Today, ahead of their inaugural Upfronts presentation on May 14, Prime Video announced that the animated series Sausage Party: Foodtopia will premiere on July 11, 2024, and also released new art from the series.
All eight episodes of the outrageous comedy will be available in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Based on the 2016 animated feature Sausage Party, the series follows Frank, Brenda, Barry, and Sammy as they try to build their own food society. Original feature film cast members Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Michael Cera, David Krumholtz, and Edward Norton will return.
Will Forte, Sam Richardson, Natasha Rothwell, and Yassir Lester are also set to lend their voices to the animated series.
Sausage Party: Foodtopia is executive produced by Ariel Shaffir and Kyle Hunter, who also serve as showrunners. Shaffir and Hunter co-wrote the 2016 animated feature film with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.
Rogen, Goldberg, James Weaver, and Alex McAtee will executive...
All eight episodes of the outrageous comedy will be available in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Based on the 2016 animated feature Sausage Party, the series follows Frank, Brenda, Barry, and Sammy as they try to build their own food society. Original feature film cast members Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Michael Cera, David Krumholtz, and Edward Norton will return.
Will Forte, Sam Richardson, Natasha Rothwell, and Yassir Lester are also set to lend their voices to the animated series.
Sausage Party: Foodtopia is executive produced by Ariel Shaffir and Kyle Hunter, who also serve as showrunners. Shaffir and Hunter co-wrote the 2016 animated feature film with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.
Rogen, Goldberg, James Weaver, and Alex McAtee will executive...
- 5/1/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
In January of 2021, Megan Ellison got a call from Erik Lomis, the former head of distribution at her company, Annapurna Pictures, asking if she’d like to take a look at a movie whose filmmakers needed a lifeline. Disney was days away from announcing that it planned to shutter Blue Sky Studios, the 500-person, Greenwich, Connecticut-based animation studio it had inherited in the 2019 Fox acquisition, and with that closure, the Burbank media giant would be dropping Blue Sky’s most promising movie, Nimona.
“I wasn’t really engaging in new film projects at the time, but being curious, I said yes,” Ellison said, in an email.
Ellison watched the hand-drawn storyboard reels, which directors Nick Bruno and Troy Quane had adapted from Nd Stevenson’s 2015 graphic novel, and instantly connected with the title character, a shape-shifter voiced by Chloë Grace Moretz who appears most often as a young woman, but...
“I wasn’t really engaging in new film projects at the time, but being curious, I said yes,” Ellison said, in an email.
Ellison watched the hand-drawn storyboard reels, which directors Nick Bruno and Troy Quane had adapted from Nd Stevenson’s 2015 graphic novel, and instantly connected with the title character, a shape-shifter voiced by Chloë Grace Moretz who appears most often as a young woman, but...
- 2/22/2024
- by Rebecca Keegan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Deadline’s Read the Screenplay series spotlighting the year’s most talked-about scripts continues with Nimona, Netflix’s animated feature based on Nd Stevenson’s 2015 National Book Award-nominated graphic novel about finding friendship in the most surprising situations and accepting yourself and others for who they are.
Nick Bruno and Troy Quane (co-directors of Spies In Disguise) directed the film, which was adapted by Big Hero 6 scribe Robert L. Baird and Spies co-writer Lloyd Taylor and features the voices of Riz Ahmed and Chloë Grace Moretz in the lead roles. Frances Conroy, Lorraine Toussaint, RuPaul Charles, Eugene Lee Yang, Indya Moore, Sarah Sherman and Beck Bennett also have voice roles.
A family-focused film with authentic queer themes set in a vibrant techno-medieval world (credit to teams at Blue Sky Studios and Dneg Animation), the plot centers on Ballister Boldheart (Ahmed), a knight in a futuristic medieval world, who is...
Nick Bruno and Troy Quane (co-directors of Spies In Disguise) directed the film, which was adapted by Big Hero 6 scribe Robert L. Baird and Spies co-writer Lloyd Taylor and features the voices of Riz Ahmed and Chloë Grace Moretz in the lead roles. Frances Conroy, Lorraine Toussaint, RuPaul Charles, Eugene Lee Yang, Indya Moore, Sarah Sherman and Beck Bennett also have voice roles.
A family-focused film with authentic queer themes set in a vibrant techno-medieval world (credit to teams at Blue Sky Studios and Dneg Animation), the plot centers on Ballister Boldheart (Ahmed), a knight in a futuristic medieval world, who is...
- 12/29/2023
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Following the release of its first animated feature, Nimona, Annapurna Animation has brought on director Nick Bruno and producer Julie Zackary to join their creative leadership team while expanding its upcoming feature slate to include an adaptation of video game Stray, along with Foo, an original title from Ice Age helmer and Blue Sky co-founder Chris Wedge.
Based on Nd Stevenson’s graphic novel of the same name, Nimona began its life at Blue Sky, and moved to Annapurna after Disney shut down the production and studio following its acquisition of Fox, which owned the animation umbrella. Netflix released the well-received Nimona in June.
Bruno — a Blue Sky alum, who made his directorial debut with Spies in Disguise — is already developing and directing an untitled original feature for the studio, while developing additional originals. Zackary is joining the studio as head of animation production, having previously served as vp of...
Based on Nd Stevenson’s graphic novel of the same name, Nimona began its life at Blue Sky, and moved to Annapurna after Disney shut down the production and studio following its acquisition of Fox, which owned the animation umbrella. Netflix released the well-received Nimona in June.
Bruno — a Blue Sky alum, who made his directorial debut with Spies in Disguise — is already developing and directing an untitled original feature for the studio, while developing additional originals. Zackary is joining the studio as head of animation production, having previously served as vp of...
- 9/6/2023
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Annapurna Animation is kicking into overdrive, with director Nick Bruno (Netflix’s “Nimona” and 20th Century Studio’s “Spies in Disguise”) and producer Julie Zackary joining up.
They are also planning to expand their feature development slate, with the first flick being an adaptation of the acclaimed “play as a cat” video game “Stray.” Also on tap is a new film from Chris Wedge (“Ice Age”), an original called “Foo.” Along with directing an untitled original in development, Bruno is actively developing original ideas for Annapurna Animation.
“Stray,” an open-world adventure where you play as an ordinary cat, earned strong reviews and 2.5 million copies sold in the first month prior to even launching on Steam. The game came from Annapurna Interactive, so the synergy speaks for itself, and Annapurna plans to adapt more titles from its game library.
Wedge is an Academy Award-winning director and producer as well as a...
They are also planning to expand their feature development slate, with the first flick being an adaptation of the acclaimed “play as a cat” video game “Stray.” Also on tap is a new film from Chris Wedge (“Ice Age”), an original called “Foo.” Along with directing an untitled original in development, Bruno is actively developing original ideas for Annapurna Animation.
“Stray,” an open-world adventure where you play as an ordinary cat, earned strong reviews and 2.5 million copies sold in the first month prior to even launching on Steam. The game came from Annapurna Interactive, so the synergy speaks for itself, and Annapurna plans to adapt more titles from its game library.
Wedge is an Academy Award-winning director and producer as well as a...
- 9/5/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Annapurna Animation has ramped up the creative leadership of its team with the addition of Nimona director Nick Bruno and producer Julie Zackary. Zackary, a former Blue Sky Studios executive, will serve as Annapurna’s Head of Animation.
Also joining the division is Erica Pulcini as Creative Executive.
First out of the gate for the division is a feature take of BlueTwelve videogame, Stray.
Zackary will oversee all aspects of production throughout Annapurna Animation’s division. Zackary served as VP of Production Management at Sony Pictures Imageworks before joining Blue Sky Studios as Vice President of Production.
In Pulcini’s role as Creative Executive, she will help curate, develop and further define Annapurna Animation’s feature film slate.
Also in development is Foo, the next project from renowned director Chris Wedge.
Bruno is already on tap to develop and direct an untitled original feature film, and he is actively developing...
Also joining the division is Erica Pulcini as Creative Executive.
First out of the gate for the division is a feature take of BlueTwelve videogame, Stray.
Zackary will oversee all aspects of production throughout Annapurna Animation’s division. Zackary served as VP of Production Management at Sony Pictures Imageworks before joining Blue Sky Studios as Vice President of Production.
In Pulcini’s role as Creative Executive, she will help curate, develop and further define Annapurna Animation’s feature film slate.
Also in development is Foo, the next project from renowned director Chris Wedge.
Bruno is already on tap to develop and direct an untitled original feature film, and he is actively developing...
- 9/5/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Stray, the 2022 adventure game that lets you play as a cat in a cyberpunk world, is getting an animated movie adaptation from Annapurna Animation, the studio announced on Monday. The movie will be co-produced by former Disney Animation executives Robert Baird and Andrew Millstein, who are also the co-heads of Annapurna Animation12.
Stray is a third-person cat adventure game set amid the detailed neon-lit alleys of a decaying cybercity and the murky environments of its seedy underbelly. The game follows the journey of a stray cat who befriends a drone named B12 and tries to find its way back home. Along the way, the cat encounters various challenges and mysteries, as well as other friendly and hostile animals. The game received critical acclaim for its immersive world, charming characters, and emotional story12.
Strays Trailer
Annapurna Animation is a newly launched division of Annapurna Pictures, which is known for producing and...
Stray is a third-person cat adventure game set amid the detailed neon-lit alleys of a decaying cybercity and the murky environments of its seedy underbelly. The game follows the journey of a stray cat who befriends a drone named B12 and tries to find its way back home. Along the way, the cat encounters various challenges and mysteries, as well as other friendly and hostile animals. The game received critical acclaim for its immersive world, charming characters, and emotional story12.
Strays Trailer
Annapurna Animation is a newly launched division of Annapurna Pictures, which is known for producing and...
- 9/5/2023
- by amalprasadappu
- https://thecinemanews.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_4649
Seth Rogen is teasing the Sausage Party sequel series and talking about an “unbelievably shocking” scene that even caught co-star Kristen Wiig off guard.
“There’s one specific scene that had a special screening for the Amazon PR people,” Rogen told Empire magazine about Sausage Party: Foodtopia. “‘You should all just start wrapping your heads around this now. You’ll probably have to talk about this a lot.'”
He continued, “We had Kristen Wiig in picking up a few lines the other day, and I think we’ve all become desensitized to it because we’ll just be like, ‘Roll the scene!’, and then she was like, ‘Oh my God?! This is insane!'”
Sausage Party is a 2016 R-rated animated film directed by Conrad Vernon and Greg Tiernan with a story by Rogen, Evan Goldberg and Jonah Hill. The film follows an anthropomorphic sausage who lives in a supermarket...
“There’s one specific scene that had a special screening for the Amazon PR people,” Rogen told Empire magazine about Sausage Party: Foodtopia. “‘You should all just start wrapping your heads around this now. You’ll probably have to talk about this a lot.'”
He continued, “We had Kristen Wiig in picking up a few lines the other day, and I think we’ve all become desensitized to it because we’ll just be like, ‘Roll the scene!’, and then she was like, ‘Oh my God?! This is insane!'”
Sausage Party is a 2016 R-rated animated film directed by Conrad Vernon and Greg Tiernan with a story by Rogen, Evan Goldberg and Jonah Hill. The film follows an anthropomorphic sausage who lives in a supermarket...
- 7/5/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
The long-awaited animated feature adaptation of Nd Stevenson’s cult graphic novel Nimona enjoyed a triumphant world premiere at the Annecy International Film Festival on Wednesday evening ahead of its launch on Netflix on June 30.
Set in a futuristic medieval world, the story revolves around the titular Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz), a mischievous, shape-shifting teenager with a violent streak, and Ballister Blackheart (Riz Ahmed), an up and coming knight of humble origins.
When Blackheart is framed for a heinous crime and is forced to go on the run, Nimona becomes an unlikely saviour, initially because she believes he is guilty and thinks he is a kindred spirit.
Blackheart is determined to prove his innocence, especially in the eyes of his long-time soul mate, fellow knight Ambrosius Goldenloin.
The work is adapted from Stevenson’s award-winning graphic novel of the same name, which in turn was developed from a webcomic about...
Set in a futuristic medieval world, the story revolves around the titular Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz), a mischievous, shape-shifting teenager with a violent streak, and Ballister Blackheart (Riz Ahmed), an up and coming knight of humble origins.
When Blackheart is framed for a heinous crime and is forced to go on the run, Nimona becomes an unlikely saviour, initially because she believes he is guilty and thinks he is a kindred spirit.
Blackheart is determined to prove his innocence, especially in the eyes of his long-time soul mate, fellow knight Ambrosius Goldenloin.
The work is adapted from Stevenson’s award-winning graphic novel of the same name, which in turn was developed from a webcomic about...
- 6/15/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix’s “Nimona” marks an LGBTQ breakthrough for a mainstream animated film. Based on Nd Stevenson’s best-selling queer graphic novel about the titular teen shapeshifter (Chloë Grace Moretz) in a futuristic medieval world, “Nimona” explores timely issues of identity and xenophobia. It additionally pushes 2D stylization into 3D with a uniquely illustrated look.
“Nimona” is also a minor miracle. It was rescued from the dead by Annapurna Animation and Netflix after Disney halted production in 2021 when they shuttered Fox-owned Blue Sky Studios, where the project originated. As it was, the film’s LGBTQ themes were watered down and a same-sex kiss between bestie knights (voiced by Riz Ahmed and Eugene Lee Yang) was a cause of concern at Disney.
But former Blue Sky co-presidents Andrew Millstein and Robert Baird refused to let “Nimona” die in 2021. Together with producer Julie Zackary and directors Nick Bruno and Troy Quane (“Spies in Disguise...
“Nimona” is also a minor miracle. It was rescued from the dead by Annapurna Animation and Netflix after Disney halted production in 2021 when they shuttered Fox-owned Blue Sky Studios, where the project originated. As it was, the film’s LGBTQ themes were watered down and a same-sex kiss between bestie knights (voiced by Riz Ahmed and Eugene Lee Yang) was a cause of concern at Disney.
But former Blue Sky co-presidents Andrew Millstein and Robert Baird refused to let “Nimona” die in 2021. Together with producer Julie Zackary and directors Nick Bruno and Troy Quane (“Spies in Disguise...
- 6/14/2023
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Just four weeks ago, the Netflix streaming service unveiled a teaser trailer for the animated adventure film Nimona – and since we’re a little over two weeks from the film’s June 30th release date, it makes sense that a full trailer for the movie has now arrived online. You can check it out in the embed above.
Nimona had a bumpy ride on its way to Netflix. The project was scrapped by Blue Sky Studios when it was near completion, then canceled by Fox… but by the end of this month, it will finally be out in the world.
Inspired by Nd Stevenson‘s (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power) webcomic-turned-graphic novel, Nimona was directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane from a screenplay by Robert L. Baird and Lloyd Taylor. Here’s the synopsis: When Ballister Boldheart, a knight in a futuristic medieval world, is framed for a crime he didn’t commit,...
Nimona had a bumpy ride on its way to Netflix. The project was scrapped by Blue Sky Studios when it was near completion, then canceled by Fox… but by the end of this month, it will finally be out in the world.
Inspired by Nd Stevenson‘s (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power) webcomic-turned-graphic novel, Nimona was directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane from a screenplay by Robert L. Baird and Lloyd Taylor. Here’s the synopsis: When Ballister Boldheart, a knight in a futuristic medieval world, is framed for a crime he didn’t commit,...
- 6/14/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Chloë Grace Moretz is ready to save Riz Ahmed in animated form.
The two actors lead the long-awaited queer graphic novel adaptation “Nimona,” now being released by Netflix after previously being scrapped by Walt Disney Co. after the company allegedly took issue with the now-defunct Blue Sky Studios’ inclusion of a same-sex kiss.
The official synopsis for “Nimona” reads: When Ballister Boldheart (Ahmed), a knight in a futuristic medieval world, is framed for a crime he didn’t commit, the only one who can help him prove his innocence is Nimona (Moretz), a mischievous teen with a taste for mayhem — who also happens to be a shapeshifting creature Ballister has been trained to destroy. But with the entire kingdom out to get him, Nimona’s the best (or technically the only) sidekick Ballister can hope for. And as the lines between heroes, villains, and monsters start to blur, the two...
The two actors lead the long-awaited queer graphic novel adaptation “Nimona,” now being released by Netflix after previously being scrapped by Walt Disney Co. after the company allegedly took issue with the now-defunct Blue Sky Studios’ inclusion of a same-sex kiss.
The official synopsis for “Nimona” reads: When Ballister Boldheart (Ahmed), a knight in a futuristic medieval world, is framed for a crime he didn’t commit, the only one who can help him prove his innocence is Nimona (Moretz), a mischievous teen with a taste for mayhem — who also happens to be a shapeshifting creature Ballister has been trained to destroy. But with the entire kingdom out to get him, Nimona’s the best (or technically the only) sidekick Ballister can hope for. And as the lines between heroes, villains, and monsters start to blur, the two...
- 6/14/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
“Nimona” took a twisty road to the big screen. But now it’s ready for its debut at Annecy Animation Film Festival. Pictured above is an exclusive still from the anticipated fantasy adventure.
Based on the graphic novel by N.D. Stevenson, the feature follows Ballister Boldheart, a knight in a futuristic medieval world who is framed for a crime he didn’t commit. The only one who can help him prove his innocence is Nimona, a mischievous teen who happens to be a shapeshifting creature he’s sworn to destroy.
“Nimona” started out at 20th Century Fox’s animation shingle Blue Sky Studios, which optioned the novel in 2015. Nick Bruno and Troy Quane were brought onboard in 2020 when creative direction of the film changed. The film continued production apace even after Disney completed its $71.9 billion merger with 20th Century Fox in 2019.
Production continued during the pandemic as well, but then in 2021, Disney shuttered Blue Sky.
Based on the graphic novel by N.D. Stevenson, the feature follows Ballister Boldheart, a knight in a futuristic medieval world who is framed for a crime he didn’t commit. The only one who can help him prove his innocence is Nimona, a mischievous teen who happens to be a shapeshifting creature he’s sworn to destroy.
“Nimona” started out at 20th Century Fox’s animation shingle Blue Sky Studios, which optioned the novel in 2015. Nick Bruno and Troy Quane were brought onboard in 2020 when creative direction of the film changed. The film continued production apace even after Disney completed its $71.9 billion merger with 20th Century Fox in 2019.
Production continued during the pandemic as well, but then in 2021, Disney shuttered Blue Sky.
- 6/11/2023
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
Fans of the Tumblr comic series “Nimona” can finally take a peek at Netflix’s upcoming animated feature film adaptation.
“Nimona,” set in a techno-medieval landscape where magic and technology combine, follows shape-shifting teenager Nimona (Moretz) as she tries to prove the innocence of wrongly convicted Knight Ballister Boldheart (Ahmed).
Joining Moretz and Ahmed in the film are Frances Conroy, Lorraine Toussaint, Beck Bennett, RuPaul Charles, Indya Moore, Julio Torres, Sarah Sherman and Eugene Lee Yang.
In 2015, the internet comic was published by HarperCollins, becoming a New York Times bestselling graphic novel. Twentieth Century Fox Animation initially acquired the rights to the film, based on cartoonist Nd Stevenson’s webcomics, and planned to release the film in 2020 with “Big Hero 6” animator Patrick Osborne to direct. But when Disney acquired Fox in 2019, the company shuttered animation house Blue Sky Studios and canceled the project. In April 2022, Netflix announced it had acquired the film,...
“Nimona,” set in a techno-medieval landscape where magic and technology combine, follows shape-shifting teenager Nimona (Moretz) as she tries to prove the innocence of wrongly convicted Knight Ballister Boldheart (Ahmed).
Joining Moretz and Ahmed in the film are Frances Conroy, Lorraine Toussaint, Beck Bennett, RuPaul Charles, Indya Moore, Julio Torres, Sarah Sherman and Eugene Lee Yang.
In 2015, the internet comic was published by HarperCollins, becoming a New York Times bestselling graphic novel. Twentieth Century Fox Animation initially acquired the rights to the film, based on cartoonist Nd Stevenson’s webcomics, and planned to release the film in 2020 with “Big Hero 6” animator Patrick Osborne to direct. But when Disney acquired Fox in 2019, the company shuttered animation house Blue Sky Studios and canceled the project. In April 2022, Netflix announced it had acquired the film,...
- 5/18/2023
- by Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
Chloë Grace Moretz and Riz Ahmed are finally debuting their respective graphic novel counterparts in Netflix’s “Nimona.”
The long-awaited big screen adaptation of Nd Stevenson’s bestselling queer 2015 graphic novel finally comes to Netflix this summer. “Nimona” was previously scrapped by Walt Disney Co. after the company allegedly took issue with the now-defunct Blue Sky Studios’ inclusion of a same-sex kiss. Blue Sky Studios executives claimed that “Nimona” was “75 percent” completed before Disney allegedly had “pushback” on the LGBTQ+ themes central to the story.
Netflix acquired the film in April 2022 and partnered with Annapurna Pictures to bring it to the streamer. “Nimona” started production again early last year with Dneg Animation.
Per the official synopsis of the new Netflix film, when Ballister Boldheart (Ahmed), a knight in a futuristic medieval world, is framed for a crime he didn’t commit, the only one who can help him prove his...
The long-awaited big screen adaptation of Nd Stevenson’s bestselling queer 2015 graphic novel finally comes to Netflix this summer. “Nimona” was previously scrapped by Walt Disney Co. after the company allegedly took issue with the now-defunct Blue Sky Studios’ inclusion of a same-sex kiss. Blue Sky Studios executives claimed that “Nimona” was “75 percent” completed before Disney allegedly had “pushback” on the LGBTQ+ themes central to the story.
Netflix acquired the film in April 2022 and partnered with Annapurna Pictures to bring it to the streamer. “Nimona” started production again early last year with Dneg Animation.
Per the official synopsis of the new Netflix film, when Ballister Boldheart (Ahmed), a knight in a futuristic medieval world, is framed for a crime he didn’t commit, the only one who can help him prove his...
- 5/18/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Annapurna has hired Picturestart’s former EVP, Shayne Fiske Goldner as EVP of Physical Production.
She replaces David Wolkis who is leaving the studio as their Head of Physical Production for TV and film.
Meanwhile, Skye Optican has also been promoted to Creative Director of International Development and Production.
Goldner will oversee all aspects of production management for Annapurna’s vast slate of film and television programming. Director of production Skye Caruso will continue to work for the production department, directly reporting to Goldner. Prior to joining Annapurna, Goldner worked at Picturestart, where she oversaw production on projects, including the 2022 Sundance Audience Award Winner Cha Cha Real Smooth and the Netflix Original, Luckiest Girl Alive, starring Mila Kunis.
Goldner has served in executive roles for companies such as Participant – where she worked on Academy Award Best Picture winners, Green Book and Spotlight, Oscar winner Roma and Oscar winner A Fantastic Woman,...
She replaces David Wolkis who is leaving the studio as their Head of Physical Production for TV and film.
Meanwhile, Skye Optican has also been promoted to Creative Director of International Development and Production.
Goldner will oversee all aspects of production management for Annapurna’s vast slate of film and television programming. Director of production Skye Caruso will continue to work for the production department, directly reporting to Goldner. Prior to joining Annapurna, Goldner worked at Picturestart, where she oversaw production on projects, including the 2022 Sundance Audience Award Winner Cha Cha Real Smooth and the Netflix Original, Luckiest Girl Alive, starring Mila Kunis.
Goldner has served in executive roles for companies such as Participant – where she worked on Academy Award Best Picture winners, Green Book and Spotlight, Oscar winner Roma and Oscar winner A Fantastic Woman,...
- 1/25/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Disney animation execs Robert Baird and Andrew Millstein have joined Megan Ellison’s Annapurna to establish and co-lead an Animation division at the independent studio.
The first film set for release via Annapurna’s new division is Nimona, directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane and produced by Julie Zackary and Karen Ryan. The film set for release on Netflix next year follows Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz) who is the only person that can help Knight Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed) to prove his innocence, when he is framed for a crime he didn’t commit.
Baird and Millstein previously headed Fox/Disney’s Blue Sky Studios, where they led over 500 filmmakers and were responsible for the development and production of Blue Sky’s feature animation slate. Millstein also previously served as President of Walt Disney Animation Studios, with the company during his tenure releasing such blockbuster hits as Big Hero 6,...
The first film set for release via Annapurna’s new division is Nimona, directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane and produced by Julie Zackary and Karen Ryan. The film set for release on Netflix next year follows Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz) who is the only person that can help Knight Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed) to prove his innocence, when he is framed for a crime he didn’t commit.
Baird and Millstein previously headed Fox/Disney’s Blue Sky Studios, where they led over 500 filmmakers and were responsible for the development and production of Blue Sky’s feature animation slate. Millstein also previously served as President of Walt Disney Animation Studios, with the company during his tenure releasing such blockbuster hits as Big Hero 6,...
- 12/1/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
With Nimona set as its first release, Annapurna Pictures has launched its own animation studio.
The division will be co-led by former Disney animation execs Robert Baird and Andrew Millstein. They collaborated with Annapurna on the long-gestating animated movie Nimona, which will debut on Netflix next year.
“Robert and I have had an inspiring experience collaborating with Megan, Nathan, and Annapurna. We’re excited to bring incredible animated stories to Annapurna’s portfolio of talent-led projects,” Millstein said in a statement.
Nimona started production at Blue Sky Studios before its parent, Fox, was acquired by Disney and subsequently shuttered the animation studio. The animated pic moved to Netflix, under the direction of Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, and follows a knight who is framed for a crime he didn’t commit and a shape-shifting teen named Nimona. Dneg is behind the animation.
Millstein...
With Nimona set as its first release, Annapurna Pictures has launched its own animation studio.
The division will be co-led by former Disney animation execs Robert Baird and Andrew Millstein. They collaborated with Annapurna on the long-gestating animated movie Nimona, which will debut on Netflix next year.
“Robert and I have had an inspiring experience collaborating with Megan, Nathan, and Annapurna. We’re excited to bring incredible animated stories to Annapurna’s portfolio of talent-led projects,” Millstein said in a statement.
Nimona started production at Blue Sky Studios before its parent, Fox, was acquired by Disney and subsequently shuttered the animation studio. The animated pic moved to Netflix, under the direction of Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, and follows a knight who is framed for a crime he didn’t commit and a shape-shifting teen named Nimona. Dneg is behind the animation.
Millstein...
- 12/1/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hold on to your buns, because "Sausage Party" is back! Prime Video has announced an order for a new animated series called "Sausage Party: Foodtopia," based on the feature of the same name featuring anthropomorphic foodstuffs in a grocery store with foul mouths, big dreams, and sex drives rivaling a teenager discovering internet tube sites for the first time. We called the film "raunchy, raw, and one of the most outrageous, funniest movies of the year," in our review back in 2016, and we definitely weren't alone. Not only was "Sausage Party" the first 3D computer-animated film to be rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America, but it became the highest-grossing R-rated animated film until it was surpassed by "Demon Slayer: Mugen Train" in 2020. The film was so extreme, it had to be heavily edited to avoid an Nc-17 rating, which only added to the film's mystique.
"The original...
"The original...
- 10/26/2022
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
A series based on the dark animated comedy “Sausage Party” has been ordered at Amazon Prime Video.
Titled “Sausage Party: Foodtopia,” the series will feature the return of several original cast members from the 2016 adult animated film, including Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Michael Cera, David Krumholtz, and Edward Norton. Will Forte, Sam Richardson, Natasha Rothwell, and Yassir Lester join the cast for the series, which is currently in production on an eight episode season and aiming for a 2024 premiere.
Released in 2016, the original “Sausage Party” film was set in a world where all food products are alive, to the obliviousness of humans. Unaware of their purpose, the food waits in grocery stores for the human shoppers, who they see as gods, to purchase them and take them to “the Great Beyond.” When a sausage named Frank (Seth Rogen) discovers the truth that they’re meant to be eaten, he goes...
Titled “Sausage Party: Foodtopia,” the series will feature the return of several original cast members from the 2016 adult animated film, including Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Michael Cera, David Krumholtz, and Edward Norton. Will Forte, Sam Richardson, Natasha Rothwell, and Yassir Lester join the cast for the series, which is currently in production on an eight episode season and aiming for a 2024 premiere.
Released in 2016, the original “Sausage Party” film was set in a world where all food products are alive, to the obliviousness of humans. Unaware of their purpose, the food waits in grocery stores for the human shoppers, who they see as gods, to purchase them and take them to “the Great Beyond.” When a sausage named Frank (Seth Rogen) discovers the truth that they’re meant to be eaten, he goes...
- 10/26/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
The story of the raunchy 2016 animated film “Sausage Party” will continue in a new animated sequel series coming to Amazon Prime Video in 2024 called “Sausage Party: Footopia.” The “eight-course television event” will find original cast members Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Michael Cera, David Krumholtz and Edward Norton all returning to reprise their roles, and is already in production.
Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the eight-episode series will also feature the voices of Will Forte, Sam Richardson, Natasha Rothwell and Yassir Lester, with Ariel Shaffir and Kyle Hunter (“Future Man”) – who co-wrote the 2016 film with Rogen and Evan Goldberg – executive producing and serving as showrunners.
“Sausage Party: Foodtopia” hails from Annapurna Television, Sony Pictures Television, Amazon Studios and Point Grey Pictures.
“Film used to be the superior art form to television, and we humbly reached the pinnacle of what can be achieved with film in our remarkable opus,...
Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the eight-episode series will also feature the voices of Will Forte, Sam Richardson, Natasha Rothwell and Yassir Lester, with Ariel Shaffir and Kyle Hunter (“Future Man”) – who co-wrote the 2016 film with Rogen and Evan Goldberg – executive producing and serving as showrunners.
“Sausage Party: Foodtopia” hails from Annapurna Television, Sony Pictures Television, Amazon Studios and Point Grey Pictures.
“Film used to be the superior art form to television, and we humbly reached the pinnacle of what can be achieved with film in our remarkable opus,...
- 10/26/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
A Sausage Party TV series is coming to Prime Video.
The streamer has ordered a series titled Sausage Party: Foodtopia that’s based on the 2016 animated comedy.
Original voice cast members Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Michael Cera, David Krumholtz and Edward Norton will return. In addition, Will Forte, Sam Richardson, Natasha Rothwell and Yassir Lester have been added to the cast. The first season will be eight episodes.
“Film used to be the superior art form to television, and we humbly reached the pinnacle of what can be achieved with film in our remarkable opus, Sausage Party,” said executive producers Rogen and Evan Goldberg. “But now that film is completely dead and TV is the forever-king of entertainment, we’ve decided to continue the epic adventures of our culinary crew in the soon-to-be-legendary televised masterpiece Sausage Party: Foodtopia. It’s got all the heart,...
A Sausage Party TV series is coming to Prime Video.
The streamer has ordered a series titled Sausage Party: Foodtopia that’s based on the 2016 animated comedy.
Original voice cast members Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Michael Cera, David Krumholtz and Edward Norton will return. In addition, Will Forte, Sam Richardson, Natasha Rothwell and Yassir Lester have been added to the cast. The first season will be eight episodes.
“Film used to be the superior art form to television, and we humbly reached the pinnacle of what can be achieved with film in our remarkable opus, Sausage Party,” said executive producers Rogen and Evan Goldberg. “But now that film is completely dead and TV is the forever-king of entertainment, we’ve decided to continue the epic adventures of our culinary crew in the soon-to-be-legendary televised masterpiece Sausage Party: Foodtopia. It’s got all the heart,...
- 10/26/2022
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sausage Party is heading to the small screen.
Amazon has ordered a series spinoff of the 2016 animated feature with cast members including Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Michael Cera, David Krumholtz and Edward Norton returning to lend their voices to the anthropomorphic groceries.
Related Story Marc Resteghini Steps Down, Nick Pepper & Laura Lancaster Expand Responsibilities In Amazon Studios TV Restructuring – The Dish Related Story Amazon Resumes Political Contributions To Lawmakers Who Voted To Block 2020 Electoral Vote Count Related Story Jason Katims' 'As We See It' Canceled At Amazon After One Season
The streamer is planning to launch Sausage Party: Foodtopia in 2024.
Will Forte, Sam Richardson, Natasha Rothwell and Yassir Lester are also set to voice roles in the animated series, which is currently in production.
The film was written by Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Kyle Hunter and Ariel Shaffir and directed by Conrad Vernon and Greg Tiernan, with Jonah Hill contributing to the story.
Amazon has ordered a series spinoff of the 2016 animated feature with cast members including Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Michael Cera, David Krumholtz and Edward Norton returning to lend their voices to the anthropomorphic groceries.
Related Story Marc Resteghini Steps Down, Nick Pepper & Laura Lancaster Expand Responsibilities In Amazon Studios TV Restructuring – The Dish Related Story Amazon Resumes Political Contributions To Lawmakers Who Voted To Block 2020 Electoral Vote Count Related Story Jason Katims' 'As We See It' Canceled At Amazon After One Season
The streamer is planning to launch Sausage Party: Foodtopia in 2024.
Will Forte, Sam Richardson, Natasha Rothwell and Yassir Lester are also set to voice roles in the animated series, which is currently in production.
The film was written by Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Kyle Hunter and Ariel Shaffir and directed by Conrad Vernon and Greg Tiernan, with Jonah Hill contributing to the story.
- 10/26/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
A “Sausage Party” series has been ordered at Amazon, Variety has learned.
The animated show is titled “Sausage Party: Foodtopia.” Plot details are being kept under wraps, so it is unknown if it will be a prequel or sequel to the 2016 film. Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Michael Cera, David Krumholtz, and Edward Norton — all of whom lent their voices to the film — will return for the series. Additionally, Will Forte, Sam Richardson, Natasha Rothwell, and Yassir Lester will also star in the series. It is currently in production.
“Film used to be the superior art form to television, and we humbly reached the pinnacle of what can be achieved with film in our remarkable opus, ‘Sausage Party,'” said Rogen and Evan Goldberg. “But now that film is completely dead and TV is the forever-king of entertainment, we’ve decided to continue the epic adventures of our culinary crew in...
The animated show is titled “Sausage Party: Foodtopia.” Plot details are being kept under wraps, so it is unknown if it will be a prequel or sequel to the 2016 film. Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Michael Cera, David Krumholtz, and Edward Norton — all of whom lent their voices to the film — will return for the series. Additionally, Will Forte, Sam Richardson, Natasha Rothwell, and Yassir Lester will also star in the series. It is currently in production.
“Film used to be the superior art form to television, and we humbly reached the pinnacle of what can be achieved with film in our remarkable opus, ‘Sausage Party,'” said Rogen and Evan Goldberg. “But now that film is completely dead and TV is the forever-king of entertainment, we’ve decided to continue the epic adventures of our culinary crew in...
- 10/26/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
After Disney shut down Blue Sky Studios in 2021, it seemed all hope was lost for the highly anticipated animated feature “Nimona,” based on indie darling comic series from creator Nd Stevenson’s comics of the same name. But fear not, as Netflix announced that it will release the previously scrapped film in 2023, with Chloë Grace Moretz (“Kick-Ass”), Riz Ahmed (“Sound of Metal”) and Eugene Lee Yang (“Spring Bloom”) in the leading roles.
“Nimona’s always been a spunky little story that just wouldn’t stop,” Stevenson wrote in a tweet Monday. “She’s a fighter … but she’s also got some really awesome people fighting for her. I am excited out of my mind to announce that The Nimona Movie Is Alive.”
From Annapurna Pictures and Netflix, the animated feature will follow the story of shape-shifting teenager Nimona (Moretz), the only person who can prove the innocence of wrongly convicted...
“Nimona’s always been a spunky little story that just wouldn’t stop,” Stevenson wrote in a tweet Monday. “She’s a fighter … but she’s also got some really awesome people fighting for her. I am excited out of my mind to announce that The Nimona Movie Is Alive.”
From Annapurna Pictures and Netflix, the animated feature will follow the story of shape-shifting teenager Nimona (Moretz), the only person who can prove the innocence of wrongly convicted...
- 4/11/2022
- by Sasha Urban
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has officially acquired the animated “Nimona” adaptation after the project, originally set up at Blue Sky Studios, was shelved by owner Disney in February 2021. Netflix is now partnering with Annapurna Pictures to bring “Nimona” to the streamer in 2023.
Nd Stevenson, who wrote the book on which the film is a based, tweeted, “Nimona’s always been a spunky little story that just wouldn’t stop. She’s a fighter…but she’s also got some really awesome people fighting for her. I am excited out of my mind to announce that The Nimona Movie Is Alive…coming at you in 2023 from Annapurna and Netflix.”
The animated fantasy film stars Chloë Grace Moretz as gender-non-conforming teen Nimona, who is the only person who can save a knight after he is framed for a crime he didn’t commit. However, Nimona may be the knight’s target he’s sworn to assassinate.
Nd Stevenson, who wrote the book on which the film is a based, tweeted, “Nimona’s always been a spunky little story that just wouldn’t stop. She’s a fighter…but she’s also got some really awesome people fighting for her. I am excited out of my mind to announce that The Nimona Movie Is Alive…coming at you in 2023 from Annapurna and Netflix.”
The animated fantasy film stars Chloë Grace Moretz as gender-non-conforming teen Nimona, who is the only person who can save a knight after he is framed for a crime he didn’t commit. However, Nimona may be the knight’s target he’s sworn to assassinate.
- 4/11/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Netflix announced on Monday morning that it would be picking up “Nimona,” the LGBTQ animated project based on Nd Stevenson’s graphic novel that was one of the projects scrapped following the Disney/Fox merger in 2019. The film is already in production and will be released in 2023.
“Nimona” will star Chloë Grace Moretz as the antihero Nimona, a shapeshifter bent on destroying a powerful organization known as the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics by any means necessary — even if it means killing people. To this end, she teams up with with Lord Ballister Blackheart (Riz Ahmed), who also seeks to bring down the Institution but will not break his own code of ethics to do so.
Standing in their way is the Institution’s champion, Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin (Eugene Lee Yang), the knight who defeated Ballister in a duel and cast him out from the Institution. Goldenloin has been tasked to destroy Nimona,...
“Nimona” will star Chloë Grace Moretz as the antihero Nimona, a shapeshifter bent on destroying a powerful organization known as the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics by any means necessary — even if it means killing people. To this end, she teams up with with Lord Ballister Blackheart (Riz Ahmed), who also seeks to bring down the Institution but will not break his own code of ethics to do so.
Standing in their way is the Institution’s champion, Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin (Eugene Lee Yang), the knight who defeated Ballister in a duel and cast him out from the Institution. Goldenloin has been tasked to destroy Nimona,...
- 4/11/2022
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
The animated film Nimona, scrapped following the shutdown of Blue Sky Studios amid Disney’s acquisition of Fox, has landed at Netflix, with Chloë Grace Moretz (Mother/Android), Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal) and Eugene Lee Yang (Spring Bloom) set to star. The adaptation of Nd Stevenson’s New York Times bestselling graphic novel—originally to have been directed by Patrick Osborne, but now being helmed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane (Spies in Disguise)—will debut on the streamer in 2023.
In the LGBTQ+-themed Nimona, Knight Ballister Boldheart (Ahmed) is framed for a crime he didn’t commit and the only person who can help him prove his innocence is Nimona (Moretz), a shape-shifting teen who might also be a monster he’s sworn to kill. Set in a techno-medieval world unlike anything animation has tackled before, this is an inclusive story about the labels we assign to people...
In the LGBTQ+-themed Nimona, Knight Ballister Boldheart (Ahmed) is framed for a crime he didn’t commit and the only person who can help him prove his innocence is Nimona (Moretz), a shape-shifting teen who might also be a monster he’s sworn to kill. Set in a techno-medieval world unlike anything animation has tackled before, this is an inclusive story about the labels we assign to people...
- 4/11/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Nd Stevenson graphic novel to debut in 2023.
Netflix has acquired techno-medieval graphic novel adaptation Nimona and set Chloe Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed and Eugene Lee Yang to star in the voice cast after the project was shelved when Disney acquired Fox’s entertainment assets and shut down Blue Sky Studios.
Netflix and Annauprna Pictures quietly began production last year and the feature will debut on the platform in 2023.
Roy Lee, Karen Ryan, Julie Zackary are producing Nimona based on Nd Stevenson’s graphic novel about a shape-shifting teenager who might be the only one to help a knight accused of...
Netflix has acquired techno-medieval graphic novel adaptation Nimona and set Chloe Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed and Eugene Lee Yang to star in the voice cast after the project was shelved when Disney acquired Fox’s entertainment assets and shut down Blue Sky Studios.
Netflix and Annauprna Pictures quietly began production last year and the feature will debut on the platform in 2023.
Roy Lee, Karen Ryan, Julie Zackary are producing Nimona based on Nd Stevenson’s graphic novel about a shape-shifting teenager who might be the only one to help a knight accused of...
- 4/11/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Nd Stevenson graphic novel to debut in 2023.
Netflix has acquired techno-medieval graphic novel adaptation Nimona and set Chloe Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed and Eugene Lee Yang to star in the voice cast after the project was shelved when Disney acquired Fox’s entertainment assets and shut down Blue Sky Studios.
Netflix and Annauprna Pictures quietly began production last year and the feature will debut on the platform in 2023.
Roy Lee, Karen Ryan, Julie Zackary are producing Nimona based on Nd Stevenson’s graphic novel about a shape-shifting teenager who might be the only one to help a knight accused of...
Netflix has acquired techno-medieval graphic novel adaptation Nimona and set Chloe Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed and Eugene Lee Yang to star in the voice cast after the project was shelved when Disney acquired Fox’s entertainment assets and shut down Blue Sky Studios.
Netflix and Annauprna Pictures quietly began production last year and the feature will debut on the platform in 2023.
Roy Lee, Karen Ryan, Julie Zackary are producing Nimona based on Nd Stevenson’s graphic novel about a shape-shifting teenager who might be the only one to help a knight accused of...
- 4/11/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Disney is shuttering Blue Sky Studios, the $5.9 billion global grossing former 20th Century Fox animation division which during its run churned out 13 features including the Ice Age franchise.
One can say that the writing was always on the wall for Blue Sky, especially after Disney acquired 20th Century Studios and its assets in March 2019. However, the past year has been challenging for Disney on many fronts, of course due to the pandemic, not just on the studio side but with theme park closures and cruise line dockings as well. Sustaining a third feature animation studio was no longer viable for Disney given the current economic realities caused by Covid. The last day for Blue Sky will be in April. The number of Blue Sky employees being impacted numbers 450. Disney will be working with the employees at the Greenwich, Ct based animation house to explore open positions at the other internal studios.
One can say that the writing was always on the wall for Blue Sky, especially after Disney acquired 20th Century Studios and its assets in March 2019. However, the past year has been challenging for Disney on many fronts, of course due to the pandemic, not just on the studio side but with theme park closures and cruise line dockings as well. Sustaining a third feature animation studio was no longer viable for Disney given the current economic realities caused by Covid. The last day for Blue Sky will be in April. The number of Blue Sky employees being impacted numbers 450. Disney will be working with the employees at the Greenwich, Ct based animation house to explore open positions at the other internal studios.
- 2/9/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney is shutting down Blue Sky Studios, the Greenwich, Connecticut-based animation studio best known for the Ice Age franchise.
The studio was owned by Fox until 2019 when the Walt Disney Co. acquired 21st Century Fox’s entertainment assets in a deal valued at $71.3 billion. At the time, Walt Disney Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein joined Blue Sky as co-president alongside co-president Robert Baird; both will be leaving the company with the shutting of the studio. The studio also had roughly 450 employees.
“Given the current economic realities, after much consideration and evaluation, we have made the difficult decision ...
The studio was owned by Fox until 2019 when the Walt Disney Co. acquired 21st Century Fox’s entertainment assets in a deal valued at $71.3 billion. At the time, Walt Disney Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein joined Blue Sky as co-president alongside co-president Robert Baird; both will be leaving the company with the shutting of the studio. The studio also had roughly 450 employees.
“Given the current economic realities, after much consideration and evaluation, we have made the difficult decision ...
Disney is shutting down Blue Sky Studios, the Greenwich, Conn.-based animation studio best known for the Ice Age franchise.
The studio was owned by Fox until 2019 when the Walt Disney Co. acquired 21st Century Fox’s entertainment assets in a deal valued at $71.3 billion. At the time, Walt Disney Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein joined Blue Sky as co-president alongside co-president Robert Baird; both will be leaving the company with the shutting of the studio. The studio also had roughly 450 employees.
“Given the current economic realities, after much consideration and evaluation, we have made the difficult ...
The studio was owned by Fox until 2019 when the Walt Disney Co. acquired 21st Century Fox’s entertainment assets in a deal valued at $71.3 billion. At the time, Walt Disney Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein joined Blue Sky as co-president alongside co-president Robert Baird; both will be leaving the company with the shutting of the studio. The studio also had roughly 450 employees.
“Given the current economic realities, after much consideration and evaluation, we have made the difficult ...
The Walt Disney Studios announced Friday that it’s installing one of its own to run day-to-day operations at Fox’s Connecticut-based animation division, Blue Sky Studios (best known for the successful “Ice Age” franchise), as Disney works to realize its vision of discipline at the recently acquired Fox properties.
Walt Disney Animation Studios President Andrew Millstein will make a lateral move to Blue Sky, where he’ll serve as co-president, overseeing day-to-day operations alongside co-president Robert Baird, a carryover from the pre-merger days, who runs the creative side. They will both report to Walt Disney Studios’ Chief Creative Officer and Co-Chairman Alan Horn and Co-Chairman Alan Bergman.
Millstein, who’s been with Disney for more than two decades, replaces former Blue Sky co-president Andrea Miloro, who last month departed the studio.
Pixar Animation Studios President Jim Morris will be given an expanded role as Millstein’s supervisor at Blue Sky,...
Walt Disney Animation Studios President Andrew Millstein will make a lateral move to Blue Sky, where he’ll serve as co-president, overseeing day-to-day operations alongside co-president Robert Baird, a carryover from the pre-merger days, who runs the creative side. They will both report to Walt Disney Studios’ Chief Creative Officer and Co-Chairman Alan Horn and Co-Chairman Alan Bergman.
Millstein, who’s been with Disney for more than two decades, replaces former Blue Sky co-president Andrea Miloro, who last month departed the studio.
Pixar Animation Studios President Jim Morris will be given an expanded role as Millstein’s supervisor at Blue Sky,...
- 8/9/2019
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Walt Disney Studios is making some leadership changes as it integrates Blue Sky into its portfolio of kid-friendly brands.
Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein and “Zootopia” producer and creative executive Clark Spencer are stepping into new leadership roles. Millstein will become co-president of Blue Sky, the studio behind “Ice Age” and “Rio,” alongside current co-president Robert Baird.
Baird will continue to drive the creative direction of the studio reporting to Walt Disney Studios’ chief creative officer and co-chairman Alan Horn and co-chairman Alan Bergman. Millstein will oversee day-to-day operations, focusing more on the business side. Millstein will report to Jim Morris, who will take on a supervisory role at Blue Sky. He will continue in his capacity as president of Pixar Animation Studios. Spencer has been named president of Walt Disney Animation Studios, reporting to Bergman and working alongside Walt Disney Animation Studios chief creative officer Jennifer Lee, who continues...
Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein and “Zootopia” producer and creative executive Clark Spencer are stepping into new leadership roles. Millstein will become co-president of Blue Sky, the studio behind “Ice Age” and “Rio,” alongside current co-president Robert Baird.
Baird will continue to drive the creative direction of the studio reporting to Walt Disney Studios’ chief creative officer and co-chairman Alan Horn and co-chairman Alan Bergman. Millstein will oversee day-to-day operations, focusing more on the business side. Millstein will report to Jim Morris, who will take on a supervisory role at Blue Sky. He will continue in his capacity as president of Pixar Animation Studios. Spencer has been named president of Walt Disney Animation Studios, reporting to Bergman and working alongside Walt Disney Animation Studios chief creative officer Jennifer Lee, who continues...
- 8/9/2019
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Today, Walt Disney Studios’ Chief Creative Officer and Co-Chairman Alan Horn and Co-Chairman Alan Bergman announced that Walt Disney Animation Studios President Andrew Millstein has been named Co-President of Blue Sky Studios. The news comes as the Burbank studio continues to bring the assets of Fox under its domain. Millstein will serve alongside Co-President Rob Baird.
Baird will oversee the creative direction while Millstein will steer the studio’s day-to-day business. Recently, Andrea Miloro departed from her role as Co-President of Blue Sky Studios.
In addition, Clark Spencer has been promoted to President, Walt Disney Animation Studios, reporting to Bergman and working alongside Wdas Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee who continues to report to Horn and Bergman.
Millstein, a 22-year Disney vet, will report to Jim Morris, who will expand his duties with a supervisory role at Blue Sky outside of his role as President, Pixar Animation Studios.
“We are...
Baird will oversee the creative direction while Millstein will steer the studio’s day-to-day business. Recently, Andrea Miloro departed from her role as Co-President of Blue Sky Studios.
In addition, Clark Spencer has been promoted to President, Walt Disney Animation Studios, reporting to Bergman and working alongside Wdas Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee who continues to report to Horn and Bergman.
Millstein, a 22-year Disney vet, will report to Jim Morris, who will expand his duties with a supervisory role at Blue Sky outside of his role as President, Pixar Animation Studios.
“We are...
- 8/9/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney is shuffling animation executives and applying a tighter rein to Fox’s Blue Sky Studios, as the Burbank company continues to process its $71.3 billion acquisition of most of the assets of the former 21st Century Fox.
Walt Disney Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein will join Blue Sky as the Greenwich, Connecticut, animation studio’s co-president alongside current co-president Robert Baird, Disney said Friday. Baird will continue to run the creative side of Blue Sky, reporting to Disney co-chairs Alan Horn and Alan Bergman.
Millstein will oversee the day-to-day operations at Blue Sky, and report to Pixar Animation ...
Walt Disney Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein will join Blue Sky as the Greenwich, Connecticut, animation studio’s co-president alongside current co-president Robert Baird, Disney said Friday. Baird will continue to run the creative side of Blue Sky, reporting to Disney co-chairs Alan Horn and Alan Bergman.
Millstein will oversee the day-to-day operations at Blue Sky, and report to Pixar Animation ...
Disney is shuffling animation executives and applying a tighter rein to Fox’s Blue Sky Studios, as the Burbank company continues to process its $71.3 billion acquisition of most of the assets of the former 21st Century Fox.
Walt Disney Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein will join Blue Sky as the Greenwich, Connecticut, animation studio’s co-president alongside current co-president Robert Baird, Disney said Friday. Baird will continue to run the creative side of Blue Sky, reporting to Disney co-chairs Alan Horn and Alan Bergman.
Millstein will oversee the day-to-day operations at Blue Sky, and report to Pixar Animation ...
Walt Disney Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein will join Blue Sky as the Greenwich, Connecticut, animation studio’s co-president alongside current co-president Robert Baird, Disney said Friday. Baird will continue to run the creative side of Blue Sky, reporting to Disney co-chairs Alan Horn and Alan Bergman.
Millstein will oversee the day-to-day operations at Blue Sky, and report to Pixar Animation ...
Disney film chief Alan Horn told Fox staffers on Thursday morning to expect ‘quite a bit of change’.
After a ruthless first wave of senior Fox executive redundancies on Thursday (March 21), Walt Disney Studios released a sanitised announcement detailing its senior leadership team following the acquisition of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox earlier this week.
Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn sent a note to the circa 3,000 Fox staff on Thursday telling them to expect ”quite a bit of change” before news of the first Fox senior executive lay-offs leaked out. Among Thursday’s more dramatic headlines, Fox International...
After a ruthless first wave of senior Fox executive redundancies on Thursday (March 21), Walt Disney Studios released a sanitised announcement detailing its senior leadership team following the acquisition of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox earlier this week.
Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn sent a note to the circa 3,000 Fox staff on Thursday telling them to expect ”quite a bit of change” before news of the first Fox senior executive lay-offs leaked out. Among Thursday’s more dramatic headlines, Fox International...
- 3/22/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Disney film chief Alan Horn told Fox staffers on Thursday morning to expect ‘quite a bit of change’.
After a ruthless first wave of senior Fox executive redundancies on Thursday (March 21), Walt Disney Studios released a sanitised announcement detailing its senior leadership team following the acquisition of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox earlier this week.
Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn sent a note to the circa 3,000 Fox staff on Thursday telling them to expect ”quite a bit of change” before news of the first Fox senior executive lay-offs leaked out. Among Thursday’s more dramatic headlines, Fox International...
After a ruthless first wave of senior Fox executive redundancies on Thursday (March 21), Walt Disney Studios released a sanitised announcement detailing its senior leadership team following the acquisition of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox earlier this week.
Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn sent a note to the circa 3,000 Fox staff on Thursday telling them to expect ”quite a bit of change” before news of the first Fox senior executive lay-offs leaked out. Among Thursday’s more dramatic headlines, Fox International...
- 3/22/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The Walt Disney Studios has officially unveiled its senior leadership team now that Disney’s $71.3 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox’s film and TV assets is closed. It comes at the end of a long day at 20th Century Fox Film, where several big names were laid off as the merger begins to take its form.
The Walt Disney Studios umbrella will be led by chairman Alan Horn and president Alan Bergman, who have been making the rounds to finalize their lineups this week.
“At the core of The Walt Disney Studios is the world-class content we produce – from unforgettable experiences for the screen and stage, to stories and characters that find their way into the hearts and homes of fans everywhere,” Horn said in the release Thursday which did not mention today’s layoffs. “Bringing together the legacies, talent, and capabilities of Disney and Fox greatly expands our...
The Walt Disney Studios umbrella will be led by chairman Alan Horn and president Alan Bergman, who have been making the rounds to finalize their lineups this week.
“At the core of The Walt Disney Studios is the world-class content we produce – from unforgettable experiences for the screen and stage, to stories and characters that find their way into the hearts and homes of fans everywhere,” Horn said in the release Thursday which did not mention today’s layoffs. “Bringing together the legacies, talent, and capabilities of Disney and Fox greatly expands our...
- 3/22/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Following the dismissal of top executives in distribution, marketing and strategy on Thursday, new 20th Century Fox owner Disney has clarified its new top leadership.
Five distinct Fox labels and a portion of their leadership have been welcomed into the Disney fold, the company said. This includes Twentieth Century Fox, Fox Family, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox 2000, and Blue Sky Studios.
The Elizabeth Gabler-run imprint Fox 2000 will be shuttered, Variety previously reported earlier in the day, though the late Thursday announcement from Disney noted Gabler will continue on through “the completion of the current slate.” Animation label Blue Sky Studios is expected to complete the release of two films in production, Variety reported last year, though its fate after that point is unknown.
Remaining studio leadership at labels like Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Animation, Pixar, Lucasfilm and Marvel remains unchanged. Fox Film lost a series of top leaders in marketing,...
Five distinct Fox labels and a portion of their leadership have been welcomed into the Disney fold, the company said. This includes Twentieth Century Fox, Fox Family, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox 2000, and Blue Sky Studios.
The Elizabeth Gabler-run imprint Fox 2000 will be shuttered, Variety previously reported earlier in the day, though the late Thursday announcement from Disney noted Gabler will continue on through “the completion of the current slate.” Animation label Blue Sky Studios is expected to complete the release of two films in production, Variety reported last year, though its fate after that point is unknown.
Remaining studio leadership at labels like Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Animation, Pixar, Lucasfilm and Marvel remains unchanged. Fox Film lost a series of top leaders in marketing,...
- 3/22/2019
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Computer animation pioneer was hired by George Lucas in 1979.
Ed Catmull, the co-founder of Pixar and president of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, will retire next year.
Catmull announced the move on Tuesday (23) and will step down from his current role at The Walt Disney Company at end of 2018 and remain an employee in an advisory role through July 2019.
Following Catmull’s retirement, Pixar president Jim Morris and Walt Disney Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein will continue to oversee operations of their respective studios, reporting to Walt Disney Studios president Alan Bergman.
Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation...
Ed Catmull, the co-founder of Pixar and president of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, will retire next year.
Catmull announced the move on Tuesday (23) and will step down from his current role at The Walt Disney Company at end of 2018 and remain an employee in an advisory role through July 2019.
Following Catmull’s retirement, Pixar president Jim Morris and Walt Disney Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein will continue to oversee operations of their respective studios, reporting to Walt Disney Studios president Alan Bergman.
Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation...
- 10/24/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Ed Catmull, a longtime leader at Pixar and Walt Disney Animation, has announced plans to retire.
Pixar president Jim Morris and Walt Disney Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein will continue in his place, as the 73-year-old transitions to an advisory role to end in summer 2019.
Morris and Millstein will report up to Walt Disney Studios President Alan Bergman, while each studio’s respective chief creative officer, Pete Docter and Jennifer Lee, will continue to report to Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn.
Catmull leaves behind a 40 year legacy of developing technology for film, and took part in Pixar’s historic release of the first ever computer animated feature (“Toy Story”) in 1995. He was hired by George Lucas in 1979 to lead the computer division at Lucasfilm. He would go on to co-found Pixar in 1986 with Steve Jobs and John Lasseter.
“Never in my wildest imagination could I have conceived of the...
Pixar president Jim Morris and Walt Disney Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein will continue in his place, as the 73-year-old transitions to an advisory role to end in summer 2019.
Morris and Millstein will report up to Walt Disney Studios President Alan Bergman, while each studio’s respective chief creative officer, Pete Docter and Jennifer Lee, will continue to report to Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn.
Catmull leaves behind a 40 year legacy of developing technology for film, and took part in Pixar’s historic release of the first ever computer animated feature (“Toy Story”) in 1995. He was hired by George Lucas in 1979 to lead the computer division at Lucasfilm. He would go on to co-found Pixar in 1986 with Steve Jobs and John Lasseter.
“Never in my wildest imagination could I have conceived of the...
- 10/23/2018
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Pixar co-founder and computer animation pioneer Ed Catmull will retire next year after more than four decades working in the film industry. The soft-spoken computer engineer will step down from his current role as president of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios at the end of the year, though he’ll serve in an advisory role through July 2019.
Following Catmull’s retirement, Pixar president Jim Morris and Walt Disney Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein will continue to oversee operations of their respective studios, reporting to Walt Disney Studios president Alan Bergman.
Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios will continue to be creatively led by chief creative officers Pete Docter and Jennifer Lee, respectively, reporting to Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn.
“Ed Catmull’s impact on the entertainment industry is immeasurable,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement Tuesday. “A pioneer of the intersection of creativity and technology,...
Following Catmull’s retirement, Pixar president Jim Morris and Walt Disney Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein will continue to oversee operations of their respective studios, reporting to Walt Disney Studios president Alan Bergman.
Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios will continue to be creatively led by chief creative officers Pete Docter and Jennifer Lee, respectively, reporting to Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn.
“Ed Catmull’s impact on the entertainment industry is immeasurable,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement Tuesday. “A pioneer of the intersection of creativity and technology,...
- 10/23/2018
- by Dawn C. Chmielewski
- Deadline Film + TV
The John Lasseter era is really over at Pixar and Disney with Tuesday’s promotions of Pete Docter and Jennifer Lee as chief creative officers of the respective animation studios. They’ve been the frontrunners all along to succeed Lasseter (set to leave Disney and Pixar at year’s end after allegations of workplace sexual harassment), and they are great choices. We can expect smooth transitions and likely success at Pixar and Disney along with better morale, improved workplace conditions, and, hopefully, greater advancement opportunities for women.
Docter was one of Pixar’s first employees, joining the studio in 1990 during the production of “Toy Story,” and the director of “Monsters, Inc.,” and the Oscar-winning “Up” and “Inside Out.” He’s a consummate animator and storyteller: warm, sensitive, funny, and a risk taker. He’s beloved at Pixar (a valued member of the Brain Trust), and has learned well from both...
Docter was one of Pixar’s first employees, joining the studio in 1990 during the production of “Toy Story,” and the director of “Monsters, Inc.,” and the Oscar-winning “Up” and “Inside Out.” He’s a consummate animator and storyteller: warm, sensitive, funny, and a risk taker. He’s beloved at Pixar (a valued member of the Brain Trust), and has learned well from both...
- 6/20/2018
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Outgoing John Lasseter will depart Disney on December 31.
As expected, Disney has named Jennifer Lee head of Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pete Docter head of Pixar in the wake of the John Lasseter controversy.
Both executives are named chief creative officer in their respective roles and report to The Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn.
The succession comes after Disney announced it was letting go of Lasseter following allegations of improper behaviour towards women. The former Disney animation chief will leave the studio on December 31 after a six-month transitional stint as consultant.
“Jennifer Lee and Pete Docter are two...
As expected, Disney has named Jennifer Lee head of Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pete Docter head of Pixar in the wake of the John Lasseter controversy.
Both executives are named chief creative officer in their respective roles and report to The Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn.
The succession comes after Disney announced it was letting go of Lasseter following allegations of improper behaviour towards women. The former Disney animation chief will leave the studio on December 31 after a six-month transitional stint as consultant.
“Jennifer Lee and Pete Docter are two...
- 6/19/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Outgoing John Lasseter will depart Disney on December 31.
As expected, Disney has named Jennifer Lee head of Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pete Docter head of Pixar in the wake of the John Lasseter controversy.
Both executives are named chief creative officer in their respective roles and report to The Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn.
The succession comes after Disney announced it was letting go of Lasseter following allegations of improper behaviour towards women. The former Disney animation chief will leave the studio on December 31 after a six-month transitional stint as consultant.
“Jennifer Lee and Pete Docter are two...
As expected, Disney has named Jennifer Lee head of Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pete Docter head of Pixar in the wake of the John Lasseter controversy.
Both executives are named chief creative officer in their respective roles and report to The Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn.
The succession comes after Disney announced it was letting go of Lasseter following allegations of improper behaviour towards women. The former Disney animation chief will leave the studio on December 31 after a six-month transitional stint as consultant.
“Jennifer Lee and Pete Docter are two...
- 6/19/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
In the wake of Disney’s announcement that its animation chief John Lasseter would be exiting by year-end after a number of misconduct accusations, the studio has named Frozen Oscar-winner Jennifer Lee as chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, and two-time Oscar winner of Up and Inside Out Pete Docter as chief creative officer of Pixar Animation Studios.
Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn announced the appointments, which had been anticipated since Disney announced Lasseter’s departure. The news ends a period of uncertainty at the two animation studios, as questions loomed about whether Lasseter would return following his six-month leave of absence.
“Jennifer Lee and Pete Docter are two of the most gifted filmmakers and storytellers I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with,” Horn said in a statement. “Pete, the genius creative force behind Up, Inside Out, and Monsters, Inc., has been an integral part...
Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn announced the appointments, which had been anticipated since Disney announced Lasseter’s departure. The news ends a period of uncertainty at the two animation studios, as questions loomed about whether Lasseter would return following his six-month leave of absence.
“Jennifer Lee and Pete Docter are two of the most gifted filmmakers and storytellers I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with,” Horn said in a statement. “Pete, the genius creative force behind Up, Inside Out, and Monsters, Inc., has been an integral part...
- 6/19/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Dawn C. Chmielewski
- Deadline Film + TV
With Zootopia and Moana both pegged for a release next year, 2016 marks an important chapter in the history of Disney Animation, as the company sets about launching two brand new IPs.
The first of which is due to release in late March, opening up a lush world of anthropomorphic animals for a feature film that looks to be bursting with personality. And while it’s still too early to get a glimpse of Ron Clements and John Musker’s animated feature, Disney Animation President Andrew Millstein recently touched base on the emotional side of Moana, which tells the tale of the title heroine plotting course for a mysterious island in the Pacific Ocean.
Speaking to Collider, Millstein touched upon the history behind the coming-of-age story, and was also full of praise for the writing, musical and directing talent behind the lens, not to mention the film’s core cast of...
The first of which is due to release in late March, opening up a lush world of anthropomorphic animals for a feature film that looks to be bursting with personality. And while it’s still too early to get a glimpse of Ron Clements and John Musker’s animated feature, Disney Animation President Andrew Millstein recently touched base on the emotional side of Moana, which tells the tale of the title heroine plotting course for a mysterious island in the Pacific Ocean.
Speaking to Collider, Millstein touched upon the history behind the coming-of-age story, and was also full of praise for the writing, musical and directing talent behind the lens, not to mention the film’s core cast of...
- 12/1/2015
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
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