DreamWorks Animation has named Bill Ballew Chief Technical Officer, effective immediately. Ballew, who has been with the company for 25 years, was most recently VP of Research and Development.
He assumes the role previously held by Jeff Wike who is retiring. He’ll be responsible for the strategic vision, creation, operations and maintenance of the studio’s 3D computer-generated animated production platform, overseeing all technology needs for film and TV production and reporting to COO Randy Lake.
”Bill has an impressive track record of leading innovation and successfully collaborating with DreamWorks Animation’s production and operational teams,” said Lake. “We are thrilled to have him at the helm of our industry-leading organization where technology helps us fuel our creative ambitions.”
DreamWorks Animation recent releases include Spirit Untamed and The Boss Baby: Family Business. The studio’s upcoming feature slate includes The Bad Guys and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, both...
He assumes the role previously held by Jeff Wike who is retiring. He’ll be responsible for the strategic vision, creation, operations and maintenance of the studio’s 3D computer-generated animated production platform, overseeing all technology needs for film and TV production and reporting to COO Randy Lake.
”Bill has an impressive track record of leading innovation and successfully collaborating with DreamWorks Animation’s production and operational teams,” said Lake. “We are thrilled to have him at the helm of our industry-leading organization where technology helps us fuel our creative ambitions.”
DreamWorks Animation recent releases include Spirit Untamed and The Boss Baby: Family Business. The studio’s upcoming feature slate includes The Bad Guys and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, both...
- 7/15/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
DreamWorks Animation has named Bill Ballew chief technology officer, succeeding Jeff Wike, who is retiring.
Having joining Dwa during its inception, Ballew is a 25-year veteran of the studio and has worked in a variety of roles, most recently as vp research and development.
In his new role, Ballew will be responsible for the studio’s strategic vision and oversee all aspects of technology for film and TV production, including software development and technical operations. He will report to COO Randy Lake.
“I am thrilled to be taking on this role of Cto in a studio that has been my home ...
Having joining Dwa during its inception, Ballew is a 25-year veteran of the studio and has worked in a variety of roles, most recently as vp research and development.
In his new role, Ballew will be responsible for the studio’s strategic vision and oversee all aspects of technology for film and TV production, including software development and technical operations. He will report to COO Randy Lake.
“I am thrilled to be taking on this role of Cto in a studio that has been my home ...
- 7/15/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
DreamWorks Animation has named Bill Ballew chief technology officer, succeeding Jeff Wike, who is retiring.
Having joining Dwa during its inception, Ballew is a 25-year veteran of the studio and has worked in a variety of roles, most recently as vp research and development.
In his new role, Ballew will be responsible for the studio’s strategic vision and oversee all aspects of technology for film and TV production, including software development and technical operations. He will report to COO Randy Lake.
“I am thrilled to be taking on this role of Cto in a studio that has been my home ...
Having joining Dwa during its inception, Ballew is a 25-year veteran of the studio and has worked in a variety of roles, most recently as vp research and development.
In his new role, Ballew will be responsible for the studio’s strategic vision and oversee all aspects of technology for film and TV production, including software development and technical operations. He will report to COO Randy Lake.
“I am thrilled to be taking on this role of Cto in a studio that has been my home ...
- 7/15/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures are in the works on animated films based on the TV series “Spirit Riding Free” and “The Bad Guys” book series, both of which are set to be released in 2021, the studios announced on Monday.
The untitled “Spirit Riding Free” film, based on the Netflix original series from DreamWorks Animation Television, will open wide on May 14, 2021. “The Bad Guys,” based on the 10-book children’s series from author Aaron Blabey, will open on Sept. 17, 2021.
“The Bad Guys” will take the spot of “Spooky Jack,” a collaboration between DreamWorks and Blumhouse, which is now unset.
Also Read: All 36 DreamWorks Animation Movies Ranked From Worst to Best (Photos)
“Spirit Riding Free” follows the unbreakable bond between a free-spirited girl and her wild stallion companion. The show has run for 52 episodes since May 2017, all of which are available on Netflix, and more episodes and content are on the...
The untitled “Spirit Riding Free” film, based on the Netflix original series from DreamWorks Animation Television, will open wide on May 14, 2021. “The Bad Guys,” based on the 10-book children’s series from author Aaron Blabey, will open on Sept. 17, 2021.
“The Bad Guys” will take the spot of “Spooky Jack,” a collaboration between DreamWorks and Blumhouse, which is now unset.
Also Read: All 36 DreamWorks Animation Movies Ranked From Worst to Best (Photos)
“Spirit Riding Free” follows the unbreakable bond between a free-spirited girl and her wild stallion companion. The show has run for 52 episodes since May 2017, all of which are available on Netflix, and more episodes and content are on the...
- 10/7/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Animation can be a tough venture for filmmakers: The target audience tends to be young children, who simultaneously have a limited attention span while still demanding entertainment at every corner. But then if the story is too juvenile or too preachy, or if the animation itself isn’t eye-catching, then you lose the parents, the all-important keepers of the wallet. And even when an animated film becomes an exquisite piece of cinema, their audiences aren’t necessarily going to run out and buy a stuffed yeti plush afterward.
Writer-director Jill Culton (“Open Season”) understands this mix of priorities, and her latest film “Abominable” falls somewhere in the middle of it all, with a story that’s sweet but formulaic, jokes that are juvenile but not annoying, and the use of gorgeous colors and textures. Nothing here truly changes animation, and yet, you can’t help but walk out of the...
Writer-director Jill Culton (“Open Season”) understands this mix of priorities, and her latest film “Abominable” falls somewhere in the middle of it all, with a story that’s sweet but formulaic, jokes that are juvenile but not annoying, and the use of gorgeous colors and textures. Nothing here truly changes animation, and yet, you can’t help but walk out of the...
- 9/26/2019
- by Yolanda Machado
- The Wrap
Exclusive: With the upcoming departure of Sony Studio Operations & Imageworks President Randy Lake to DreamWorks Animation as their new COO, Sony Pictures Entertainment Chairman Tom Rothman has expanded the roles of Sony execs Jon Hookstratten and Carrie Ferman on the Culver City lot today, Deadline has learned.
Jon Hookstratten, Evp Administration and Operations for Spe, who has overseen the studio’s mobile game unit over the last year, will expand his position to cover and lead production services, post production facilities, archives and production asset management. Hookstratten is a 25-year industry vet with exec roles in operations, distribution, business affairs at Fox, CBS and NBC.
Meanwhile Carrie Ferman has been promoted to Head of Distribution and Content Services. She previously led strategic planning efforts in Spt’s international productions. In her new role, she will report to Sony TV’s Keith Le Goy and Sony Motion Pictures’ Steven O’Dell...
Jon Hookstratten, Evp Administration and Operations for Spe, who has overseen the studio’s mobile game unit over the last year, will expand his position to cover and lead production services, post production facilities, archives and production asset management. Hookstratten is a 25-year industry vet with exec roles in operations, distribution, business affairs at Fox, CBS and NBC.
Meanwhile Carrie Ferman has been promoted to Head of Distribution and Content Services. She previously led strategic planning efforts in Spt’s international productions. In her new role, she will report to Sony TV’s Keith Le Goy and Sony Motion Pictures’ Steven O’Dell...
- 6/19/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Veteran Sony Pictures executive Randy Lake has joined DreamWorks Animation as chief operating officer.
Lake will start at DreamWorks Animation in July. In his new role, he will be responsible for strategic planning and primary business operations, including feature and television production, post production, business and legal affairs, finance and technology.
“As we solidify our leadership team, Randy provides a strong strategic vision that will be beneficial to the entire studio as we partner in taking DreamWorks into the future,” said Margie Cohn, DreamWorks Animation president. “His years of experience working cross-divisionally will allow us to expand upon the successful collaboration between our film and television divisions, as well as with our colleagues at Universal, furthering DreamWorks position as one of the most prolific animation studios in the world.”
Lake most recently served as president of studio operations and Imageworks at Sony Pictures Entertainment, where he oversaw all operations, strategy,...
Lake will start at DreamWorks Animation in July. In his new role, he will be responsible for strategic planning and primary business operations, including feature and television production, post production, business and legal affairs, finance and technology.
“As we solidify our leadership team, Randy provides a strong strategic vision that will be beneficial to the entire studio as we partner in taking DreamWorks into the future,” said Margie Cohn, DreamWorks Animation president. “His years of experience working cross-divisionally will allow us to expand upon the successful collaboration between our film and television divisions, as well as with our colleagues at Universal, furthering DreamWorks position as one of the most prolific animation studios in the world.”
Lake most recently served as president of studio operations and Imageworks at Sony Pictures Entertainment, where he oversaw all operations, strategy,...
- 5/15/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
DreamWorks Animation has set veteran Sony Pictures executive Randy Lake as its new chief operating officer. Starting in July, he will oversee the studio’s strategic planning and primary business operations, including feature and television production, post production, business and legal affairs, finance and technology.
“As we solidify our leadership team, Randy provides a strong strategic vision that will be beneficial to the entire studio as we partner in taking DreamWorks into the future,” DreamWorks Animation President Margie Cohn said. “His years of experience working cross-divisionally will allow us to expand upon the successful collaboration between our film and television divisions, as well as with our colleagues at Universal, furthering DreamWorks position as one of the most prolific animation studios in the world.”
Lake most recently served as President of Studio Operations & Imageworks at Sony Pictures Entertainment, where he oversaw all operations, strategy and planning for Sony Pictures Imageworks, post production services,...
“As we solidify our leadership team, Randy provides a strong strategic vision that will be beneficial to the entire studio as we partner in taking DreamWorks into the future,” DreamWorks Animation President Margie Cohn said. “His years of experience working cross-divisionally will allow us to expand upon the successful collaboration between our film and television divisions, as well as with our colleagues at Universal, furthering DreamWorks position as one of the most prolific animation studios in the world.”
Lake most recently served as President of Studio Operations & Imageworks at Sony Pictures Entertainment, where he oversaw all operations, strategy and planning for Sony Pictures Imageworks, post production services,...
- 5/15/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Randy Lake will join DreamWorks Animation as its new chief operating officer starting in July, the studio on announced on Wednesday.
Lake moves to DreamWorks after a 13-year stint at Sony Pictures. In his new role, Lake will oversee DreamWorks’ strategic planning and primary business operations, including feature and TV production, post-production, business and legal affairs, finance and technology. The appointment was made by DreamWorks Animation president Margie Cohn.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Margie and her passionate and talented team and look forward to this opportunity to build upon DreamWorks’ storied legacy during such an exciting time at the studio,” Lake said in a statement.
Also Read: DreamWorks Animation President Margie Cohn Reorganizes Creative Ranks, Appoints New Executives
Lake’s move to the Universal-owned DreamWorks follows Amy Pascal who moved her production shingle from Sony to Universal earlier this month.
DreamWorks and Universal have been taking steps in...
Lake moves to DreamWorks after a 13-year stint at Sony Pictures. In his new role, Lake will oversee DreamWorks’ strategic planning and primary business operations, including feature and TV production, post-production, business and legal affairs, finance and technology. The appointment was made by DreamWorks Animation president Margie Cohn.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Margie and her passionate and talented team and look forward to this opportunity to build upon DreamWorks’ storied legacy during such an exciting time at the studio,” Lake said in a statement.
Also Read: DreamWorks Animation President Margie Cohn Reorganizes Creative Ranks, Appoints New Executives
Lake’s move to the Universal-owned DreamWorks follows Amy Pascal who moved her production shingle from Sony to Universal earlier this month.
DreamWorks and Universal have been taking steps in...
- 5/15/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
In a major validation for Sony and Marvel, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” has won the Academy Award for animated feature for Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.
While accepting the award, Lord celebrated what the representation in the movie meant for many. “When we hear that somebody’s kid was watching the movie and turned to them and said, ‘He looks like me,’ or ‘They speak Spanish like us,’ we feel like we already won.”
Sunday’s win capped a strong awards season run for the film, which won the top animated film honor at the Annies, Golden Globes, BAFTA and Producers Guild Awards. It’s one of the biggest awards to date for a title based on Marvel characters, along with “Big Hero 6,” which also won the animated feature trophy in 2015.
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” centers on 13-year-old Brooklynite Miles Morales, who becomes one of many Spider-Men,...
While accepting the award, Lord celebrated what the representation in the movie meant for many. “When we hear that somebody’s kid was watching the movie and turned to them and said, ‘He looks like me,’ or ‘They speak Spanish like us,’ we feel like we already won.”
Sunday’s win capped a strong awards season run for the film, which won the top animated film honor at the Annies, Golden Globes, BAFTA and Producers Guild Awards. It’s one of the biggest awards to date for a title based on Marvel characters, along with “Big Hero 6,” which also won the animated feature trophy in 2015.
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” centers on 13-year-old Brooklynite Miles Morales, who becomes one of many Spider-Men,...
- 2/25/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
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