A Toronto-based production company that specializes in animated films is expanding to Honolulu, saying it wants to be part of Hawai'i's growing film industry.

The company, Entrench- ed Inc., held a grand opening event for its Hawaii Animation Studios yesterday at 1132 Bishop St.

"We're very excited to be here, and look forward to an exciting, long-term future here in Hawai'i," said Dan Krech, one of four partners at Entrenched Inc. and Hawaii Animation Studios.

Entrenched's credits include "Nine," "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything," "A VeggieTales Movie," "Everyone's Hero," "IMAX 3D Spacestation," "Nascar 3D," "Cyberworld," "Game Over" and "X-Men."

Krech said Entrenched is working with Big Idea Entertainment, a faith-based studio and producer of children's and family programming, characters and brands, on a multiproduction deal.

"We have some local members on our team, and plan to grow our local talent base," Krech said in a news release.

Krech is the head of production and business development for Entrenched. His partners are Joe Serafini, director of marketing and audio production supervisor; John Morch, head of operations and production manager; and Jeff Bell.

Formed in Toronto in 2008, Entrenched designs and performs all the creative elements of production, including the pre- and post-productions, which can then be packaged and exported to production studios worldwide, the company said.