Knuckles Animation Studio is an award-winning, independent animation and production studio on Gadigal land (Sydney) creating educational, narrative and documentary screen projects. We work across stop-motion and 2D animation, live action, and mixed-media formats.
We collaborate with creatives, communities and organisations including NGO's and government partners, to tell socially engaged stories that meet at the intersection of lived experience, policy and culture. Grounded in ethical development, creative risk-taking, and long-term partnerships, our work uses visual storytelling to translate complex ideas into accessible, meaningful content for diverse audiences.
Founded in 2020 by Chris, Susie and Camila, Knuckles has grown into a trusted network of creative collaborators working across Australia and beyond.
Chris Shapones (she/they)
Head of Production
I’m a creative producer working across animation and live action screen projects, with a strong focus on impact storytelling. As Head of Production, I collaborate closely with creatives, communities and organisations to guide projects from development through to production and delivery. Born on the lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (Southern Ontario, Canada), I now call Gadigal (Sydney) home. Off the clock, I’m usually gardening with my cats, riding bikes with friends or running around on the pitch.
Susie Shapones (she/her)
Animation Director
I'm a animator, video editor and the co-founder of Knuckles Animation Studio. Born and raised on Gadigal land (Sydney), I bring over 20 years of experience to every project and an international career spanning Sydney, London, and Toronto. As a creative lead, I'm informed by my years spent on the tools and rely on my trusted collaborators to produce meaningful and impactful work. I'm grounded by strong storytelling, careful craft, and a love of character-driven animation.
Camila Abdanur (she/they)
Illustrator
I'm a freelance illustrator and graphic designer based in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, who works (almost) exclusively with vectors. I love drawing in bold colours, designing cool characters and keeping layers organized. My field of expertise is illustrating for motion but also dwells on editorial illustration and book cover design. All work proceeds go to spoiling my black cat and feeding my (still tiny) Lego collection.
