The state of Connecticut will provide an $8 million loan to help Blue Sky Studios Inc. relocate to Greenwich.

The loan will help the studio, makers of such animated films as the “Ice Age” series and the recently released Dr. Seuss’ “Horton Hears a Who!,” prepare about 105,000 square feet on a single floor of the Greenwich American Center. The studio will be able to locate all of its operations together for the first time. Blue Sky occupies several different floors in its current location in White Plains, N.Y.

“The emphasis Connecticut has put on making our state friendly to film and television production has had tremendous results and I am thrilled to welcome Blue Sky Studios,” said Gov. Jodi Rell. “It is always exciting when ‘the movies’ come to town, but what makes this especially good news from an economic point of view is that it is a lasting investment. Blue Sky is not simply shooting a scene or two in Connecticut. They have chosen to make a home in our state.”

The project includes the build-out of a state-of-the-art animation facility and will result in the relocation of 300 full-time employees from New York to Connecticut. State funds will also be used for machinery and equipment, leasehold improvements and/or relocation-related expenses.

The terms of the loan call for 3 percent interest over 10 years, with principal and interest payments deferred for the first five years. If the company fully complies with its job creation requirement by June 2012, $6 million of the loan will be forgiven.

The overall cost of the move is estimated at $32.5 million.

For MORE NEWS BRIEFS, click here.