Deal calls for the Emmy Award-winning ‘The Book of Life’ and ‘El Tigre’ director to write, direct, and produce new animated films, series, and interactive projects.
Netflix is getting into the Jorge Gutierrez business big time! They’ve just announced an expanded original content development partnership with the Emmy Award-winning and Golden Globe-nominated animator, painter, writer, and director, and his production company Mexopolis; the new deal calls for Gutierrez to write, direct, and produce new animated films, series and interactive projects across preschool, kids & family and adult animation. He is currently the creator, writer and director of the upcoming Mesoamerican fantasy epic Maya and the Three, an animated limited series set to premiere globally on Netflix in 2021.
According to Gutierrez, “Dang! I could not be more thankful to extend my creative love affair with my beloved Netflix! Melissa Cobb and the entire Netflix Animation team match my endless passion for diversity and inclusion in front and behind the camera. After all the kindness that has been shown to me, I look forward to mentoring and empowering diverse storytellers from not only North America, but also Central and South America. My mustached heart has a six-pack and I can't wait to create new stories and bold new worlds. What a time to be alive!”
Melissa Cobb, Vice President of Original Animation, Netflix, said, “Jorge was one of the first creators to join Netflix Animation and has been an incredible partner ever since. He is committed to authenticity in his work, creating fantastical stories and characters inspired by his culture that are universally resonant and a tireless champion and mentor to the next generation of storytellers. We are honored that he's chosen Netflix as his home and we can’t wait to share his work with kids and families around the world."
Gutierrez is a Mexican animator, painter, writer, and director. He directed and co-wrote Fox’s The Book of Life, produced by Guillermo Del Toro, for which Gutierrez garnered a 2014 Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Animated Feature Film. He also wrote and directed the Emmy Award-nominated Son of Jaguar VR short for Google Spotlight Stories. Along with his wife and muse, Sandra Equihua, they created the multiple Annie and Emmy Award-winning animated television series El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera for Nickelodeon. Born in Mexico City and raised in Tijuana, Gutierrez has completed various films, cartoons, illustrations, and paintings exploring his love with Mexican pop and folk culture.
Source: Netflix
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
