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ANIMATION WORLD MAGAZINE - ISSUE 5.02 - MAY 2000
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People
Musical Chairs: Aron Warner has been named the new head of Pacific Data Images (PDI), the computer animation, commercial production and effects affiliate of DreamWorks SKG. The move follows the announcement that PDI president and chief executive officer Jim DeRose is resigning his post, effective April 1, 2000, to pursue an unspecified Internet business opportunity. In making the announcement, Katzenberg stated, "During his time at PDI, Jim made enormous contributions to the firm. In one short year, he re-established PDI in the commercial and effects business and took it to record levels. He also played a vital role in streamlining PDI's operations and in assisting DreamWorks with its recent acquisition of a majority interest in the company, and we wish him much success in his new venture." Warner joined PDI in 1997 as a producer on Antz. He previously served as vice president of production at Twentieth Century Fox, where he supervised production on such films as Independence Day, The Crucible, Alien Resurrection, Volcano and Titanic. Earlier he produced such films as Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare and Tank Girl. Katzenberg said, "Having collaborated with Aron Warner on Antz, I know he brings enormous creativity, as well as a solid production background to the table. I am confident he is the perfect choice to take over the reins of PDI/DreamWorks as we explore new projects and new business opportunities for the company." Warner said, "Since joining PDI, I have enjoyed one of the greatest collaborations of my career with Jeffrey Katzenberg and the teams at both PDI and DreamWorks. I am thrilled at the prospect of taking those creative partnerships to an even greater level as we discover new avenues for the company.". . .Disney Channel has promoted Gary Marsh to executive VP, original programming. In his new role, Marsh will be responsible for the development and production of Disney Channel's entire slate of original programming, including Disney Channel original movies, narrative and reality series for both pre-school and older kids and music and documentary series and specials. In addition, he will oversee the network's newly created talent and alternative programming department. Marsh joined Disney Channel from Columbia Pictures Television in July 1988 as executive director, programming. Eight months later, he was promoted to vice president and, in 1994, was named senior vice president, original programming. Marsh developed such films as Nightjohn, The Whipping Boy and Mark Twain And Me. He also played a key role in the re-launch of Disney Channel's Original Movie franchise, with the films Brink!, Johnny Tsunami and The Color Of Friendship. "Gary has been a major force in leading Disney Channel's original programming to groundbreaking new heights," said Rich Ross, general manager and executive vice president, programming and production for Disney. "His vision and ingenuity in creating unique quality original programming for kids has helped to galvanize Disney Channel's growth and recognition with our viewers.". . .Orlando, Florida-based AARGH! Animation, Inc. has signed animator Jeffrey Varab. Varab, best known for his key animation on Mulan, Balto, Land Before Time, Casper, The Tigger Movie and the upcoming Fox feature Titan A.E., has moved to AARGH! to be part of a more intimate creative team. "The exciting part of joining Mark and Dave [AARGH!] is that it allows me to use all of my experience in exciting and challenging ways," said Varab. Originally hired at Disney Animation in 1977, Varab started on the movie Pete’s Dragon beside one of Disney’s original "9 Old Men," Eric Larson. Larson was hired by Disney in the mid-30s. Varab’s career has included work for Spielberg’s Amblin, Universal Pictures, Don Bluth, Fox Animation and his own studio in Denmark. Varab and Mark Simon, co-founder of AARGH!, are currently working on a two-minute short which they co-wrote. The short, titled Scary Things, examines how children deal with nightmares. . . .Digital Entertainment Network, Inc. (DEN), a privately held interactive entertainment Web site, announced that prominent entertainment industry veteran Frank Mancuso has joined its board of directors. With a distinguished career that spans over four decades, Mancuso most recently served as chairman and CEO of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. and remains a special consultant and member of its board of directors. Prior to joining MGM, Mancuso served as chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures. "Frank Mancuso's enormous expertise and relationships in content creation and distribution will be invaluable to us as we pursue our goal of becoming Generation Y's preferred entertainment destination," said Greg Carpenter, CEO and COO of DEN. "Frank Mancuso has been an inspirational leader in the great mediums of the 20th century: motion pictures and television," said DEN chairman Gary Gersh. "We are thrilled that starting today, Mr. Mancuso's enormous brainpower and vision will help build the medium of the 21st. Everyone at DEN is honored and excited that he joins our efforts to build The Digital Entertainment Network into a premiere Internet company.". . . |
Note: Readers may contact any Animation World Magazine contributor by sending an e-mail to editor@awn.com.