Celebrating the Art, Craft and Business of Animation https://www.awn.com/ en-US 15 Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:18:08 -0800 Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:19:09 -0800 https://www.awn.com/news/bluebolt-adds-vfx-supervisor-ben-white Boasting nearly 30 years’ experience, the visual effects vet joins from the Cinesite group, where he served as VFX Supervisor on projects including ‘Black Widow,’ ‘Loki,’ and ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/bluebolt-adds-vfx-supervisor-ben-white Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:18:08 PST Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/moonbug-names-cocomelon-movie-director-music-producer Kat Good takes the helm, and Justin Tranter boards as executive music producer, for the first feature in the franchise, a 3DCG film animated by the DNEG Group. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/moonbug-names-cocomelon-movie-director-music-producer Thu, 04 Dec 2025 8:27:40 PST Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/trixter-undergoing-layoffs-and-restructuring The German VFX studio, part of the Cinesite Group, shares that it unfortunately has had to downsize but remains operational and in production on feature film projects. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/trixter-undergoing-layoffs-and-restructuring Fri, 28 Nov 2025 10:38:36 PST Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/animationworld/overseas-animators-japan-anime-ceos-perspective So, you’re not Japanese but want to work in animation in Japan? Columnist Andrew Osmond talks about how it can happen with Joseph Chou, the CEO of Sola Entertainment, Sola Digital Arts, and Sola Animation. Andrew Osmond https://www.awn.com/animationworld/overseas-animators-japan-anime-ceos-perspective Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:35:28 PST Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/sudhir-reddy-named-digital-domain-president The studio veteran takes over for Lala Gavgavian as head of the company’s global VFX business, effective immediately. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/sudhir-reddy-named-digital-domain-president Wed, 12 Nov 2025 12:01:52 PST Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/jennifer-dodge-named-paramount-animation-president The former Spin Master and Nickelodeon executive takes over following Ramsey Naito’s exit: will report to Paramount Pictures co-chairs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/jennifer-dodge-named-paramount-animation-president Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:30:17 PST Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/freefolk-promotes-harin-hirani-vfx-supervisor In his new dual role, which also includes Head of 3D, the artist will collaborate closely with Head of Film and Episodic Steve Murgatroyd and VFX Executive Producer Meg Guidon. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/freefolk-promotes-harin-hirani-vfx-supervisor Mon, 03 Nov 2025 11:53:54 PST Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/cinesite-group-appoints-2-vfx-supervisors-senior-team Christian Irles transfers from Image Engine to London HQ, while Andy Walker joins the Montreal team from Image Engine New York. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/cinesite-group-appoints-2-vfx-supervisors-senior-team Thu, 30 Oct 2025 17:04:34 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/turning-door-animated-feature-gets-underway-announces-cast Oscar winner Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl), Jamie Dornan (Belfast), Jodie Turner-Smith (Tron: Ares), Oscar-nominated Bill Nighy (Living) and Emmy winner Gillian Anderson (Sex Education) have boarded Nicholas Ashe Bateman’s upcoming family fantasy, now in production. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/turning-door-animated-feature-gets-underway-announces-cast Thu, 30 Oct 2025 11:55:03 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/ramsey-naito-exits-president-paramount-animation Following the Skydance buyout and appointment of new Paramount CEO David Ellison, the senior executive leaves the post she assumed in 2021; 1,000 employees were let go at the studio this week. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/ramsey-naito-exits-president-paramount-animation Thu, 30 Oct 2025 8:20:48 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/al-jean-steps-down-simpsons-showrunner Part of the show’s creative team since Season 1, the longtime animation writer, producer and EP took to X to bid adieu after the November 2 episode. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/al-jean-steps-down-simpsons-showrunner Tue, 28 Oct 2025 9:18:26 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/frankenstein-cinematographer-dan-laustsen-set-view-2025 It’s less than one week away… the person behind the camera on Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated film joins more than 150 award-winning speakers from the world of animation, VFX, games and AI who will take part in a packed schedule of keynotes, talks, panels, workshops and masterclasses; event runs October 12-17 in Turin, Italy. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/frankenstein-cinematographer-dan-laustsen-set-view-2025 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 16:32:07 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/mia-2025-presents-program-panels-presentations The Rome event, which runs through October 10, features over 80 sessions, including panels, seminars, workshops and 5 showcases with 44 Italian and international titles across Animation, Doc & Factual, Drama, and Film. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/mia-2025-presents-program-panels-presentations Mon, 06 Oct 2025 13:05:18 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/view-2025-reveals-expansive-full-conference-lineup It’s just 2 weeks away… more than 150 award-winning speakers from the world of animation, VFX, games and AI will take part in a packed schedule of keynotes, talks, panels, workshops and masterclasses; event runs October 12-17 in Turin, Italy. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/view-2025-reveals-expansive-full-conference-lineup Thu, 02 Oct 2025 9:53:50 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/lightbox-expo-2025-reveals-expansive-program The 7th annual event features panels on ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ ‘Wicked,’ ‘Wednesday,’ ‘Zootopia 2,’ and ‘Star Wars,’ plus demos, an Artist Alley, and awards ceremony; runs October 24-26 in Pasadena, California. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/lightbox-expo-2025-reveals-expansive-program Thu, 18 Sep 2025 11:51:50 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/event/ottawa-international-animation-festival-2025 The festival returns to Ottawa September 24-28 featuring interactive artist talks, workshops and meetings with schools and recruiters; TAC takes place during the festival and offers industry professionals networking opportunities. AWN Staff Editor https://www.awn.com/event/ottawa-international-animation-festival-2025 Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:29:23 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/spark-cg-announces-spark-animation-2025-program Festival screenings begin September 18 with Kid Koala’s ‘Space Cadet;’ conference, which runs September 20-21, will open with a Brad Bird talk; presentations on the making of ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ Pixar Animation’s ‘Elio,’ the adaptation of Roald Dahl’s ‘The Twits,’ and ‘In Your Dreams’ are scheduled. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/spark-cg-announces-spark-animation-2025-program Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:16:16 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/blog/screenwriting-staffing-professional-screenwriters-perspective There’s one script marketplace that consistently delivers on its mission to connect writers with real producers, managers, and employers Jeffrey Scott https://www.awn.com/blog/screenwriting-staffing-professional-screenwriters-perspective Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:53:57 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/nelvana-halt-all-new-animation-projects Corus Entertainment’s storied animation studio will continue to oversee existing projects, including distribution and merchandising, while evaluating new opportunities and business priorities. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/nelvana-halt-all-new-animation-projects Mon, 08 Sep 2025 11:01:31 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/cloud-chamber-downsizes-amidst-bioshock-4-delays-leadership-shakeup Rod Fergusson takes over the video game franchise from Kelley Gilmore, who recently exited the company following internal complaints about the game’s narrative direction; the exact number of layoffs has not been disclosed. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/cloud-chamber-downsizes-amidst-bioshock-4-delays-leadership-shakeup Thu, 21 Aug 2025 14:39:46 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/oddbeast-promotes-co-founder-tj-bitter-michael-brookbank The motion design and production studio executives assume new roles of Executive Director and Executive Producer, respectively; previous owner Ronny Young exits. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/oddbeast-promotes-co-founder-tj-bitter-michael-brookbank Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:16:21 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/fox-entertainment-studios-rounds-out-senior-leadership-team Dana Tafoya-Cameron has been promoted to EVP & Head Of Bento Box Entertainment, while Michelle Huynh is now EVP, Studio Content Operations. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/fox-entertainment-studios-rounds-out-senior-leadership-team Tue, 19 Aug 2025 9:34:22 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/one-us-appoints-adrian-de-wet-vfx-supervisor-creative-director The industry veterans’ experience and extensive connections will assist in building out a Los Angeles-based team as the studio continues to expand its global presence. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/one-us-appoints-adrian-de-wet-vfx-supervisor-creative-director Fri, 15 Aug 2025 15:27:27 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/ian-hunter-talk-fantastic-four-first-steps-practical-fx-view-2025 The Oscar-winning VFX supervisor and a team from Pro Machina will discuss their miniature work on the Excelsior retro rocketship; Emmy winner Alex Woo will present his upcoming 3DCG feature, ‘In Your Dreams,’ that hits Netflix November 14; conference runs October 12-17 in Turin, Italy. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/ian-hunter-talk-fantastic-four-first-steps-practical-fx-view-2025 Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:02:43 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/crunchyroll-restructuring-global-operations Company president outlines plans to expand operations outside the U.S.; new job openings reportedly will outnumber layoffs in a move not based on cost-cutting or ‘driven by financial performance.’ Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/crunchyroll-restructuring-global-operations Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:18:49 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/wildbrain-cplg-promotes-evi-sari-lead-global-location-based-entertainment Seasoned executive Danielle Tanton joins the leading brand licensor as Director, Location-Based Entertainment, EMEA, Experiential Strategy & Partnerships. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/wildbrain-cplg-promotes-evi-sari-lead-global-location-based-entertainment Tue, 12 Aug 2025 9:28:03 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/blog/core-problem-professional-animation-writer-solves Professional animation writers are the narrative architects of an animated production.  Jeffrey Scott https://www.awn.com/blog/core-problem-professional-animation-writer-solves Mon, 11 Aug 2025 12:41:44 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/lynette-howell-taylor-elected-academy-president The seasoned producer will begin her first term leading AMPAS during her second term as a governor representing the Producers Branch; she previously served for three years as vice president and chair of the Awards Committee.  L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/lynette-howell-taylor-elected-academy-president Fri, 01 Aug 2025 10:44:18 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/siggraph-2025-announces-powerful-production-session-lineup One of the conference’s most anticipated programs includes behind-the-scenes looks at groundbreaking work from DreamWorks Animation, DNEG, NASA, Nickelodeon Animation, Walt Disney Imagineering, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Wētā FX, offering a rare glimpse at the full arc of visual storytelling, from emerging artists to industry leaders. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/siggraph-2025-announces-powerful-production-session-lineup Thu, 31 Jul 2025 9:59:50 PDT Jobs & Recruiting https://www.awn.com/news/alessandro-carloni-present-cat-hat-view-2025 The writer/director will share a behind-the-scenes look in-person at Warner Bros. Pictures Animation’s upcoming animated feature, which hits theaters next February; conference runs October 12-17 in Turin, Italy. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/alessandro-carloni-present-cat-hat-view-2025 Thu, 31 Jul 2025 9:18:33 PDT Jobs & Recruiting