# Pencilish Animation Studios presents...

The Secret Decoder Ring - A 2D Hand-Drawn Family-Friendly Film.

## Elevator pitch
Pencilish Animation Studios intends to create high quality animation, intellectual property, films and television that can be distributed and monetized through licensing, merchandise, and other revenue streams.

- Canonical URL: https://wefunder.com/pencilish
- Entity ID: wefunder:company:71375
- Last updated: 2026-06-14T05:02:50Z
- Generated at: 2026-06-15T04:48:11Z

## Quick facts
- Over $2.5 Million raised from previous crowdfunding rounds from almost 5000 investors!
- Disney animation legends bring their combined 200 years of animation experience.
- Investment Returned Before Film Production: It is NOT dependent on the success of the film.
- The film has cast Susan Egan (voice of “Meg” in Disney’s Hercules)
- The film has cast Patrick Warburton (voice of "Kronk" in Disney's The Emperor's New Groove)
- Pencilish has an active and engaged fanbase of over 43.6k across all platforms.
- Our film is a live action and 2d animation hybrid similar to popular films like "Space Jam".

## Active fundraises
- wefunder:fundraise:112410: 4(a)(6) open (USD)
- wefunder:fundraise:38368: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)

## Story
When 14 year-old Alexis finds her grandmother’s childhood decoder ring and activates it's secret code, like Aladdin and his lamp, she accidentally brings forth long-forgotten '40s superhero Major Dynamo into our world! The Major is a fish-out-water with his old-fashioned ways and beliefs - some good and some... not so good. Through some comic adventures, Alexis and Major Dynamo bond. Alexis’ dad has grown distant which has put a strain on their relationship and the Major fills that gap as a father figure to Alexis. But, because the Major has awakened, the mysterious Grey Goliath (a dark version of Major Dynamo) comes out of hiding to finally destroy Major Dynamo so that he can complete his plans to control the world! Alexis soon discovers that all these seemingly unrelated events are rooted in a generational family secret that could now destroy our world! Alexis and Major Dynamo must stand together to face Grey Goliath -- and find redemption for their family!We feel this 2d and 3D animation hybrid film has all the elements of a family film franchise that can be made for a fraction of the budget of other animation and superhero films! With your investment in the development package, we feel we can obtain the production budget to start the cameras rolling!Check out this in progress animation clip from the pencil test, voiced by Patrick Warburton!We are Pencilish Animation Studios and we are thrilled to present a once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity: the creation of our 2D animated feature film, "Secret Decoder Ring." This project is more than just a movie; it's a celebration of the artistry and magic that defined your favorite childhood films.Pencilish Animation Studios is a team of passionate artists and industry veterans determined to revive the timeless tradition of hand-drawn animation. Our commitment is to create not just entertainment, but an experience that transcends generations. In our past, we have created 3 short form animated series. As those series move on to distribution, we are ready to take on our dream of creating our own live action and hand drawn feature film!Imagine a film where animation legends, the masterminds behind your cherished childhood characters, unite to bring to life a heartwarming and thrilling 2D animated feature – "Secret Decoder Ring." This isn't just a movie; it's a journey into the past and a leap into the future of animation.You might be wondering, "How does my investment work?" Or perhaps you're curious about the implications if you're a previous investor with Pencilish. Here's your answer:Your investment in the film operates on a 120% preferred return basis. This means that once the film's budget is secured, your investment will be repaid along with a 20% return, all before filming commences. In essence, your investment and the proposed 20% return are the FIRST payments out, irrespective of the film's performance in the market!For previous Pencilish investors, the fact that the film is being produced by Pencilish is advantageous. Any success achieved directly contributes to the appreciation of your existing shares. This means that as the film progresses and flourishes, so too will the value of your shares. At Pencilish Studios, we take pride in cultivating a profound connection with our valued investors.This raise is to fund the development of the pencil test and other overhead. With this, We will be able to create and package the film correctly for larger investors. Below is the budget breakdown for how we’d like to use funding once we reach our goal of $615,000:*Note: If we do not reach our funding goal, certain changes will be made to the breakdown to account for the change in budget.Pencilish has been making headlines since 2020. Check out where we have been in the news:https://www.pencilish.com/in-the-news*Travel and lodging not included. **A signed NDA will be required prior to receiving behind the scenes information.Pencilish Studios, LLC is 'testing the waters' to gauge investor interest in an offering under Regulation Crowdfunding. No money or other consideration is being solicited. If sent, it will not be accepted. No offer to buy securities will be accepted. No part of the purchase price will be received until a Form C is filed and only through Wefunder's platform. Any indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment of any kind.

## FAQ
1. **Hey Tom, after this last year it's become clear that movie theaters are a dying breed. Large animated features are now debuting with great success on the streaming giants, and that looks to be the future. How are you approaching the direction of the company in this regard? I'm...**
   - Hello Brian! Great question. Here’s the good news- we are not interested in the traditional distribution systems. Our focus is on the distribution system we all have in our pockets right now. That includes streaming, social networks, and YouTube. We want to be where the eyes are. I hope this helps. Thanks for your interest!
2. **Hi Tom! What a cool company idea, I love the concept. I'm curious, what is your plan for the company and having so many owners? Is it a profit-sharing plan? Are you hoping to have the studio bought out? Are you hoping to grow large enough one day for folks to sell their stock ...**
   - Hello Cassidy. Good questions. I will have the largest “say” in the direction and decisions of the company (as CEO) but I’m excited to have so many investors that have a heart for animation that myself and our board can use as a sounding block in decisions and creative thoughts. It will be a large group so we will work hard to hear all those voices and respond. I hope this helps. Yes, I want to build it so people want to buy the company one day. If we do at that time it will be heavily depend...
3. **Hey Tom, what I’ve heard about you creating a traditional animation studio, so I thought that kinda like my studio, Sanchez Railway Animations, except it’s small and I don’t have any animators to hire... yet. Anyways.... 1. Does your studio requires animators to use the old sc...**
   - We will more than likely create what I call “tradigital” animation - drawing traditionally on a digital surface. It works vest for a virtual pipeline. Yes, I write my own stories.
4. **Hi Tom I have a few questions. How many more years do you plan on working before you retire? Also is this going to be your full time job or is this going to be like Elon Musk where he has jobs in more than one company? I know you said this is the first crowd funded animation s...**
   - Ha, these are hard, future-casting questions.  I can say I have no interest in retirement because I love what I do. Secondly, yes, this will be my “full time” job but I will have a couple other commitments here and there- for example, I am in the completion phase of producing and animating a feature film documentary (Pencil Test) as well as teaching. I think the company model is one part Animation studio and one part Webtoons. We will be creating content, not looking forward work fo...
5. **Hey Tom! This sounds amazing! What type of animation are you hoping to do? Hand draw? CG? Stop-motion? Or a mix? Also, if I were to become an investor, would this disqualify me in any way of one day working on the creative side for the studio?**
   - Probably 2D TV- style animation to start but I’m open to all forms of animation as long as it suits the story. 

## Team
- Tom Bancroft (CEO)
- Aaron Blaise (Animator)
- Sandro Cluezo (Animator)
- Matt Williames (Animator)
- John Pomeroy (Animator)
- Susan Egan (Voice Actress)
- Patrick Warburton (Voice Actor)

## Recent posts
- Pencilish Animation Studios Update! (2023-07-04T15:41:01Z)
- Onto Phase 2! Join us! (2022-07-16T09:12:04Z)
- *Update on PERK EMAILS- PLEASE READ* (2022-03-15T00:04:26Z)
- PERKS EMAIL went OUT! (2022-03-14T21:41:30Z)
- Pencilish Studios Makes it's first Partnership deal- Introducing "Aro Luche" new animated series! (2022-01-08T18:10:54Z)
- Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Pencilish Animation Studios (2021-12-21T21:44:52Z)
- Pencilish on the ROAD! Our first convention and what we're thankful for! (2021-11-25T21:14:30Z)
- ANIMATION production starts on our FIRST SHOW (2021-11-13T19:46:46Z)
- An example we are on the RIGHT TRACK... (2021-11-05T17:41:01Z)
- undefined (2021-11-01T04:22:24Z)
- LAST HOUR to invest!! THIS IS IT! (2021-11-01T02:57:16Z)
- 2 HOURS LEFT to invest! (2021-11-01T02:03:32Z)
- 4 HOURS LEFT to INVEST- This is it! (2021-11-01T00:13:22Z)
- LAST DAY TO INVEST- Recap! (2021-10-31T17:12:43Z)
- 2 Days to Invest-Investor Animation Testimonials and More! (2021-10-30T16:27:19Z)

## Q&A
- Q: Why are there no women on your team of advisors?
  - A: Hello Ami. I've answered this before (though admittedly not that well, I think), it was always my intention to have a diversity on my advisory board. I was in the final talks with a friend of mine (a former SVP at a major studio) but she decided to pass for now because of a move/career change. It was just before we launched so that was disappointing but understandable. I quickly went to another industry friend and she is very interested but needs to get clearance from her studio employer. We are in a waiting pattern, but more info soon, I hope. UPDATE: We have brought on actress Ming Na Wen as our newest advisor! Please see the advisory board list for more details on her!
- Q: Hi Tom. So this will be a bit of a challenging post. Whilst I like the idea of this, and there is no doubt you are a world class animator, the more I have delved into it the business opportunity, the more it raises some serious questions that I cannot see answers to. In one answer you have said you have not given any financial modelling or details on revenue streams because you felt it wold not be appropriate. However you have plucked out a valuation of over $8m, not really based on any financial modeling, not having generated any income whatsoever and with start-up debts (fine, debts are normal when growing, I get that). I understand you all have track records of animating on some great titles, but working for other companies is not enough to value your company at this figure. To arbitrarily value your company at over $8m with no current income is, to be blunt, absurd. And to have that figure without any backup of how you will achieve it is also absurd. Additionally, you have stated your distribution model will be based on 'in your pocket' distribution.(ie everyone has a phone in their pocket, suggesting Youtube or an advertising type model for revenue). I don't think that's good enough or robust enough as a justification. You need to show us how you got to that figure - can you show us the math, the revenue streams, the gross profit, the net profit and show a compelling justification of this valuation? Has no one worked on any profit or loss account? Have no future revenue streams been modeled? I invite you to submit more than rhetoric at this point. Thank you.
  - A: Jonathan, we have addressed the valuation question in point 5 in our FAQ, and it's probably not what you want to hear, but it is how our lawyers want us to respond, but more importantly, it is how the Reg CF regulations work. Platforms for Reg CF, like wefunder.com, have governmental rules placed upon them and, therefore, so do we. The answer is "Valuations for companies at our early stage of development are purely speculative. We have not generated any significant revenue, nor do we have deals in place yet to do so. Our valuation has not been validated by any independent third party, and may fall precipitously. It is a question of whether you, the investor, are willing to pay this price for a percentage ownership of a start-up company. You should not invest if you disagree with this valuation."
- Q: Hi Tom, I am excited about your new Pencilish Animation Studios :D I think it is a stupid question but I need to know anyway... xD I invested 500$ (or at least I clicked on the button with 500$) because I was also interested in the Investor Perks on this level ;) Now I got the message from wefunder that I just invested 499$, because I also had to pay some fees and stuff like that. I would like to know if this is just some kind of bug in the investment-process and do I still get the Investor Perks for 500$ or do I only get the Investor-Perks for the 250$? To be honest, it is a little bit embarrassing to me to ask this question just because of 1$ but I would be sad if I don´t get the higher Investment Perks just because of 1$ (I really wanted to invest 500$ and not 499$ xD). Thank you in advance for your feedback. Best regards Timm
  - A: Timm- this is a good question. I had no idea that was how it would come out in the end (at $499, with a fee taken out). The good news is you're not alone, EVERYONE has had this happen to them. The answer is yes, we will make sure everyone gets their intended perks!
- Q: Hi Tom! What a cool company idea, I love the concept. I'm curious, what is your plan for the company and having so many owners? Is it a profit-sharing plan? Are you hoping to have the studio bought out? Are you hoping to grow large enough one day for folks to sell their stock or IPO? What level of involvement are you open to from investors?
  - A: Hello Cassidy. Good questions. I will have the largest “say” in the direction and decisions of the company (as CEO) but I’m excited to have so many investors that have a heart for animation that myself and our board can use as a sounding block in decisions and creative thoughts. It will be a large group so we will work hard to hear all those voices and respond. I hope this helps. Yes, I want to build it so people want to buy the company one day. If we do at that time it will be heavily dependent on the offer and if it is in all of our investors' interests.
- Q: Hey Tom, after this last year it's become clear that movie theaters are a dying breed. Large animated features are now debuting with great success on the streaming giants, and that looks to be the future. How are you approaching the direction of the company in this regard? I'm interested in investing, but if the focus is primarily on partnerships with traditional production companies and theater distribution it becomes a much riskier investment.
  - A: Hello Brian! Great question. Here’s the good news- we are not interested in the traditional distribution systems. Our focus is on the distribution system we all have in our pockets right now. That includes streaming, social networks, and YouTube. We want to be where the eyes are. I hope this helps. Thanks for your interest!
- Q: Tom, Pencilish is a fabulous concept and your timing couldn't be better. Will you and your team accept unsolicited/independent concepts for development? Congratulations and best of luck!
  - A: Hello Michael. Yes, we will get to this point eventually. To start, we are working with trusted creators (along with our own internal IP) for the initial launch. We will look wider for phase 2 launch so please make sure you are signed up on the mailing list at pencilish.com
- Q: The story development stage is a critical component of an effective production, as seen by some of the most successful companies like Pixar who dedicate an extraordinary amount of effort and time into writing and concept development- What is Pencilish's strategy for story development? Do you have any guiding principles for types of stories, and how you'll develop those ideas into great films?
  - A: You are correct Austin. It's the most important part. Since I can't share what we are developing at the moment (until everything is legally sewn up), I'll have to stay general here: I'm leaning into creating short form TV series for a few reasons: 1) it's how the newer generations want their entertainment; in shorter formats 2) because it will give us the fastest, least expensive route to getting our content out into the world and that 3) gets us to a quicker ROI also. Because of that decision, it also makes us focus on stories that are very character driven with slightly simplier story concepts because we can tell those stories well in short form. "Lord of the Rings" is a feature film series for this reason- it's epic, deep, tells a story with a huge cast of characters and eons of back story. The projects we are doing now are fun, interesting concepts with characters you want to get to know better. Another guiding principle for us right now is variety- I want to launch with 3-4 series concepts but I don't want them to hit the same themes or genres. And, yes, we want to do films- it's just not phase 1 because we need multiple millions of dollars and at least 2-3 years to make my dream film. I have it though. And it's cool!
- Q: How will investors be notified about stock growth and returns? Will they be reached out to by email? Will they be updated about their stocks yearly?
  - A: We are still working out this process, but yes, we will give updates on the growth of the company and some kind of yearly email. Please also make sure you follow our mailing list at Pencilish.com
- Q: I wonder if a press release to Animation Magazine would result in a nice write-up about the unique nature of Pencilish... and in turn, gain INVESTORS!
  - A: It’s a good idea Dave. We will be pursing press soon
- Q: Many of the examples listed in the pitch video are 2D animated movies but recently Disney has moved more into 3D animation. Can you tell us more about what kind of projects you are targeting (full length movies, television series, animated shorts) and the media type (3D animation, 2D animation, claymation etc.) Also is there a reason why you're funding the studio itself instead of funding on a per project basis? Do you plan on collecting funding for specific projects using crowdfunding in the future?
  - A: Good questions Crystal. Some of this has been addressed in my Updates, but happy to dig deeper in here also. Disney has lots of areas its moving in and you're referring to their animated feature film division. You're correct, those are all CG (3D) animation. In their TV animation division, they are almost exclusively using 2D animation, which most TV animation studios do the same. We are launching with three TV series so we are also doing 2D animation for those. It makes sense because it is an easier, more cost effective (and quicker) way to get content out. This is why it is still the prevalent style in the TV series world. To get our first IP out into the world, we are launching with TV style series but we do have high hopes for feature film production soon. For that, we will look at what that film needs and it could be CG/3D animation or it could be 2D animation with live action (I'm referring to a specific dream project now:), but it will be based on what style is best for that film. As for why we are seeking funding for a studio and not a project- I think it makes more sense for a crowd invested, REG CF to seek funding for a company and not a project. Projects fit Kickstarter, this forum/format fits a company. I think investors want a long term goal- a big picture- not one concept that can be fly by night. Hypothetically, we may partner with others that crowdfund a specific project in the future, but only if there is a clear piece of that IP that we will own so our investors are clear what part Pencilish retains. I hope this helps!
- Q: Hi, Tom. I'm a life-long fan of the animation industry and if I've learned one thing it's that people tend to cling to the animated franchises of their youth. Then, if/when they have children, they naturally want to share what they grew up watching. The characters of Disney, WB, and other studio giants are firmly entrenched in our collective consciousness. How do you intend to create intellectual properties that can draw audiences and potential licensing partners away from the likes of Mickey and Bugs?
  - A: Jesse that is a great question and an age-old one. We live in a worldwide culture that loves nostagia. We love the characters and stories from our youth. So much so that we reinvent it (like the new Ghostbuster's movie or Goonies- coming soon) to capture some of that notstaglia (and the money it brings). That said, many of us are tired of this cycle of content and want new characters and storylines to love. I am one of those. I think many of the creators we are speaking with love doing fan art of our fav characters, but when it comes to what they want to create- they want original concepts and characters! Creators live to create and starting with a blank canvus is the most exciting thing we can do. It's riskier of course, but the pay-off can be much, much higher also. So, how do we compete? In some ways, we don't. We go the other direction. One thing we WILL do is market our creations. We WILL play that game, because it works. So, we will create new characters and concepts, but get them out there in the world and make sure that people see them. The rest is the risk that every company makes with any product they are putting into the world. We will not hide from risk, we will learn from it, and hopefully all succeed because we took it.
- Q: Hi Tom, I run a very small but outstanding animation studio in Europe. If our company would invest in Pencilish 10k+ and if you approve our quality, would it be possible to our animators to get hands on the upcoming Pencilish projects? We love to support, but more we love the animation process itself.
  - A: Egils- If this studio is everything you say it is, I'd love to hear more. No, you do not need to invest to be considered as a potential animation production house for Pencilish. Only invest if you want to, the two concept are not connected. Please DM me on social media to share what your studio can do.
- Q: Hi Tom I am a film composer and would love to pitch for consideration on future projects, I believe that investing in the company both money-wise and production-wise would be something worth trying, is there anyone I could talk to in regards to this?
  - A: Hello Rey, thank you for your interest in working with Pencilish. It's just a bit too soon for us to make up the lists of people to speak with about composing. Can you follow the Pencilish mailing list at pencilish.com so we can reach out to the community as these needs arise? Thank you.
- Q: Hi Tom, I'm excited to see that the Pencilish team has onboarded the incredible Ming-Na Wen! You've answered other questions regarding the lack of initial diversity and have stated that the team, "will have many POC and [women] working on the shows." (3/28/21) How do you intend to uphold this promise and how will they be able to move into higher up positions as the studio grows? I'd like to know your understanding and definition of diversity and intersectionality, and how the Pencilish team can foster a thriving environment for these individuals. Thank you, Em.
  - A: Emerson, thank you for this question. I will be transparent with you- I am from a generation of the animation industry that was white and male dominate. I don't like that and I didn't like it then. I've spoken with some of my African- American animation friends and many have said where they grew up had more to do with it than even the industry itself- they just weren't encouraged to get into animation. Women animators were just as rare back then, and again, many of their friends and family growing up would tell them not to get into animation because it was "weird" or for childlike people. That created an industry where POC and women didn't see people like themselves working in those places and that's an even larger, worldwide, problem. I'm getting into animation history a little bit because I also want to say that I didn't understand it myself. I loved working alongside women and POC in my job at Disney, but it was extremely rare for it to happen. But, because of this, most of my close friends and pro colleagues that are my age, are primarily white and male. They are the people I know and trust but only because we have worked together, in most cases, almost thirty years. Some of them are on my board and I hope that would make sense to you from a business and trust level, at least. I have many friends that I had less contact with that are POC and/or women, of course, but there were not many from my generation of the industry. That said, I co-host an animation industry podcast and have spoken with MANY POC and women in the industry today some old acquaintances (like Bruce W. Smith, Floyd Norman, and Everett Downey) to new names/faces in the industry like (Tara Whitaker and Latoya Raveneau) and I can tell you that our industry is changing for the better and much of that is happening with the next generation of talent. I teach on the college level and I am happy to report that 75% of my class(es) are female and more and more are people of color also. I will be drawing from this latter crowd (and others' their age, around the world) for the actual shows we make. That's what I'm referring to- the talent of the future- when I speak to having a very diverse group I'm talking with to make the actual partnerships in IP and in the creation of the animation for these series. That change is already here, I am happy to say that Pencilish will be a part of it. I'm sorry that you don't feel we have done enough on our advisory board to show that, but believe me, we will be helping many creators of color and/or women to get their dream projects made. That is our goal and it is a key part of how we will grow this company.
- Q: It’s very disheartening to see a board skewed towards men (yet more dudes in suits) with little diversity and only one female advisor. I know there are women in film, animation, and business who would add a valuable perspective, why the lack of diversity?
  - A: I’m sorry you feel that way Julia. Out of the 6 advisory board members 2 are Asian and one is a woman. The others are close friends I’ve worked wirh for years. I stand by this board. If it helps we will have many POC and woman working on the shows.