David Ellison’s fledgling Skydance Animation — run by head of animation John Lasseter and president Holly Edwards — has moved its movie slate from Apple Studios to Netflix. The multi-year streaming deal commences with next year’s musical fantasy “Spellbound,” directed by Vicky Jenson (“Shrek” and “Shark Tale”), featuring the voice talent of Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, and Javier Bardem, and boasting a score from Alan Menkin and original songs with lyricist Glen Slater. It’s about a princess who tries to reverse a spell that transformed her parents into monsters.
Set for release in 2025 is “Pookoo,” a buddy comedy about two enemies — a woodland creature and a majestic bird — that magically trade places. It’s helmed by former Disney director Nathan Greno (“Tangled”), with original music composed by Siddhartha Khosla.
Also in the works are two prestigious features that are a result of Lasseter’s strong relationships with directors Brad Bird...
Set for release in 2025 is “Pookoo,” a buddy comedy about two enemies — a woodland creature and a majestic bird — that magically trade places. It’s helmed by former Disney director Nathan Greno (“Tangled”), with original music composed by Siddhartha Khosla.
Also in the works are two prestigious features that are a result of Lasseter’s strong relationships with directors Brad Bird...
- 10/18/2023
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
’Spellbound’, Pookoo’ first titles in upcoming slate.
Skydance Animation has signed a multi-year exclusive agreement with Netflix to develop and produce animated films to be released directly on Netflix.
The deal kicks off with Spellbound (pictured) in 2024 followed by Pookoo a year later and expands on the prior relationship between the streamer and Skydance Media.
Wednesday’s announcement comes as Skydance Animation’s multi-year deal with Apple ends as the latter shifts its focus to other types of film. Spellbound had been set to debut on Apple TV+ but will now launch on Netflix.
Skydance Media and Apple continue to...
Skydance Animation has signed a multi-year exclusive agreement with Netflix to develop and produce animated films to be released directly on Netflix.
The deal kicks off with Spellbound (pictured) in 2024 followed by Pookoo a year later and expands on the prior relationship between the streamer and Skydance Media.
Wednesday’s announcement comes as Skydance Animation’s multi-year deal with Apple ends as the latter shifts its focus to other types of film. Spellbound had been set to debut on Apple TV+ but will now launch on Netflix.
Skydance Media and Apple continue to...
- 10/18/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
David Ellison’s Skydance Animation has found a new home at Netflix, ending a lucrative distribution pact with Apple Studios.
Skydance Animation, run by John Lasseter with president Holly Edwards, will now exclusively release its animated movies directly to Netflix in an arrangement that will span multiple years, with the studio’s existing slate also moving exclusively to the streamer.
The first up will be “Spellbound,” which was previously set up at Apple. The film, starring Rachel Zegler and Tituss Burgess, is now set for release by Netflix in 2024, followed by “Pookoo” in 2025. Future films include “Ray Gunn,” directed by Brad Bird and an untitled Jack and the Beanstalk project directed by Rich Moore. Theatrical releases do not seem to be a part of the new Netflix-Skydance Animation agreement.
While the animation deal has ended, Apple and Skydance will continue its business on live-action films and series, including movies from...
Skydance Animation, run by John Lasseter with president Holly Edwards, will now exclusively release its animated movies directly to Netflix in an arrangement that will span multiple years, with the studio’s existing slate also moving exclusively to the streamer.
The first up will be “Spellbound,” which was previously set up at Apple. The film, starring Rachel Zegler and Tituss Burgess, is now set for release by Netflix in 2024, followed by “Pookoo” in 2025. Future films include “Ray Gunn,” directed by Brad Bird and an untitled Jack and the Beanstalk project directed by Rich Moore. Theatrical releases do not seem to be a part of the new Netflix-Skydance Animation agreement.
While the animation deal has ended, Apple and Skydance will continue its business on live-action films and series, including movies from...
- 10/18/2023
- by Matt Donnelly and Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
In a shocking move, Skydance Animation has inked a multiyear agreement with Netflix to develop and produce animation features that will be released directly on Netflix. According to the release, the deal also brings Skydance’s full existing animated feature slate exclusively to Netflix.
The move comes only two years after a wide-ranging partnership between Skydance Animation and Apple TV+ was announced, following Apple’s acquisition of Skydance Animation’s “Luck.” That deal was meant to include both television and features. (The Netflix release doesn’t mention television series.)
“Spellbound,” a high-concept musical fantasy from director Vicky Jenson, will be the first film released under the pact, in 2024. The movie features a score by composer Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater and an all-star voice cast led by Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane and Tituss Burgess. The movie was previewed at this...
The move comes only two years after a wide-ranging partnership between Skydance Animation and Apple TV+ was announced, following Apple’s acquisition of Skydance Animation’s “Luck.” That deal was meant to include both television and features. (The Netflix release doesn’t mention television series.)
“Spellbound,” a high-concept musical fantasy from director Vicky Jenson, will be the first film released under the pact, in 2024. The movie features a score by composer Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater and an all-star voice cast led by Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane and Tituss Burgess. The movie was previewed at this...
- 10/18/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
That didn’t take long. Skydance Animation has found a new home, signing a multi-year agreement with Netflix to develop and produce animated movies to be released directly on Netflix. This deal means Skydance’s full existing animated feature slate will be released exclusively on Netflix.
Deal comes as a multi-year pact with Apple comes to an end. Skydance Animation is already staked with Netflix, and the deal expands on a number of different projects. The first new one is Spellbound, a film that began its road at Apple, but will now debut on Netflix in 2024. That will be followed by Pookoo in 2025.
This deal expands on the existing relationship between the two companies who have already partnered on a number of projects including the films The Adam Project, Heart of Stone, The Old Guard, and Spy Kids: Armageddon along with the series Fubar, Altered Carbon and Grace and Frankie.
Deal comes as a multi-year pact with Apple comes to an end. Skydance Animation is already staked with Netflix, and the deal expands on a number of different projects. The first new one is Spellbound, a film that began its road at Apple, but will now debut on Netflix in 2024. That will be followed by Pookoo in 2025.
This deal expands on the existing relationship between the two companies who have already partnered on a number of projects including the films The Adam Project, Heart of Stone, The Old Guard, and Spy Kids: Armageddon along with the series Fubar, Altered Carbon and Grace and Frankie.
- 10/18/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
“Blush,” the debut short from Skydance Animation and Apple Original Films, is a semi-autobiographical work about love, loss, and healing from former Disney story artist Joe Mateo (who was behind the Emmy-winning “Prep & Landing”). A horticulturist-astronaut crash lands on a desolate dwarf planet and struggles to survive, only to be saved with the arrival of a bright, outgoing creature, who makes the planet bloom with succulent plants. All goes beautifully until tragedy strikes.
“I lost my wife, Mary Ann, four and a half years ago from breast cancer, and I struggled to go back to work,” Mateo said. “But that same night when I lost her, I couldn’t breathe. I had to call a doctor friend of ours about this panic attack, which I’d never experienced before. And I’m fortunate that I had my kids around me.”
That panic attack and his inability to breathe got Mateo...
“I lost my wife, Mary Ann, four and a half years ago from breast cancer, and I struggled to go back to work,” Mateo said. “But that same night when I lost her, I couldn’t breathe. I had to call a doctor friend of ours about this panic attack, which I’d never experienced before. And I’m fortunate that I had my kids around me.”
That panic attack and his inability to breathe got Mateo...
- 10/4/2021
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
San Francisco, Feb 18 (Ians) Apple has inked a new deal with Skydance Animation which will see the animation studio producing TV shows and films for Apple TV+ that are aimed at kids and families
Under the partnership, two seasons of Skydance Animation series "The Search for WondLa" will be coming to Apple TV+, reports MacRumors.
The show is based on the science fiction children's book by Tony Diterlizzi, which follows the story of Eva Nine, a girl who spent most of her life living underground before being forced to flee outside and survive with a robot named Muthr, an alien named Rovander Kitt, and a water bear named Otto.
In addition, Skydance Animation has moved two of its animated feature films, "Luck" and "Spellbound" to Apple TV+.
"Luck," directed by Peggy Holmes, follows the story of the unluckiest girl in the world who stumbles upon the "never-before-seen world of good and bad luck.
Under the partnership, two seasons of Skydance Animation series "The Search for WondLa" will be coming to Apple TV+, reports MacRumors.
The show is based on the science fiction children's book by Tony Diterlizzi, which follows the story of Eva Nine, a girl who spent most of her life living underground before being forced to flee outside and survive with a robot named Muthr, an alien named Rovander Kitt, and a water bear named Otto.
In addition, Skydance Animation has moved two of its animated feature films, "Luck" and "Spellbound" to Apple TV+.
"Luck," directed by Peggy Holmes, follows the story of the unluckiest girl in the world who stumbles upon the "never-before-seen world of good and bad luck.
- 2/18/2021
- by IANS
- GlamSham
Following Variety‘s exclusive report in December, Apple is officially announcing its multi-year content partnership with David Ellison’s Skydance Animation.
The agreement, which includes the previously announced feature films “Luck” and “Spellbound,” will also include what Apple billed as “first-ever theatrical-quality animated television series” for Apple TV Plus subscribers.
Skydance Animation is a division of Ellison’s Skydance Media, which is run by John Lasseter and president Holly Edwards. The deal reunites Lasseter with the Cupertino giant decades after he founded Pixar with the late Steve Jobs.
The first series up is “The Search for WondLa,” which scored a two-season order to start, based on the beloved book series by Tony Diterlizzi. The Apple original will be written and executive produced by showrunner Lauren Montgomery, with Chad Quant, Diterlizzi, and Gotham Group also serving as executive producers. Several other titles are expected to be announced in the coming months.
The agreement, which includes the previously announced feature films “Luck” and “Spellbound,” will also include what Apple billed as “first-ever theatrical-quality animated television series” for Apple TV Plus subscribers.
Skydance Animation is a division of Ellison’s Skydance Media, which is run by John Lasseter and president Holly Edwards. The deal reunites Lasseter with the Cupertino giant decades after he founded Pixar with the late Steve Jobs.
The first series up is “The Search for WondLa,” which scored a two-season order to start, based on the beloved book series by Tony Diterlizzi. The Apple original will be written and executive produced by showrunner Lauren Montgomery, with Chad Quant, Diterlizzi, and Gotham Group also serving as executive producers. Several other titles are expected to be announced in the coming months.
- 2/17/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Apple and David Ellison’s Skydance Animation have closed a multiyear partnership first reported to be in talks in December, and today, the studios have given a first look at the two animated films that will premiere on Apple TV+, “Luck” and “Spellbound.”
Apple has also ordered two seasons of an animated series from Skydance Animation, “The Search for WondLa.” Several other feature films and TV series will be announced over the term of the partnership.
Both “Luck” and “Spellbound” were originally slated for theatrical release in 2022 through Paramount, though no new release date has been set for either film.
“Luck” is directed by Peggy Holmes and is about an unlucky girl who, after stumbling upon the never-before-seen world of good and bad luck, must join together with magical creatures to uncover a force more powerful than even luck itself. The film was written by Kiel Murray.
“Spellbound” is a...
Apple has also ordered two seasons of an animated series from Skydance Animation, “The Search for WondLa.” Several other feature films and TV series will be announced over the term of the partnership.
Both “Luck” and “Spellbound” were originally slated for theatrical release in 2022 through Paramount, though no new release date has been set for either film.
“Luck” is directed by Peggy Holmes and is about an unlucky girl who, after stumbling upon the never-before-seen world of good and bad luck, must join together with magical creatures to uncover a force more powerful than even luck itself. The film was written by Kiel Murray.
“Spellbound” is a...
- 2/17/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Apple on Wednesday unveiled a multiyear partnership with Skydance Animation to deliver kids and families animated theatrical features and TV series. Apple TV+ has a reach of 100 countries. The deal begins with the recent Apple acquisitions of Skydance’s upcoming animated titles Luck and Spellbound.
Additionally, Skydance Animation is making its TV debut on Apple TV+ with two seasons of The Search for WondLa, which is based on the book series by Tony Diterlizzi. The Apple Original series will be written and executive produced by showrunner Lauren Montgomery, with Chad Quant, Diterlizzi and Gotham Group also serving as executive producers.
Skydance Animation is a division of David Ellison’s Skydance Media and run by Ellison, Head of Animation John Lasseter, and Skydance Animation president Holly Edwards. Ellison and Lasseter will serve as producers on all feature films and executive producers on series.
Directed by Peggy Holmes and written by Kiel Murray,...
Additionally, Skydance Animation is making its TV debut on Apple TV+ with two seasons of The Search for WondLa, which is based on the book series by Tony Diterlizzi. The Apple Original series will be written and executive produced by showrunner Lauren Montgomery, with Chad Quant, Diterlizzi and Gotham Group also serving as executive producers.
Skydance Animation is a division of David Ellison’s Skydance Media and run by Ellison, Head of Animation John Lasseter, and Skydance Animation president Holly Edwards. Ellison and Lasseter will serve as producers on all feature films and executive producers on series.
Directed by Peggy Holmes and written by Kiel Murray,...
- 2/17/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Creative talent roster includes Shrek director Vicky Jenson, Tangled’s Nathan Greno.
Skydance Media has acquired the animation unit of Madrid-based Ilion Studios to form Skydance Animation Madrid led by John Lasseter.
The strategic acquisition combines Skydance’s creative capital and Ilion’s talent and creates a combined workforce of close to 500 employees.
Lasseter and Holly Edwards lead Skydance Animation, whose feature slate includes Luck, about an unlucky girl who uncovers a force more powerful than luck itself; musical fantasy Spellbound (working title); and Pookoo (working title).
The roster of creatives include Shrek director Vicky Jenson (Spellbound), Peggy Holmes (Luck...
Skydance Media has acquired the animation unit of Madrid-based Ilion Studios to form Skydance Animation Madrid led by John Lasseter.
The strategic acquisition combines Skydance’s creative capital and Ilion’s talent and creates a combined workforce of close to 500 employees.
Lasseter and Holly Edwards lead Skydance Animation, whose feature slate includes Luck, about an unlucky girl who uncovers a force more powerful than luck itself; musical fantasy Spellbound (working title); and Pookoo (working title).
The roster of creatives include Shrek director Vicky Jenson (Spellbound), Peggy Holmes (Luck...
- 4/6/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Skydance Media has acquired Madriad-based Ilion Studios’ animation unit. Under its new home, it will be renamed Skydance Animation Madrid.
Skydance head John Lasseter will now have full control of all aspects of the company’s production, which was already working with Skydance prior to the acquisition.
Lasseter runs Skydance with Holly Edwards. Skydance Animation has grown to expand its production slate and include a roster of talent including “Shrek” director Vicky Jenson, Peggy Holmes, Nathan Greno, Kiel Murray, Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin and Linda Woolverton.
Also Read: 'The Office' Executive Producers Ben Silverman and Paul Lieberstein to Develop Remote Workplace Comedy
“The world is going through an unprecedented and uncertain time. Today’s acquisition marks the culmination of many months of work to build one studio across two continents, with the goal of creating the highest-quality animation, led by best-in-class talent from around the world,” said David Ellison, chief executive officer of Skydance Media.
Skydance head John Lasseter will now have full control of all aspects of the company’s production, which was already working with Skydance prior to the acquisition.
Lasseter runs Skydance with Holly Edwards. Skydance Animation has grown to expand its production slate and include a roster of talent including “Shrek” director Vicky Jenson, Peggy Holmes, Nathan Greno, Kiel Murray, Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin and Linda Woolverton.
Also Read: 'The Office' Executive Producers Ben Silverman and Paul Lieberstein to Develop Remote Workplace Comedy
“The world is going through an unprecedented and uncertain time. Today’s acquisition marks the culmination of many months of work to build one studio across two continents, with the goal of creating the highest-quality animation, led by best-in-class talent from around the world,” said David Ellison, chief executive officer of Skydance Media.
- 4/6/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
David Ellison’s Skydance Media has acquired animation outfit Ilion Studios, formalizing its tie-up with the Spanish company beyond the initial partnership that was instigated back in 2017.
The newly-launched Skydance Animation Madrid will act as a counterpart to Skydance’s animation division in the U.S., with the combined companies having a workforce of close to 500 across the two continents. Former Pixar exec John Lasseter and industry veteran Holly Edwards will head up the combined entity.
More from DeadlineSkydance Media Acquires Animation Unit Of Madrid-Based Ilion StudiosSkydance Boss David Ellison Reassures Employees During Coronavirus Crisis: "We Are In This Together"'Top Gun: Maverick' Will Take Off Two Days Earlier This Summer
Skydance Animation was launched back in 2017, partnering with Spanish production co Ilion on a debut slate of film and TV.
Projects on the horizon include Luck, from The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning director Peggy Holmes, Cars...
The newly-launched Skydance Animation Madrid will act as a counterpart to Skydance’s animation division in the U.S., with the combined companies having a workforce of close to 500 across the two continents. Former Pixar exec John Lasseter and industry veteran Holly Edwards will head up the combined entity.
More from DeadlineSkydance Media Acquires Animation Unit Of Madrid-Based Ilion StudiosSkydance Boss David Ellison Reassures Employees During Coronavirus Crisis: "We Are In This Together"'Top Gun: Maverick' Will Take Off Two Days Earlier This Summer
Skydance Animation was launched back in 2017, partnering with Spanish production co Ilion on a debut slate of film and TV.
Projects on the horizon include Luck, from The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning director Peggy Holmes, Cars...
- 4/6/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Skydance Media Monday announced it’s acquired the animation unit of Madrid-based Ilion Studios, to form Skydance Animation Madrid.
The financial terms of weren’t revealed. Skydance, founded by David Ellison in 2010, said the deak “combines the creative capital of Skydance with Ilion’s best-in-class talent” and gives Skydance Animation – led by John Lasseter and Holly Edwards – full oversight of production.
More from DeadlineSkydance Acquires Spain's Ilion Studios To Form Combined U.S.-Europe Animation OutfitSkydance Boss David Ellison Reassures Employees During Coronavirus Crisis: "We Are In This Together"'Terminator: Dark Fate' Eyes $125M Global Weekend, But Will Franchise "Be Back" Stateside?
The combined entity will have 500 employees across two continents and “the expanded creative capability, scale and leverage to deliver on its goal of becoming an industry-leading producer of high-end animated films and television series for audiences around the world,” said CEO Ellison.
“The world is going...
The financial terms of weren’t revealed. Skydance, founded by David Ellison in 2010, said the deak “combines the creative capital of Skydance with Ilion’s best-in-class talent” and gives Skydance Animation – led by John Lasseter and Holly Edwards – full oversight of production.
More from DeadlineSkydance Acquires Spain's Ilion Studios To Form Combined U.S.-Europe Animation OutfitSkydance Boss David Ellison Reassures Employees During Coronavirus Crisis: "We Are In This Together"'Terminator: Dark Fate' Eyes $125M Global Weekend, But Will Franchise "Be Back" Stateside?
The combined entity will have 500 employees across two continents and “the expanded creative capability, scale and leverage to deliver on its goal of becoming an industry-leading producer of high-end animated films and television series for audiences around the world,” said CEO Ellison.
“The world is going...
- 4/6/2020
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Skydance Media has acquired the animation unit of Madrid-based Ilion Studios. The new entity will be rechristened Skydance Animation Madrid.
The companies had been working together for some time. The acquisition gives animation chief John Lasseter control over all aspects of production. Skydance and Ilion, both of which are privately held, did not disclose a purchase price.
The deal will give Skydance roughly 500 employees across two continents. It comes as Lasseter is trying to transform the company into a major force in animation. That transformation has been bumpy, at times, primarily because Lasseter’s hire was controversial. Lasseter, the major creative force at Pixar and Disney Animation, was ousted from the company in 2018 amid allegations of sexual misconduct with employees.
At Skydance, Lasseter appointed industry veteran Holly Edwards to be president of Skydance Animation and has worked to expand the company’s production slate. The company’s upcoming films include “Luck,...
The companies had been working together for some time. The acquisition gives animation chief John Lasseter control over all aspects of production. Skydance and Ilion, both of which are privately held, did not disclose a purchase price.
The deal will give Skydance roughly 500 employees across two continents. It comes as Lasseter is trying to transform the company into a major force in animation. That transformation has been bumpy, at times, primarily because Lasseter’s hire was controversial. Lasseter, the major creative force at Pixar and Disney Animation, was ousted from the company in 2018 amid allegations of sexual misconduct with employees.
At Skydance, Lasseter appointed industry veteran Holly Edwards to be president of Skydance Animation and has worked to expand the company’s production slate. The company’s upcoming films include “Luck,...
- 4/6/2020
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
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