Paramount has named David Stainton president of its new animation division, the company announced Monday.
He is former president of Walt Disney Feature Animation. He's also Stainton a former CEO of family entertainment producer Henry’s World Media, which he founded in 2007.
He led Disney's transition from hand-drawn animation to digital production. He also led the Disney Video Premieres division and was in charge of the company's 150-person animation facility in Paris.
Paramount announced in July that it is launching an in-house animation division. It expects to release its first film through the unit in 2014.
Stainton begins work this week and will report to Adam Goodman, President of the Paramount Motion Picture Group.
Here's the release:
PARAMOUNT PICTURES APPOINTS ANIMATION VETERAN DAVID STAINTON AS PRESIDENT OF PARAMOUNT ANIMATION
(Los Angeles, CA – Oct. 10, 2011) -- Paramount Pictures, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA and VIA.B), has appointed veteran animation executive David Stainton as President of its new in-house animation division.
Stainton joins Paramount after a 17-year run at Disney, where he served as President of Walt Disney Feature Animation. During his studio tenure, he oversaw several dozen releases across various platforms that brought in $3.5 billion in worldwide revenue. He spearheaded Disney’s transition from its hand-drawn roots to fully digital animation production, led the successful Disney Video Premieres division, and oversaw the studio’s 150-person animation facility in Paris. More recently, Stainton served as Chief Executive Officer of family entertainment producer Henry’s World Media, which he founded in 2007.
Also Read: Brad Grey's Paramount Launches Animation Division, Leaving DreamWorks Hanging
In his new role, which takes effect this week, Stainton will report to Adam Goodman, President of the Paramount Motion Picture Group.
Paramount Animation aims to focus on high-quality animation with budgets per picture of up to $100 million, with an initial target of one release per year. The division’s mandate will be the development of the broadest range of family CGI animated films, with a key piece being titles under the label of Viacom’s Nickelodeon, the No. 1 entertainment brand for kids worldwide. Paramount will also build on Viacom’s already thriving global consumer products business by seeking to capitalize on merchandising opportunities tied to all Paramount Animation releases.
“The success of Rango this year helped us recognize our potential and ability to create wonderfully imaginative animated pictures with global appeal,” said Brad Grey, Chairman & CEO of Paramount Pictures. “David is a proven leader with a broad portfolio of experience in animation and family entertainment. He will be a welcome addition to Adam’s highly talented team.”
“David’s accomplishments speak for themselves, and I am glad to welcome him to the lot as we start this exciting new chapter,” Adam Goodman added. “With David’s leadership, we will look to build on what has been a very strong year for our studio in animation, with Rango and the upcoming Adventures of Tintin pointing to the kind of artist-driven, broad-appeal films we intend to make at Paramount Animation.”
