Greenwich's Blue Sky Studios to Expand, Add Jobs

Greenwich-based digital animation company Blue Sky Studios plans to expand its headquarters at 1 American Lane, in the northwest corner of town, and add 70 jobs as it continues to grow.

According to a release from Gov. Dannel Malloy’s office, Blue Sky is receiving funding through the state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to expand its office space by 43,000 square feet and add the 70 new positions.

Once the expansion is complete, the facility will total 150,000 square feet, including “seating for up to 140 artists, conference rooms, a screening area, editorial space, and a data center,” according to the release.

Blue Sky was one of many businesses Gov. Malloy visited during his in June.

“In 2009 Blue Sky Studios opened its digital animation production facility in Connecticut, and in just two years, the company is ready to expand its operations and add jobs,” Gov. Malloy said in the release. “This proves that film studios like what Connecticut has to offer and are willing to invest here. State support for Blue Sky will ensure the industry will grow and other film production companies see Connecticut as a great location and an important partner in their plans.”

Blue Sky says the expansion will enable it to speed production time and rely less on outsourcing.

Under the DECD program, the studio is eligible for a $3 million loan for space and equipment upgrades and a tax credit of 20 percent on infrastructure costs up to $3 million.

Catherine Smith, commissioner of DECD, said “growing jobs is the number one priority and the film tax credit is one of our best tools that will help us do that.” She said digital media companies are moving to the area because of the “smart, innovative” workforce.

Blue Sky has grown from 300 to 400 employees since it relocated to Greenwich from White Plains, N.Y. in 2009, according to the release.