The ‘Arcane’ developer and producer tasks the former Disney exec with developing animated TV series and feature films for Riot Entertainment.
Cristina Fiumara, former VP of Streaming Content at Walt Disney Animation Studios, has joined Riot Games as the studio’s first ever Global Head of Animation Development, Film & TV, according to Deadline. The developer and publisher behind the extremely popular online game League of Legends and breakout animated series Arcane, Riot, is actively expanding its animation division. The new Global Head will be responsible for developing animated TV series and feature films for Riot Entertainment and will report to Riot’s Chief Content Officer Brian Wright.
Riot recently acquired a non-controlling stake in Fortiche Productions, a longtime collaborator and the animation studio behind Arcane. Fiumara will work closely with Fortiche, Arcane creator-showrunners Christian Linke and Alex Yee, and Head of Animation, Production, Melinda Dilger for the show’s second season.
Previously, Fiumara had a heavy hand in Disney+’s animation slate, lending her expertise on Iwaju, Tiana, Moana, Olaf Presents, and Zootopia+, as well as serving on the story trust for features such as Oscar winner Encanto. Prior to her time with Walt Disney Animation Studios, Fiumara worked on productions for The Walt Disney Studios, Disney Television Animation, 20th Century Animation, Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm and more, with over 45 popular titles under her belt.
“I can’t think of a better person to join our team during such an exciting time at Riot Entertainment,” Wright commented to Deadline. “Cristina’s experience and success in developing and producing prestigious animated content makes her the perfect addition to Riot as we develop new and exciting content for the League of Legends cinematic universe and beyond.”
“Riot is known for creating innovative and high-quality programming at the forefront of animation with projects like Arcane,” added Fiumara. “I am looking forward to joining the company as they continue to enhance the player experience through expansions into film and television content.”