content. The studio emphasizes craftsmanship and aims to revive the magic of traditional cartoon animation with modern techniques.[1][10]

Studio Specialties

Zam Studios offers diverse animation styles including Claymation, high-end 2D, CG animation, stop motion, live action, compositing, and visual effects. They specialize in creating unique mixed-media animation that blends various formats to enhance storytelling.[10][1]

Current Major Project Zam Studios

The studio handles animation production for the third season of Smiling Friends, which premiered on Adult Swim (October 5, 2025) and HBO Max (October 6, 2025). This season integrates multiple animation types, reflecting Zam Studios’ eclectic approach.[1]

Key Personnel Zam Studios

  • Michael Cusack: Co-creator of Smiling Friends and known for Yolo: Crystal Fantasy
  • Zach Hadel: Co-creator, also recognized for OneyPlays and Hellbenders
  • Aron Fromm: Producer/director with credits including Sessions with Stan and Mike Judge Presents: Tales from the Tour Bus[10][1]

Additional Credits Zam Studios

Zam Studios’ portfolio includes the Smiling Friends shorts, Smiling Symphonies, the documentary Billy Idol Should Be Dead, and bumpers for shows like Rick & Morty and Adult Swim programming.[1][10]

Representation and Contact

Zam Studios is represented by Fourth Wall Management. More information can be found on their official website zamstudios.net and social media channels.[4][9][1]

Luca Fischer

Luca Fischer

Senior Technology Journalist

United States – New York Tech

Luca Fischer is a senior technology journalist with more than twelve years of professional experience specializing in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and consumer electronics. He earned his M.S. in Computer Science from Columbia University in 2011, where he developed a strong foundation in data science and network security before transitioning into tech media. Throughout his career, Luca has been recognized for his clear, analytical approach to explaining complex technologies. His in-depth articles explore how AI innovations, privacy frameworks, and next-generation devices impact both industry and society. Luca’s work has appeared across leading digital publications, where he delivers detailed reviews, investigative reports, and feature analyses on major players such as Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, AMD, Intel, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity AI. Beyond writing, he mentors young journalists entering the AI-tech field and advocates for transparent, ethical technology communication. His goal is to make the future of technology understandable and responsible for everyone.

159
Articles
1.9K
Views
26
Shares
Deadline

Deadline

Primary Source

No coverage areas yet

Deadline Hollywood first began in March 2006 as Deadline Hollywood Daily. The site was purchased by PMC in 2009 and has since become an authoritative source for breaking news in the entertainment industry, regularly included on lists of top entertainment websites.

36
Articles
467
Views
0
Shares
Read on Deadline
Elena Voren

Elena Voren

Senior Editor

Blog Business Entertainment Sports News

Elena Voren is a senior journalist and Tech Section Editor with 8 years of experience focusing on AI ethics, social media impact, and consumer software. She is recognized for interviewing industry leaders and academic experts while clearly distinguishing opinion from evidence-based reporting. She earned her B.A. in Cognitive Science from the University of California, Berkeley (2016), where she studied human-computer interaction, AI, and digital behavior. Elena’s work emphasizes the societal implications of technology, ensuring readers understand both the practical and ethical dimensions of emerging tools. She leads the Tech Section at Faharas NET, supervising coverage on AI, consumer software, digital society, and privacy technologies, while maintaining rigorous editorial standards. Based in Berlin, Germany, Elena provides insightful analyses on technology trends, ethical AI deployment, and the influence of social platforms on modern life.

0
Articles
0
Views
0
Shares
407
Updates
faharasnet

faharasnet

Fact-Checking

Artificial Intelligence Blog Business Entertainment

No description yet

0
Articles
0
Views
0
Shares
129
Reviews

Editorial Timeline

Revisions
— by Elena Voren
  1. Present facts in concise bullet or short paragraph form.
  2. Include launch year (2025) to set timeline.
  3. Highlight key personnel names with roles.
  4. State the studio's specialty in mixed-media animation.
  5. Provide exact release/premiere dates.
  6. Mention representation agency explicitly.
  7. Reference reliable sources to boost credibility.
  8. Link official website and social channels.
  9. Avoid unnecessary jargon or overly long descriptions.
— by Howayda Sayed
Initial publication.

Correction Record

Accountability
— by Howayda Sayed
  1. Added clear structure with headings and subheadings.
  2. Shortened paragraphs for quick reading.
  3. Explicitly named founders and key roles.
  4. Included exact premiere dates for Smiling Friends season 3.
  5. Highlighted diverse animation techniques used.
  6. Added specific credits outside Smiling Friends.
  7. Mentioned representation by Fourth Wall Management.
  8. Linked to official Zam Studios website and social media.
  9. Incorporated verified sources and references.
  10. Removed redundant and promotional language.

FAQ

What is the focus of Zam Studios?

It focuses on high-quality animation and VFX.

Who are the founders of Zam Studios?

The founders are Michael Cusack, Zach Hadel, and Aron Fromm.

What kind of projects will Zam Studios handle?

It will handle TV, film, and commercial projects.

Related Posts

Table of Contents

Founders and Mission Zam StudiosStudio SpecialtiesCurrent Major Project Zam StudiosKey Personnel Zam StudiosAdditional Credits Zam StudiosRepresentation and Contact