Category: Business

THE TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE director Sylvain Chomet has opened an animation company called Studio Django in Edinburgh, Scotland. The new firm has already signed on for two productions. Chomet's wife Sally will serve as a producer for the company.

Square Enix Co. Ltd. has acquired UIEvolution, Inc., a leading wireless software company, through its subsidiary, Square Enix U.S.A. Inc. This move is in hopes to capitalize on the growing mobile market in the U.S. Square Enix invested approximately $4 million in UIEvolution in December 2003. UIEvolution will function as the research and development center for core technologies that will help Square Enix produce a new type of network-based entertainment.

A core group of Disney Orlando character animators have announced the formation of Project Firefly Animation Studios. The new 2D and 3D studio will be based out of offices on the Universal Studios Florida back lot. Project Firefly has a slate of original projects in development for theatrical and video release.

Australian animation veteran Yoram Gross has teamed with L.A.-based production firm Coote/Hayes Prods. to form YG USA, reported VARIETY. The new firm has already inked a domestic television and homevideo deal with Miramax on the series FLIPPER & LOPAKA, which is set for release in July. Greg Coote and Jeff Hayes head Coote/Hayes Prods., whose executive Edward Olson will serve as president of YG USA. Olson will oversee the development of new projects and properties as well as promoting Gross' animation library in North and Latin America.

Broadcasters may have to rethink how adult their adult animation gets now that the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed legislation increasing the maximum fine for radio and TV indecency from $11,000 to $500,000, reports the ASSOCIATED PRESS.

The vote was 391-22. A U.S. Senate bill is under discussion. The bill raises the maximum fine for a broadcast license-holder from $27,500 to $500,000 and the fine for a performer from $11,000 to $500,000.

Marvel Enterprises Inc. has released its financial results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2003, in addition to a three-for-two stock split in the form of a stock dividend of one additional share of the company's common stock for every two shares held. The additional shares will be distributed on March 26, 2004 to stockholders of record on March 12, 2004.

The California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), the 29th largest single shareholder in Disney, has announced its decision to withhold voting for Michael Eisner for the position of chairman/ceo of The Walt Disney Company at Disneys annual shareholder meeting on March 3, 2004. CalPERS cited the firms dismal performance for the past five years and its lack of confidence in the long-term strategic vision of the company for its decision.