Alexa Amin has joined Sony Pictures Animation as VP of development and will report to Nate Hopper, SVP of development. Among the upcoming projects she will be working on are CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS (opening March 27, 2009), HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA (opening Sept. 25, 2009), BIG ALIEN MUSICAL, (described as a hip-hop alien musical) and Jon Favreau's Imagemotion performance capture NEANDERTHALS (titles subject to change).

"Alexa has a wealth of experience in shepherding projects from concept to screen, along with a deep understanding of family entertainment," Hopper said. "Her knowledge, enthusiasm and talents are a perfect fit with the Sony Pictures Animation team," added Sandra Rabins, senior EVP of Sony Pictures Animation.

Amin joins Sony Pictures Animation from New Regency Prods., where she was VP of production. Some of her recent projects include FIREHOUSE DOG, ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS (opening Dec. 14) and the upcoming FANTASTIC MR. FOX (to be directed by Wes Anderson). Her previous film credits include MIRRORS, THE SENTINEL and THE GIRL NEXT DOOR.

Before joining New Regency in 2000, Amin worked on REIGN OF FIRE and THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY while at Spyglass Ent. Group.

Sony Pictures Animation, a division of Sony Pictures Digital Ent., has produced OPEN SEASON and SURF'S UP. Currently in production are CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS and HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA. SPA recently completed THE CHUBBCHUBBS SAVE XMAS short and is in production on its first direct-to-DVD release, OPEN SEASON 2.