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Why Kitsu ​

Production pipelines need tools that are reliable, flexible, and built for the specific demands of animation, VFX, and game production. Generic project management software lacks the structure studios depend on: shot and asset tracking, review workflows, DCC integrations, and API-driven automation. Kitsu was created to fill that gap as an open-source platform that studios can own, extend, and rely on for the long term.

Open, durable foundation for real productions ​

Kitsu is an open source production tracking system built specifically for animation, VFX, and game studios that want long-term ownership of their pipeline.

We are driven by real production needs inspiring stable data models, transparent workflows, and full extensibility.

Studios can self-host, customize, and maintain Kitsu internally, or contribute alongside the community to keep the platform auditable, adaptable, and aligned with evolving pipeline requirements.

Single source of truth for production data ​

All production entities like shots, assets, tasks, versions, notes, schedules, etc. live in one consistent system. Every department works from the same up-to-date dataset, reducing synchronization issues, duplicated tooling, and inconsistent pipeline state.

Production tracking for animation, VFX, and video games ​

Kitsu is designed for shot- and asset-based workflows rather than generic project management. Production-relevant task states (ready, WIP, blocked, approved) and real-time progress visibility help producers and supervisors identify bottlenecks early and adjust planning before deadlines are impacted.

Contextual reviews, approvals, and client visibility ​

Reviews and feedback are attached directly to shots, assets, and tasks to preserve context and shorten iteration cycles. Approval history remains accessible for internal validation and client reviews, while controlled access gives clients clear visibility without exposing internal pipeline complexity.

Scales with your studio and pipeline ​

Kitsu supports small teams, large studios, and multi-studio productions without adding unnecessary process overhead. It integrates with common DCCs, render farms, and asset management systems, and exposes APIs and developer tools so technical teams can automate workflows and build pipeline-specific extensions. Clear planning and real-time tracking improve predictability, reduce retakes, and help control production costs.

Built for studios, by studios ​

Kitsu is developed by CGWire and shaped by feedback from studios of all sizes around the world. Every feature, from the data model to the review engine, comes from real production needs. The codebase is open, the API is documented, and the community is active: studios don't just use Kitsu, they help build it.

Next Step ​