JibJab, StoryBots Creators Launch AI Animation Company With Backing From Ashton Kutcher, Guy Oseary And More (EXCLUSIVE)

Evan and Gregg Spiridellis, founders of a company known for making viral videos and family-friendly content, have launched Spiridellis Bros. Studios. The new venture is described as an “AI-powered animation studio.” It plans to use the technology to create original franchises across films, television, digital shorts, games and toys. Spiridellis Bros. Studios has secured funding from an impressive group of deep-pocketed investors including Polaris Founders Capital, Caruso Ventures, Google’s AI Futures Fund, Ashton Kutcher, Guy Oseary, Chris and Crystal Sacca, Tim Ferriss and Katie Stanton.

Evan and Gregg Spiridellis pioneered viral video in the dial-up Internet days, gaining recognition with digital videos like “Cooking With Clinton,” which portrayed the then-president baking weed brownies, and “This Land Is Your Land,” featuring George W. Bush and John Kerry singing the famous folk song at the height of their 2004 clash. At JibJab, they produced personalized entertainment with ElfYourself in the social media era, and created StoryBots, the Emmy Award–winning children’s franchise that originated on YouTube and was later acquired by Netflix.

AI remains controversial in Hollywood because of fears it will result in widespread job losses. But other companies believe the technology will help make them more efficient and economical, as well as spur creativity. Spiridellis Bros. Studios says using AI will allow it to deliver “bold new entertainment experiences and out-innovate the legacy studios constrained by outdated production models.” The studio is assembling its first slate. Their first project will be released in January 2026.

“For the past 25 years, Evan and I have ridden every major technology wave,” said Gregg Spiridellis, co-founder of Spiridellis Bros. Studios. “AI isn’t just another wave; it’s a tsunami that will transform the way entertainment is created, produced, and distributed, and we couldn’t be more excited to build what comes next.”

In a release touting the announcement, the company noted that while some competitors see “AI as simply a cost-cutting shortcut,” they hope it will offer “a new creative canvas.”

“Every leap in technology has expanded the artist’s toolkit, and this is no different,” said Evan Spiridellis, co-founder of Spiridellis Bros. Studios. “It’s not about what AI can do today, but the limitless doors it will open for artists who embrace the creative possibilities.”