Disney creates a new animation studio in Vancouver dedicated to the Disney + series

As Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS) continues to expand its list of projects for Disney +, WDAS President Clark Spencer (producer of Encanto and Zootropolis) today announced the opening of a new facility in Vancouver, BC. The new studio will focus on long-running series work and special projects created for Disney + from the highly anticipated quality music series. Moana (Moana).

The Burbank studio will also expand its business to over 900 employees as it remains the exclusive venue for WDAS feature film projects, as well as shorter series such as the recently announced baymax e Zootropolis +. Story development, storyboarding and production design for all projects will be based in Burbank.

“Disney Animation is creating a more original storytelling for Disney +, expanding into series for the first time in our history with Iwájú, Tiana, Moana, Baymax e Zootropolis +“Says Jennifer Lee, Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney Animation Studios. "As we continue to grow our original list of projects, there are more creative, artistic and technological opportunities than at any time before."

“With Burbank and Vancouver hosting some of the world's most talented artists and technicians, we believe the storytelling and visual quality created within each venue will meet the incredibly high standards we have set ourselves and that audiences have come to expect from Disney. Animation, ”says Spencer.

Amir Nasrabadi will serve as the head of Walt Disney Animation Studios, Vancouver. A respected and seasoned veteran of the industry, Nasrabadi most recently held the role of EVP / General Manager at WildBrain Studios. Previous roles include overseeing Pixar Canada as Vice President / General Manager, as well as senior leadership roles with Illumination and Paramount Animation. Nasrabadi's role with Walt Disney Animation Studios marks a return to the studio, where he worked as a finance manager.

“I am so honored and excited to be joining the Disney family again,” says Nasrabadi. “I'm looking forward to diving in and collaborating with the talented Disney Animation teams on a new list of projects for Disney +, starting with Moana. I continue to marvel at the high artistry and technical advancements that come out of the animation industry here in Vancouver and am so proud to be a part of this community. This is really a dream come true for me ”.

Il Moana will debut on Disney + in 2024. Oscar-nominated producer Osnat Shurer (Moana, Raya and the last dragon) is producing the launch project of the Vancouver studio.