Warner Bros. Pictures has appointed Chris deFaria to evp, digital production, animation and visual effects, Warner Bros. Pictures.
DeFaria was most recently the svp of physical production and visual effects for Warner Bros. Pictures. Prior to holding this position, deFaria produced CATS & DOGS and LOONEY TUNES: BACK IN ACTION for the studio. He now heads the newly developed department, which will aim to unify the production and management of visual effects and animation-driven films under one umbrella. DeFaria will oversee this division and its current staff and will soon hire another senior executive.
"The merging of visual effects and animation into digital production management enhances the ability to continue creative support while maximizing efficiency," said Steve Papazian, the studio's president of physical production. "It furthers our commitment to secure and develop the very best digital artistry worldwide in support of our filmmakers. DeFaria's unique talents and leadership allows us to further our goals and commitments."
DeFaria's primary responsibilities will include managing animation projects and visual effects-intensive scripts, utilizing emerging technology and cutting-edge tools; exploring co-production opportunities with existing animation studios; searching out new progressive talent and tools; and continuing to oversee visual effects for all features and direct-to-DVD projects.
DeFaria and his team will continue working on such upcoming features as 300, HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX and 10,000 B.C., and will be a partner in Warner Bros. strategy to exploit visual effects-heavy titles with an eye toward mobile content and other such marketing channels.
Most recently, deFaria handled the visual effects elements of TROY, THE POLAR EXPRESS, the HARRY POTTER franchise, TIM BURTON'S CORPSE BRIDE, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, THE MATRIX RELOADED, THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS and the upcoming HAPPY FEET. He has been with Warner Bros. for more than 10 years.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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