Press release from DreamWorks Animation SKG:
GLENDALE, CA -- DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. announced that Alex Schwartz has been named Head of Development, filling the position vacated by Kristine Belson, who will produce the studio's upcoming feature film with the working title, Crood Awakening. Schwartz will oversee the development of all projects at DreamWorks Animation.
"Alex is an exceptional and experienced executive with a proven track record. As we see the line between live action and animation continue to blur, we are eager to broaden our slate and bring new talent into the studio. Alex's excellent relationships across the board will help us move forward with this initiative. We are lucky to have her on our team" stated Co-President of Production Bill Damaschke. "Kristine's strong creative guidance on Crood Awakening made her a natural choice to produce this priority project. I look forward to working closely with her as it comes to fruition" he continued.
"It's truly thrilling for me to be working with such talented and passionate people at DreamWorks Animation. Bill inspires everyone to do their best work and being back with Jeffrey Katzenberg is very exciting" said Schwartz.
Schwartz began her entertainment career in 1990 at Walt Disney Studios' Touchstone Pictures, where she oversaw such titles as What's Love Got to Do With It, Sister Act, Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion and Rushmore. She departed the studio in 1998 with the title of Senior Vice President. After a two-year stint as Head of Production at Bel Air Entertainment, where her film credits included Rockstar and Pay It Forward, Schwartz relocated to New York, where she joined filmed family entertainment company Walden Media in 2001. As Walden's Executive Vice President in charge of overseeing the creative group, Schwartz personally produced and managed numerous projects, including Holes, Because of Winn-Dixie, Charlotte's Web and Bridge to Terabithia, as well as several upcoming feature films: Nim's Island, starring Jodie Foster and Abigail Breslin; Journey 3D to the Center of the Earth, starring Brendan Fraser and City of Ember, with Bill Murray.
After attending Boston University and earning a Masters degree in journalism from NYU, Schwartz began working in documentary production.
In her new position, Schwartz will directly report to Bill Damaschke.