Academy Award winning Zootopia director, Rich Moore is reportedly leaving Disney and heading to Sony Pictures Animation where he’ll develop, produce, and direct original projects.
Rich Moore
What’s happening:
- Variety is reporting that Zootopia director, Rich Moore will be leaving Disney to join Sony Pictures Animation.
- At Sony, Moore will develop, produce, and direct original animated features for the studio.
- Sony made the announcement on Monday, adding that Moore will also be able to act in an advisory capacity with ongoing feature film and series-based projects.
What they’re saying:
- Kristine Belson, president of Sony Pictures Animation: “Rich is a world-class storyteller and he brings with him a wealth of experience and a unique sensibility for story, comedy, and heart. We are so excited for him to join our team of filmmakers at Sony Pictures Animation as we continue to develop a slate of animated features that are big, bold, and will take audiences by surprise.”
- Rich Moore: “Sony Animation has emerged as a major player among animation studios. Their vision to give filmmakers and artists the freedom to take risks, and to really push the envelope when it comes to visual style and breadth of storytelling is impressive, and I can’t wait to be a part of shaping the studio’s future.”
Did you know?:
- In addition to Zootopia, Moore and fellow director Phil Johnston also received Oscar nominations for Wreck-It Ralph and Ralph Breaks the Internet.
- Moore was one of the original three directors on The Simpsons. He worked on the show during its first five seasons and directed the Emmy-winning episode “Homer vs. Lisa and the 8th Commandment.”
- Moore oversaw the creative development and production of Futurama and also worked on:
- Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures
- The Critic
- Duck Dodgers in Attack of the Drones (theatrical short)
- Drawn Together
- Spy vs. Spy
- Sit Down, Shut Up
Sony Pictures Animation won its first Oscar in February for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.