Sony Pictures Animation has announced that Oscar-winning director Rich Moore will be joining the studio to develop, produce and direct original animated features whilst also acting in an advisory capacity with ongoing feature film and series-based projects at the studio.
“Rich is a world-class storyteller and he brings with him a wealth of experience and a unique sensibility for story, comedy and heart,” said Sony Pictures Animation president Kristine Belson in a statement. “We are so excited for him to join our team of filmmakers at Sony Pictures Animation as we continue to develop a slate of animated features that are big, bold, and will take audiences by surprise.”
“Sony Animation has emerged as a major player among animation studios,” Moore commented. “Their vision to give filmmakers and artists the freedom to take risks, and to really push the envelope when it comes to visual style and breadth of storytelling is impressive, and I can’t wait to be a part of shaping the studio’s future.”
Moore is the director of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 2016 Oscar-winning animated feature Zootopia, which he helmed alongside fellow director Byron Howard. His directorial debut with Disney Animation was the 2012 Oscar-nominated feature Wreck-It Ralph, and he most recently directed the 2018 Oscar-nominated follow-up Ralph Breaks the Internet with fellow director Phil Johnston.
Moore was one of the original three directors on The Simpsons, directing numerous episodes over the series’ first five seasons, including the Emmy Award-winning “Homer vs. Lisa and the Eighth Commandment.” Moore also oversaw the creative development and production of Matt Groening’s Futurama.
“Ten years is a long time but when you’re working on incredible films with people you love as I have these last ten years, that time flies by, “Moore said of his time at Disney. “I will always cherish my days at the Walt Disney Animation Studios and I leave with the faith that the studio is in good hands. I remain a lifelong Disney Animation fan and look forward to the films they’ll create in the future.”