Andrea Miloro, the co-president of Fox Animation with oversight over Blue Sky Studios, which Disney acquired as part of its $71.3 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox, is departing the studio, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap.
“I am writing today with some news that is difficult to share, but I wanted you to hear it from me: I will be leaving Blue Sky,” Miloro said in an email obtained by TheWrap to Blue Sky employees Thursday. “Blue Sky has always been a force for powerful family entertainment, and for the last 10 years I have loved being a part of the family. While this is the end of my Blue Sky journey, I know that this studio will continue to surpass the very high expectations we set out for ourselves.”
Miloro’s co-president Robert Baird is remaining in his role.
Fox Animation’s “Spies in Disguise,” with Will Smith, is upcoming on the release slate and will open this Christmas, just five days after Disney’s “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.”
It remains to be seen what the future of Fox Animation and Blue Sky will be strategically within Disney considering the company already has Disney Animation Studios and Pixar under their purview.
Miloro joined the company in October 2017 and had direct oversight of the Fox-owned Blue Sky Studios, which is behind the “Ice Age” franchise of films as well as the “Rio” movies.
Prior to joining Fox, Miloro was VP and head of production at Sony Pictures Animation, overseeing the films “Open Season,” “Surf’s Up,” “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” and “Hotel Transylvania.”
Read Miloro’s full email to staff below:
Dear Blue Sky,
I am writing today with some news that is difficult to share, but I wanted you to hear it from me: I will be leaving Blue Sky.
Two years ago we began the journey to elevate and evolve this vibrant studio. We embarked on a robust development slate, attracting new talent and pushing forward with technology to support the storytelling.
Blue Sky has always been a force for powerful family entertainment, and for the last 10 years I have loved being a part of the family. While this is the end of my Blue Sky journey, I know that this studio will continue to surpass the very high expectations we set out for ourselves.
Thank you for so many wonderful memories. I wish everyone the very best.
News of Miloro’s departure was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.