Press Release from Starz Media
Burbank, Calif. and Toronto, Ont. -- May 20, 2009 -- Heather Kenyon has been appointed to the new position of vice president, project development and sales for Starz Animation, a division of Starz Media. She brings a wealth of experience across the animation business to her position, working with both Starz Animation Toronto and Film Roman to expand its slate of high-end work-for-hire and proprietary animated product.
"There are few companies with the expertise and the ability of Starz Animation to produce top-quality work across the spectrum of animation," Kenyon noted. "From theatrical features to DVD's, from TV series to shorts, from traditional 2D animation to the highest level CG -- and then toss in all the worldwide distribution power that comes from being part of Starz -- this company is a growing player in the animation business."
Though based at Film Roman's headquarters in Burbank, Kenyon will be primarily focused on generating new business for Starz Animation Toronto, a leading digital animation production studio that recently completed Focus Features' upcoming Tim Burton-produced movie 9 and is currently animating both a broadcast network primetime holiday special and a major theatrical feature for Miramax and Rocket Pictures.
At the same time, she will be seeking projects suited for Film Roman, the leading traditional animation company for TV, features and the direct-to-DVD market, whose work includes THE SIMPSONS, THE GOODE FAMILY and two new series for Marvel Entertainment, as well as Starz Media's WOW! WOW! WUBBZY!
Kenyon brings a range of international animation experience to her new position. Prior to joining Starz Animation, she headed series development for Cartoon Network, managed production information at Hanna-Barbera Cartoons and served as editor-in-chief of ANIMATION WORLD NETWORK.
"Heather Kenyon's infectious energy, creative expertise, and wide industry knowledge make her a perfect fit with Starz Animation's mission to find new and interesting projects to produce at both studios," said David Steinberg, Head of Studio at Starz Animation Toronto.
Jay Fukuto, who heads Film Roman, added that "Heather Kenyon will be a key addition to our animation team, working with our current business development executives here to bring in more high-profile, high-reward projects."
Kenyon is a veteran of countless international animation festivals and markets, serving on the jury, speaking on panels, or giving presentations on animation at such forums as the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, the Television Animation Conference at the Ottawa International Animation Festival, and Comic Con International, as well as USC, Cal-Arts and many others.
A native of Southern California, Kenyon is a graduate of USC's School of Cinema-Television, with a specialty in screenwriting.
