Laika Appoints Mary Sandell Head of Production

Announcement from Laika:

Mary Sandell, Head of Production, Laika

Laika [1] has named Coraline producer Mary Sandell head of production at the Portland, OR-based stop-motion animation studio.

"Mary is an exceptional leader," said Laika president & CEO Travis Knight, who announced the appointment. "I've known her virtually my entire professional career and continue to be amazed by the depth of her talents."

Sandell, who joined Laika in 2005 and previously held a variety of production roles with predecessor Vinton Studios, has more than 20 years' experience managing commercials, feature films and television series.

ParaNorman, Laika's second 3D stop-motion animated feature film after Coraline, will be released August 17 by Focus Features.

"I am excited about the opportunity to head up production as Laika moves toward expanding its film release schedule," Sandell said.

Laika recently optioned the novel "Goblins," from author Philip Reeve, for Mark Gustafson to direct.