‘Sheep In The Big City’ Creator And Caldecott-Winning Writer Mo Willems Launches Hidden Pigeon Company
Former Lightstorm Entertainment president of franchise development Kathy Franklin will serve as Hidden Pigeon’s first CEO.
Executives
Comings and goings at studios and networks in the animation industry.
Disney To Produce Less Content, Pull Existing Programming From Disney+
The company is undertaking cost-saving efforts as subscribers canceled Disney’s streaming services en masse for the second quarter in a row.
Phil Rynda Joins Pokémon Company As Director Of Original Animation
Rynda is an artist-turned-executive who most recently served as director of creative leadership and development for original animation at Netflix.
Wildbrain Promotes Longtime Exec Josh Scherba To President And CEO
The company has also appointed chief marketing and brands officer Jim Fielding as its new strategic advisor to the CEO and board of directors.
Former Dreamworks Exec Bill Damaschke Confirmed As Head Of Warner Animation Group, Developing A New Feature Slate
The news of Damaschke’s official appointment came during WBD’s Q1 earnings call led by CEO David Zaslav.
Disney Layoffs Hit Company’s Animation And Kids Businesses
Among those laid off last week were senior VP of current series Khaki Jones and two kids unit execs, Claire McCabe and Meghan de Boer.
Disney Agreed To Multimillion-Dollar Settlement With Dismissed Marvel VFX And Animation Boss Victoria Alonso
Alonso was allegedly let go by Disney back in March for promoting the film ‘Argentina, 1985’ during its Oscar run.
Illumination Boss Chris Meledandri Says The Artistry In His Studio’s Films Is Often Overlooked
Illumination’s box office record is one thing, but Meledandri believes that “what is extraordinary is the artistry that is in these movies.”
Studio Ghibli Replaces Longtime President Koji Hoshino With Co-Founder Toshio Suzuki
The executive change comes amid a recent swirl of Japanese media allegations regarding Suzuki.
Cartoon Network Boss Michael Ouweleen Opens Up About Company’s Rough 2022 And Why 2023 Is Already Looking Better
Ouwleen believes the growing pains that accompanied the Warner Bros. and Discovery merger are now behind them.
Former Marvel VFX And Animation Boss Victoria Alonso Was Dismissed For Breach Of Contract
According to sources, Alonso’s involvement with the Oscar-nominated film ‘Argentina, 1985’ was at the center of her dismissal.
Marvel’s VFX And Animation Chief Victoria Alonso Leaves Studio
In a 17-year career at Marvel Studios, Alonso was responsible for producing the animation and vfx for films that have grossed over $25 billion in global box office.
Telefilm Canada Appoints NFB’s Julie Roy As Executive Director And CEO
Roy is a former executive producer of the French Animation Studio at the National Film Board of Canada.
The Art Of The Acquisition: Moonbug Managing Director Andy Yeatman On What His Company Looks For In An IP
Yeatman also offered some sound advice for creators looking to grow their properties through new partnerships.
Osamu Tezuka, Toei Company President And CEO, Dies At 62
Toei managing director and chairman Noriyuki Tada is taking over as president following Tezuka’s passing.
Youtube CEO Susan Wojcicki To Step Down, Neal Mohan Will Take Over As SVP And Head Of Company
After nearly a decade in charge, Wojcicki will shift to an advisory role at Youtube’s parent companies Google/Alphabet.
DNEG Animation Plans Increased Focus On Episodic Animation, Promotes Philippe Denis To Creative Director
Denis’ appointment is the latest among a series of high-profile hires and promotions at the global vfx and animation company.
Report: Former Dreamworks Exec Bill Damaschke Is Top Candidate To Lead Warner Animation Group
Warner Animation Group has been operating without a dedicated boss since Allison Abbate’s departure last August.
‘Baby Shark,’ ‘Bebefinn’ Producer The Pinkfong Company Appoints David Levy As Head Of U.S. Studio
Based in L.A., Levy will head the development and production of original IP in short-form and long-form content and oversee co-productions.
‘Arcane’ Producer Riot Games Hires Cristina Fiumara As Head Of Animation Development
Fiumara takes on the newly created role after most recently working as vp of streaming content at Walt Disney Animation studios.
