Skydance Animation, launched in 2017 after a multi-year partnership between Skydance Media and Madrid-based Ilion Animation Studios, is set to release the highly anticipated Apple TV+ original film “Spellbound” soon. Skydance Animation is a division of Skydance Media, a California-based production company. Skydance Animation is led by former Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios CCO John Lasseter.
Skydance Animation Films
Skydance Animation, employing over 500 in its worldwide workforce, brings original stories to life through animation for a global audience of all ages and cultures. The first short film by Skydance, “Blush,” premiered at the Tribeca Festival’s animated shorts program and is now streaming globally on Apple TV+. The first animated feature film for Skydance Animation with John Lasseter at the helm, “Luck,” is set to debut on Apple TV+ on August 5 of this year. In “Luck,” the unluckiest girl in the world attempts to unite the forces of good luck and bad luck in a story for all ages.
John Lasseter Explores Musical Fantasy Through ‘Spellbound’
Lasseter, best known for his work on “Toy Story,” has won two Academy Awards for his outstanding work in the animation industry. In his next project, Skydance Animation and John Lasseter tackle the musical fantasy genre in “Spellbound.” The central character of the film, Princess Eileen, is a teen girl on an epic quest to break a spell that has divided her kingdom between light and dark. Voiced by “West Side Story” star Rachel Zegler, Princess Eileen lives in the kingdom of Lumbria during this coming-of-age animated feature film.
The forces behind “Spellbound” include several recognizable names in the animation world. Vicky Jenson, known for her work on “Shrek,” directs the film, which is written by Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin, and Linda Woolverton. The original score for the magical film was written by Academy Award winner Alan Menken, with lyrics by Glenn Slater. The executive music producer for the project is Chris Montan, former head of Walt Disney Music. John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and David Lipman are producing for Skydance Animation.
Spin Master’s Toys Bring ‘Spellbound’ to Life
As part of the “Spellbound” rollout, John Lasseter of Skydance Animation inked a licensing deal with Spin Master, creators of toy lines for successful franchises like PAW Patrol, Hatchimals, DC Universe, Wizarding World: Harry Potter, and others. Spin Master is charged with bringing the characters and imagery of “Spellbound” to life. The product line will include fashion dolls, mini-dolls, and vehicles that will bring the characters and imagery from the film to the households of people throughout the globe. Following “Spellbound,” Spin Master will have the right to develop toy lines for all future films produced by Skydance.
This isn’t the first time that a production studio has partnered with a toy company. Universal Pictures is currently partway through a five-year exclusive deal with The LEGO Group for the creation, development, and distribution of films based on the beloved building blocks.
Bringing Vibrant Animation to Homes Around the World
Inspired at an early age by his mother, an art teacher, John Lasseter has devoted his life and career to animation. With this recent partnership between Skydance and Spin Master, Lasseter hopes to bring the imagery in each of the company’s films to households around the world.
