Practical Characters with Heart
Our Story
More than two decades of acting, production experience, and a lifelong passion for practical effects brought TV Bears International to life.
Based in Toluca Lake, California, with a UK hub in Watford, London. Available for productions worldwide.
How It Began
A Lifelong Fascination Became a Mission
TV Bears International was founded by Matthew Mason, an actor and director with more than two decades of acting and production experience. Before founding TV Bears International, Matthew led Animatronic Bear Studios Inc. His lifelong interest in practical effects continues to shape the lifelike animal characters he brings to screen and live events.
The Power of Something Real
From the start, our focus has always been on in-camera practical effects that are tangible, touchable, and timeless. We believe that nothing compares to the immediacy of an on-set character: the weight of a costume, its interaction with light and shadow, and the authentic presence that CGI alone cannot replicate.
Our bears are more than costumes. They are living, breathing characters shaped through skilled acting and crafted to elevate storytelling in a way that resonates long after the cameras stop rolling.
Character integrity is at the heart of everything we do.
The Beating Heart of Every Project
What sets us apart is the beating heart we bring to every project. For us, this is not just work. It is a way of life. We love every aspect of production, from the smallest technical detail to the grandest creative vision.
We thrive on set, collaborating with directors, crews, and talent not only to deliver believable characters but also to enjoy the process of making something extraordinary together. Looking great while bringing joy, focus, and professionalism to every set is part of our DNA.
Screen, Stage, and Live Audiences
A Story That Continues to Grow
Matthew’s work has taken lifelike animal characters from screen productions to live events and red carpet premieres. Through TV Bears International, he continues that work with a focus on practical effects and character integrity.
Whether it is a single hero moment for a global advertising campaign, an immersive red carpet experience, or recurring appearances across a series, we create lasting impressions rooted in authenticity.
Based Between Two Production Hubs
With a primary base in Toluca Lake, California, and a UK service hub in Watford, London, our characters and production team can support projects internationally.
Craft, Creativity, and Practical Magic
We have had the privilege of working alongside leading advertising agencies, production companies, and world-renowned talent, delivering standout campaigns and unforgettable experiences. Each collaboration reflects our passion not only for the craft of acting but also for preserving the magic of character integrity. That ethos is at the heart of everything we do.
At TV Bears International, our story is about more than bears. It is about craft, creativity, and a legacy of practical magic. It is about helping brands, filmmakers, and creators bring ideas to life with an extra ingredient that makes the difference: the power of something real.
Because sometimes, you just need a bear.
Selected Projects and Collaborators
These projects reflect Matthew Mason’s work across TV Bears International and earlier productions, including work completed through Animatronic Bear Studios Inc.
Client Testimonials
Our company, Dare Foods Ltd., worked with Matt and his company on an advertising campaign in the summer of 2023 for our Bear Paws brand, and I have nothing but positive things to say about the experience! Matt and his team are talented professionals who have produced incredibly lifelike bear suits. The added bonus is that Matt M. and his colleague have the capability and experience to act in the suits, which is no easy feat. Our production shoot went exactly as planned, and the creative output was business- and brand-building. We value our partnership with Matt’s team, and we look forward to doing more work together.
Scott Chapman
Category Manager, Dare Foods Ltd.
Matthew and his bear were absolute champions on a hard one-day shoot. Everything hinged on him, and we never missed a beat. The client was over the moon and happy with him and the final product. I hope I am able to bring him back for many more projects.
Michael Sapienza
Executive Producer, Lowes Foods
Matthew was collaborative, flexible, and extremely helpful on a project I worked with him on, a short film about a bear invading a neighborhood. I’m proud to say that our collaboration has created great success for the film, which has been celebrated across the world. Matt’s ability to problem-solve and troubleshoot is excellent, as is his ability to communicate with his team, who executed our project to the utmost perfection. 10/10 would recommend!
Jessica Redish
Director, Exit, Pursued by a Bear
Bring the Magic to Your Story
Ready to make your production unforgettable? Contact TV Bears International and discover how our passion for practical effects and character-driven storytelling can elevate your next project.