Holler

Holler operates as a full-service animation production studio and creative agency, evolving from its initial focus on conversational media. Founded by Travis Montaque, who is also the co-founder and CEO of Group Black, the company originally launched as Emogi with a mission to enrich digital conversations. The initial business model centered on creating branded stickers and GIFs for use in messaging apps, partnering with major platforms like Venmo and brands such as McDonald's, Starbucks, and HBO Max. This strategy capitalized on providing expressive, relatable content that millions of users integrated into their daily chats.

Sensing a deeper connection between users and its animated characters, the company pivoted to become Holler Studios. This strategic shift in December 2022 marked a transition from a conversational media firm to a comprehensive animation house. The studio now leverages its extensive portfolio of original characters to develop multi-platform stories, including animated shorts and long-form content for both children and adults. Their services span the entire production pipeline, from initial concept and scriptwriting to storyboarding and final animation, covering 2D, 3D, CGI, and even puppetry. The business model now includes creating original intellectual property for television, film, and digital distribution, alongside its established creative agency work for brands.

The company is led by founder and CEO Travis Montaque, a serial entrepreneur recognized for his focus on technology and media. The studio itself is headed by Pat Giles, a seasoned creative who has worked on iconic brand characters like the Green Giant and Lucky the Leprechaun. Under this leadership, Holler Studios aims to produce universal stories that emphasize diverse voices and inclusion. The firm has successfully raised significant capital, with a Series B funding round of $36 million in 2021, bringing its total funding to over $50 million, to fuel the development of its AI-powered content suggestion technology and expand its production capabilities.

Keywords: animation studio, creative agency, conversational media, digital stickers, GIF marketing, branded content, intellectual property development, 2D animation, 3D animation, Travis Montaque, Pat Giles, character development, animated shorts, multi-platform storytelling, brand partnerships, media production, CGI, puppetry, suggestion AI, Venmo integration