Framestore-CFC sets up Framestore Feature Animation

UK-based visual effects house Framestore CFC has announced the formation of a dedicated feature animation studio Framestore Feature Animation. David Lipman, who joins the company as managing partner after eight successful years at Dreamworks Animation, will be at the head of the venture. His roles at Dreamworks included producer on Shrek 2 and co-executive producer on Shrek.

David Lipman

Framestore Feature Animation has been founded in partnership with Universal Studios with the aim of becoming London's premiere feature animation studio. The new studio has already commenced work on its first project, The Tale of Despereaux, based on the award-winning children's novel by Kate DiCamillo, directed by Sylvain Chomet, writer and director of the Oscar nominated Les Triplettes de Belleville. The project's producers are Gary Ross (Seabiscuit, Pleasantville, Big) and Allison Thomas (Seabiscuit, Pleasantville).

William Sargent

William Sargent, joint CEO of Framestore CFC, says, "The creation of a new film studio in London's Soho is a real cause for celebration in the UK's film and cultural community. We have long wanted and planned to take this next step in our creative ambitions, and it's very exciting to be starting this journey... The talent pool in the UK and Europe is second to none, and we are looking forward to building an extraordinary team."

British Film Commissioner Steve Norris shares Framestore's enthusiasm. "The UK is home to some of the best animation talent in the world... The opening of Framestore Feature Animation – a major breakthrough in studio-supported animation here – is great news for these talented people, and a milestone for the UK film industry."

The formation of Framestore Feature Animation will involve a large recruitment drive by the company, with up to 200 new staff being expected to join as The Tale of Despereaux gears up through 2007.

It's not all good news, though. One city's gain is another city's loss. As written on the Falling Sky blog :

"This [news of Chomet producing "The Tale of Despereaux" entirely in London] seems to confirm what had been rumoured earlier - of pre-production in Edinburgh and full production in London, instead of the initial plan to set up a full animation studio in Edinburgh. So much for the 250 creative positions spoken of with such conviction and assurance in the Scottish press last year...

Back when I first heard about Chomet opening a studio [in Edinburgh], two years ago almost to the day, it almost sounded too good to be true. So it has proven."

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