The Oregon-based animation studio Laika has named longtime Netflix executive Matt Levin as president, live-action film and series. In addition to being in production on its sixth animated movie Wildwood, the studio is currently developing its first ever live-action project, a film based on acclaimed screenwriter John Brownlow’s (The Miniaturist, Sylvia) action thriller novel Seventeen.
Laika and Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture have announced a new exhibition that will showcase the creativity, artistry, and innovation that make the studio a global leader in stop motion animation. Visitors will be immersed in the hidden worlds of Laika — both the magical settings the characters inhabit, and the behind-the-scenes wonders of producing these modern classics.
The film By Water, directed by Iyabo Kwayana, is an official selection of the Animation Short Film Program at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. By Water, will also be the first animated experimental film to appear on America ReFramed. The short film follows an unlikely hero's journey into his own memories and becomes a vehicle for reconciliation and healing for himself and his sibling.
Emmy and Annie award-winning visual effects and animation company Jellyfish Pictures has announced a restructure of its leadership team and new key appointments supporting the company’s ambitious plans for further growth across existing and new sectors. The announcement follows Key Capital Partners’ minority investment in the company earlier in the year and the ongoing global expansion of the company’s operations powered by its virtual studio infrastructure.
The defiantly independent film festival and Los Angeles favorite, Dances with Films, is celebrating 26 years by expanding to New York City. The festival champions innovation, talent, and creativity by spotlighting important, diverse, quality films and developing lasting relationships with filmmakers.
Access:VFX an industry-led non-profit coalition of leading visual effects, animation and games studios, has launched its European chapter. With the help of new sponsorship from Netflix, the organization is building upon its mission to promote diversity within the VFX industry by expanding into Europe. The aim of the new chapter is to provide practical tools for up-and-coming creators across Europe that are essential to succeed in the industry, including mock interviews, reel reviews, virtual events, and e-mentorships.
Mary Coleman has been named chief creative officer of the London computer-generation animation studio Locksmith Animation. Coleman joins LSA from Pixar Animation Studios, where she was head of creative development. Locksmith CEO Natalie Fischer announced the news today and confirmed that Coleman officially will join the studio in July.
Animate BootCamp, a creative innovation company, has launched in Syracuse with a mission to provide education and workforce development initiatives, offering professional level training in animation and visual effects. Co-founder and key mentor Dean Lyon has relocated to Syracuse to lead the program.
Laika, the studio known for the Academy Award-nominated films Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, Kubo and the Two Strings and Missing Link, has announced The Night Gardener, a new project in conjunction with Bill Dubuque, creator of Netflix’s hit series Ozark. Laika’s CEO and president Travis Knight, who directed Kubo and the Two Strings and Paramount’s Bumblebee, will direct from Dubuque’s original screenplay.
Nice Shoes has hired John Koltai creative director with a focus on innovative motion graphic design for film, television, advertising, and other media. Koltai is a multidisciplinary creative director, designer and animator with experience spanning virtually all forms of visual media. He is also a specialist in future user interfaces and other future tech graphics for film, with credits including Spider-Man: Far from Home, Spies in Disguise, Thor: Ragnarok and Iron Man 2 & 3.
