Odeon Film has closed its animation production arm in the wake of a decision to concentrate in future on live action production for film and television.

In a statement, the Munich-based company stated that "animation rights already acquired are to be exploited by way of licensing or through the passive participation in co-productions."

"In numerous discussions with leading national and international potential production partners as well as broadcasters, various options were examined in detail on the prospects for success and also seen against the background of the capital markets' critical stance and the profitability of animation activities."

It only seemed a matter of time before Odeon's animation arm would be wound up after shareholder Bavaria Film acquired the Halle-based Motionworks animation studio last year.