HomeAbout+ HistoryTeampartnersVerticals+ Market TrendsOur FocusFilmsJoinPartnersContactHomeAboutHistoryTeampartnersVerticalsMarket TrendsOur FocusFilmsJoinPartnersContactHomeAboutHistoryTeampartnersVerticalsMarket TrendsOur FocusFilmsJoinPartnersContactBig Creativity Meets Lean Production.Located at the base of Silicon Slopes.Learn About UsTo be human is to be part of a story-telling culture. Whether gathered beneath a canopy of stars by firelight, or sitting shoulder to shoulder in a modern theatre waiting for the projector to stir to life. In good times, and bad,stories hold the promise of escape, exhilaration, and the connecting of lives to something shared and universal. It is in the pursuit of such a promise that Lumenas Studios was formed. But that is only half the story. We view the filmmaking process to be like the proverbial kite: where some balk at being constrained or tied down, we know that without the string the kite can never soar. So we welcome restraint, due diligence, efficiency, and innovation. We believe such discipline only furthers our creative passion, and provides a tremendous opportunity for those who desire to take the journey with us.Explore LumenasLumenas HistoryLumenas Animation Studios established a base of operations in downtown Salt Lake City to take advantage of lower operating costs and a large talent pool of digital artists residing within the state.Housed within a 50,000 square foot studio, Lumenas provides a full-service solution for feature animation, visual effects, and film property development —from the basic concept to the final film print.Formed in 2005 by Darin McDaniel, Lumenas Animation Studios established a base of operations in downtown Salt Lake City of those lower costs and the close proximity to two notable universities —BYU and University of Utah (Uof U). Both institutions have long histories with the arts and sciences, specifically as pioneers in 3D graphics and computer animation. Darin McDaniel had seen notable success in the distribution division of MGM during the 90’s and joined a Utah-based film company to oversee production and distribution. While in Utah, he began collaborating with a consortium of local animation companies to produce feature films which promoted positive family values. During that time period, Darin produced the 45-minute proof-of-concept film, Davie & Golimyr, based on the story of David and Goliath. Davie & Golimyr has gone on to win several awards and continues to attract attention. Later, Darin began developing the animated feature, The Legend of Santa Claus (Part 1 is in pre-production, with parts 2 and 3 in development). Meanwhile, he continues to build a slate of animated and live-action feature films which include 1) The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (in pre-production), based on the bestselling children’s book, 2) Circustyria, an animated musical about a traveling circus during World War I and 3) Roedo Bronx, a coming of age animated adventure.  Housed wit