Toonz Media Group has signed a worldwide distribution agreement for MechWest, the acclaimed dieselpunk Wild West animated series created by Dave Gallagher and produced by AnimSchool Studios. Under the agreement, Toonz will represent and distribute the series to linear and non-linear channels worldwide.
The announcement comes as the global animation industry gathers at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where Toonz is introducing the series to broadcasters, streaming platforms, and content partners from around the world.
Created by animation veteran Dave Gallagher and produced under the AnimSchool Studios banner, MechWest has emerged as one of the animation industry’s most notable independent success stories. The CG-animated action-adventure series is set in the dieselpunk frontier world of Meridian, where coal-powered robots known as mechs are treated as disposable tools. At its heart is Pearl West, a compassionate but overlooked teenager who befriends Six, a mysterious mech carrying a dangerous secret. Joined by her cowboy brother Pico and quick-talking friend Casey, Pearl embarks on an adventure that could change the fate of an entire world.
Targeted at kids aged 7–12 and family audiences, the series blends cinematic animation, action, humor, and emotional storytelling. To date, MechWest has generated more than 11 million lifetime views and earned multiple industry honors, including Gold and Silver wins at the Telly Awards and Gold and Audience Choice recognition at the Collision Awards. The series has also attracted coverage from leading entertainment and animation publications, further cementing its reputation as a standout independent production.
‘Exceptional storytelling has always been at the heart of successful global entertainment, and MechWest is a powerful example of that’, said Viswanath Rao, CEO of Toonz Media Group. ‘What Dave Gallagher and the AnimSchool Studios team have achieved is remarkable, creating a visually stunning, emotionally engaging series that has already built a passionate audience through its own merit. We are delighted to partner with the team and help bring the series to audiences worldwide’.
‘MechWest stood out immediately, the quality of the animation, the world Dave and the AnimSchool team have built, and an audience that’s already found it’, said Gulshan David, Vice President – Feature Films, Toonz Media Group. ‘What they’ve achieved is rare for an independently produced series, and we believe it has exactly what major global platforms and broadcasters are looking for. We’re thrilled to bring MechWest to the world stage starting at Annecy’.
The partnership adds to Toonz Media Group‘s expanding portfolio of internationally distributed animated content. With more than 25 years experience across animation, live-action production, and global distribution, Toonz has built a reputation for bringing high-quality family entertainment to audiences worldwide. The company also operates a rapidly growing digit of al ecosystem that reaches millions of viewers daily through its YouTube network, VOD and telecom partnerships, and the recently launched MyToonz FAST channel, extending its direct connection with audiences across global markets.
The series was written by Noah Gallagher and Clifford James Taylor, with a creative team that includes Galen Chu as Layout Director (Ice Age: Collision Course, Ferdinand) and Moroni Taylor as Head of Story (The Super Mario Bros. Movie, The Iron Giant, Despicable Me).» Together, the team brings decades of experience from some of animation’s most successful feature films and franchises.
Dave Gallagher, creator of MechWest and Founder and CEO of AnimSchool, said, ‘We’re very excited to partner with Toonz Media Group for this next chapter of MechWest. Our team has made the series independently, one episode at a time, and it’s very rewarding to see the show resonating with audiences. Toonz brings so much expertise in international distribution and a genuine enthusiasm for the series. They share our vision for the show’s broad appeal, and this partnership gives us an opportunity to introduce the show to new audiences and expand its global reach’.
A defining aspect of MechWest is its innovative production model. The series has been produced primarily by recent AnimSchool graduates, demonstrating how emerging talent can deliver feature-quality animation outside traditional studio systems. The project has become a case study in the evolving economics of animation production, combining high-end visuals, creator-led storytelling, and organic audience growth.
Founded by Dave Gallagher, AnimSchool (accredited ACCSC) is one of the world’s largest 3D animation schools, with a global reputation for training animation professionals and developing production-ready talent. Gallagher’s own credits include lead and supervisory roles on major animated feature films such as the Ice Age franchise, Rio, Robots, and Horton Hears a Who.
