Pixar’s Mary Coleman joins Locksmith Animation as Chief Creative Officer

London-based animation studio Locksmith Animation has appointed Mary Coleman as creative director. Coleman joins Locksmith from Pixar Animation Studios, where she was in charge of creative development. She will start working at LSA in July.

During his 23 years at Pixar, Coleman worked closely with many high-level animated directors, trying to help them with their vision from the original concept to the final project. During his reign, the modern classics were revived there. Monsters Inc, Search for Jemo, The incredibles, cars, Ratatouille, WALL E, on, Toy Story 3, cars 2, Good boy, ᲛUniversity of the Arts, In reverse, a good dinosaur, Find Doris, cars 3, CoconutᲛᲔTrust 2, toy story 4, Forward, soul, Luca Y It turns red.

Coleman is known for helping to launch a writing career as Dan Fogelman (cars), Michael Arndt (Toy Story 3), Meg LeFow (In reverse) and field powers (Like thisK). he was the first She will participate in Pixar’s Brain Trust, provide creative feedback on production films and is particularly proud to have co-founded (with producer Nicole Grindle) The Story Artists, Animation Artists and Art Artas – hit Pixar shows that have strengthened the Artist studio. . female open to directors and creative leaders.

Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull brought Coleman in 1999 to help establish the studio’s development department. MFA in Theater Direction from the University of California, San Diego.

“Having a professional in Mary Coleman as Luxmit’s Creative Director is an important milestone in our company’s journey,” said Fisher, CEO of Loxmith. “Her keen eye for material and her strong relationship with directors were key when we were looking for the perfect CCO. We are honored to join Locksmith Animation as we continue our development, broaden our artistic vision and broaden our appetite for success in the animated space.

Locksmith co-founder and president of production Julie Lockhart, whose production credits include the award Ron was wrong, Sean Sheep movie Y Pirates! band of misfits– He said: “Several people are equally competent to develop the story and collaborate with the director. Mary is a respected industry veteran and we are incredibly lucky to have her on our all-star team. “

“Ultimately, what attracted me the most about Locksmith is that Julie Lockhart worked for two decades with Armand and Natalie Fisher, who helped launch Illumination and then worked with her for a decade, and during my two decades. at Pixar, we’ve all helped them have tremendous building success. Studies, “added Coleman. “The Lord’s vision is ambitious and his counsel is already full of potential. I am delighted that they asked me to help them deliver on their promise of creating immersive entertainment for families around the world. “

Locksmith Animation was founded in 2014 as a group of sister companies. Studio debut feature, Ron was wrongreleased worldwide by The Walt Disney Company in 2021. It won first prize at the British Animation Awards and is currently running on both Disney + and HBO Max. The LSA is currently in production for the holiday film. that christmasAccording to screenwriter and director Richard Curtis (Four weddings and a funeral.) A series of children’s books. DNEG Animation will handle the digital production of the studio’s second feature film, which sees the participation of veteran animation and storytelling artist Simon Otto (How to train your dragon Trilogy) is a filmmaker, as the LSA recently claimed. The studio also recently selected the work of Marissa Meyer lunar chroniclesA best-selling novel series published by Feiwel & Friends, focusing on the recreation of classic fairy tale heroines.