Toonz Media Group signs global distribution deal for animated series MechWest

ANNECY: A little Wild West adventure is preparing for a much bigger ride. Toonz Media Group has secured worldwide distribution rights for MechWest, the award-winning independent animated series created by Dave Gallagher and produced by AnimSchool Studios.

Under the agreement, Toonz will represent the CG-animated series across both linear and streaming platforms globally, introducing it to broadcasters, content buyers and digital platforms at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, one of the industry’s most important annual gatherings.

Set in the dieselpunk frontier world of Meridian, MechWest follows Pearl West, a teenager who forms an unlikely friendship with a mysterious coal-powered robot named Six. Joined by her brother Pico and friend Casey, she embarks on a journey that could alter the future of their world. Aimed at children aged seven to 12 as well as family audiences, the series combines action, humour and emotional storytelling with cinematic-quality animation.

Despite being independently produced, the show has already built a substantial audience, generating more than 11 million lifetime views and collecting multiple accolades, including Gold and Silver honours at the Telly Awards and both Gold and Audience Choice awards at the Collision Awards.

Commenting on the partnership, Toonz Media Group CEO Viswanath Rao said, “Exceptional storytelling has always been at the heart of successful global entertainment, and MechWest is a powerful example of that.” He added that the series has already demonstrated its appeal through audience support and that Toonz is looking forward to expanding its reach internationally.

Echoing that sentiment, Toonz Media Group vice president, feature films Gulshan David said the quality of the animation, world-building and existing audience engagement made the series stand out immediately. He noted that the project possesses many of the attributes sought by major broadcasters and streaming platforms around the world.

The partnership adds another title to Toonz Media Group’s growing catalogue of globally distributed content. The company, which has more than 25 years of experience in animation, production and distribution, has also expanded its direct-to-consumer presence through YouTube channels, video-on-demand partnerships and its recently launched MyToonz FAST channel.

Beyond its storyline, MechWest has attracted industry attention for its unconventional production model. Much of the series was created by recent graduates of AnimSchool, demonstrating how emerging talent can produce high-quality animation outside traditional studio structures. The project has become an example of how independent creators are leveraging new production approaches to compete on a global stage.

The series was written by Noah Gallagher and Clifford James Taylor, with a creative team that includes Galen Chu, whose credits include Ice Age: Collision Course and Ferdinand, and Moroni Taylor, known for work on The Super Mario Bros. Movie, The Iron Giant and Despicable Me.

Commenting on the deal, AnimSchool founder and CEO Dave Gallagher said the partnership marks an exciting new chapter for the series. He noted that the show had been built independently, episode by episode, and that Toonz’s expertise in international distribution would help introduce MechWest to a much wider audience.

As global demand for original animated content continues to grow, the agreement gives MechWest its biggest platform yet. For Toonz, it is another addition to its international portfolio. For the creators behind the series, it is proof that a home-grown indie project can ride all the way from the digital frontier to the global stage.