Annapurna Animation, the studio behind the successful animated feature film Nimona, has recently announced some exciting developments. They have brought on director Nick Bruno and producer Julie Zackary to join their creative leadership team and have expanded their upcoming feature slate to include the adaptation of the popular video game Stray, as well as an original film titled Foo, directed by Chris Wedge, co-founder of Blue Sky Studios.
Nimona, based on the graphic novel by ND Stevenson, originally began its production at Blue Sky Studios. However, when Disney acquired Fox (which owned Blue Sky Studios), they shut down the production and studio. Annapurna Animation stepped in and took over the project, which received critical acclaim when it was released on Netflix in June.
Nick Bruno, a former Blue Sky alum, made his directorial debut with Spies in Disguise. He is currently developing and directing an untitled original feature for Annapurna Animation, as well as working on other original projects. Julie Zackary, previously the vice president of production at Blue Sky and the early vice president of production management at Sony Pictures Imageworks, is joining Annapurna Animation as the head of animation production. Their expertise and experience will undoubtedly contribute to the success of future animated projects from the studio.
Stray, developed by BlueTwelve Studio and published by Annapurna Interactive, is an exciting addition to the studio’s feature slate. The film follows the adventures of a stray cat, and it promises to be a heartwarming and engaging story. Annapurna Animation also has plans to adapt more titles from the Annapurna Interactive library, which is sure to excite fans of both gaming and animation.
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While details about Chris Wedge’s Foo have not been announced, fans of his previous work can expect something truly special. During his time at Blue Sky Studios, Wedge won an Oscar for the animated short film Bunny, showcasing his talent and creativity as a filmmaker. Foo is bound to be another incredible addition to his impressive filmography.
Annapurna Animation launched its animation division in December of last year, with Robert Baird and Andrew Millstein leading the way. Since then, they have made great strides in establishing themselves as a prominent player in the animation industry. The addition of Bruno, Zackary, and Wedge to their creative leadership team, along with the expansion of their feature slate, showcases the studio’s commitment to producing high-quality animated films that will entertain audiences of all ages.
With their diverse range of projects, from adaptations of beloved graphic novels and video games to original films from esteemed directors, Annapurna Animation is poised to make a lasting impact on the animation landscape. Fans of the studio and animation enthusiasts alike can look forward to an exciting future filled with captivating storytelling, stunning visuals, and memorable characters. Whether it’s the heartwarming tale of a stray cat or the imaginative world created by Chris Wedge, Annapurna Animation is sure to deliver animated films that will leave a lasting impression.
