Veteran director and story artist on ‘Trolls,’ ‘Shrek Ever After,’ ‘Rise of The Guardians,’ and ‘Kung Fu Panda 1, 2 & 3’ gets first-look development and directing deal.
DreamWorks Animation is extending its relationship with longtime studio director and story artist Joel Crawford, director of The Croods: A New Age, through a new first-look development and directing deal. The announcement was made by Margie Cohn, president, DreamWorks Animation.
“I am so happy that Joel will continue to be a creative contributor to the future of DreamWorks,” commented Cohn. “Joel’s relentless positivity shows up in every frame of his work, and in the way he collaborates with his crew. Whatever his next movie will be, it will certainly be beautifully crafted, brilliantly funny and envelop the audience in warmth because that’s what Joel does.”
Read AWN's exclusive interview with Joel:
Eep, Grug, and Gran Are Back in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Croods: A New Age’
“DreamWorks has been my home for many years and every day I am inspired by all the amazing artists that I have the great fortune to call my colleagues,” added Crawford. “I am sincerely looking forward to jumping into my next film in such a creative and collaborative environment!"
In addition to The Croods: A New Age, Crawford directed the Trolls Holiday Special, which aired on NBC in 2017. He joined DreamWorks Animation in 2006, becoming an integral story artist on Trolls, Shrek Ever After, Rise of The Guardians, Kung Fu Panda 1, 2 & 3, and Bee Movie. He also served as a story artist on The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water and Alvin & The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked. Crawford is an alumnus of The California Institute of the Arts.
The Croods: A New Age, animated sequel was recently released in theaters and premieres on PVOD today, December 18.
Source: DreamWorks Animation
