Animal Logic’s head of production Sharon Taylor has moved to Canada to run Animal Logic Vancouver, a new 450,000 square feet (41,806 square metres) facility which will exclusively handle animated films for Warner Bros.
As executive vice president and general manager, Taylor will lead the Vancouver team as it ramps up for the start of production on The LEGO Movie Sequel in January.
Unveiled in May, the facility has a three-picture deal with Warner Bros. The two subsequent LEGO titles have yet to be announced.
Animal Logic CEO and co-founder Zareh Nalbandian said: “Sharon has been a key driver in the growth and success of Animal Logic over the last ten years. I’m confident that her deep knowledge of our company and its culture, coupled with her collaborative leadership style and amazing energy, will ensure the success of our new Vancouver studio.”
By mid-2016 the studio located in the city’s Yaletown creative precinct will have 300 employees, the vast majority locals.
The LEGO Movie sequel, written by the creators of the original hit Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, marks the feature directing debut of Rob Schrab (Community, Parks and Recreation, The Mindy Project).
In Sydney, Animal Logic is producing WB’s The LEGO Batman Movie and LEGO's Ninjago, both due for release in 2017. The LEGO Batman Movie will feature Will Arnett and Michael Cera as Batman and Robin and is being directed by Chris McKay. Zach Galifianakis reportedly is in final negotiations to voice The Joker.
Charlie Bean is directing LEGO Ninjago, based on the Cartoon Network animated series of the same name, scripted by brothers Dan Hageman and Kevin Hageman. A third WB animated movie is in negotiation.
Animal Logic’s visual effects business is in pre-production and production on a number of projects including The Divergent Series: Allegiant Part 1, which stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Octavia Spencer, Naomi Watts, Jeff Daniels, Ray Stevenson, Zoe Kravitz, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort and Maggie Q and is slated for March 2016.