DNEG Animation Plans Increased Focus On Episodic Animation, Promotes Philippe Denis To Creative Director

DNEG has promoted long-time Dreamworks vet Philippe Denis to creative director of DNEG Animation as the company places a new focus on high-end episodic animation. Previously known for its vfx work, DNEG’s animation service arm has exploded in output over the past few years. Its recent projects include Ron’s Gone Wrong and Entergalactic, and upcoming films include Nimona (Annapurna, Netflix), Garfield (Alcon Entertainment, Sony Pictures), That Christmas (Locksmith Animation, Netflix), and Under the Boardwalk (Paramount Animation).

Details:

• In his new role, Denis will oversee the creative output of DNEG Animation teams globally while developing a long-term strategy for the unit. According to DNEG, the promotion is timed to the company’s continued exploration of co-production opportunities and a new focus on episodic animation.
• “On the back of co-producing Garfield with our partners at Alcon Entertainment, DNEG Animation is actively exploring a number of other co-production opportunities, as well as increasing our focus on the high-end episodic animation market,” said DNEG Animation president Tom Jacomb in a release announcing Denis’ promotion. “As we continue to build out our wonderful teams around the world and bring on board new clients and new partners in different markets, Philippe will also play a vital role in helping to ensure that our creative output remains second to none.”
• Denis added, “My time working with Tom and the incredibly talented team at DNEG Animation has truly been a career highlight. To have this opportunity to work even more closely with our teams across the world and to play a part in the future direction of our division is incredibly gratifying. As DNEG Animation continues to grow and develop with the support of our clients, I am very proud and excited to be able to help shape the next phase of our journey.”
• Denis has been with DNEG since 2017 and has more than 25 years of experience working in the animation industry. He recently served as DNEG’s vfx supervisor on the animated feature Ron’s Gone Wrong for 20th Century Studios and Locksmith and Under the Boardwalk, an upcoming animated musical feature from Paramount Animation.
• Before joining DNEG, he was at Dreamworks for nearly 20 years where he worked as a cg supervisor on Madagascar, Over the Hedge, and Shrek the Third, and vfx supervisor on films including Megamind, Mr. Peabody and Sherman, and Trolls.
• DNEG recently hired fellow Dreamworks vet Philippe Gluckman as creative director of DNEG Animation in India and former Disney Television Animation executive Angi Dyste as senior vp of episodic. The company also made a pair of key in-house promotions which saw Archie Donato promoted to head of vfx and Eoin Murphy to head of cg.