Search For Long-term Successor Underway; Harold Named Interim Replacement
Jeff Farnath is leaving his position as CEO of Vinton Studios, Portland, Ore, and Los Angeles. The animation house had been in active negotiations to renew his contract but the two sides were unable to agree to terms. Farnath will continue under contract to Vinton Studios as a consultant. He joined Vinton Studios as CFO in 2000, and in fall of ’01 became its CEO.
Bob Harold, a Vinton Studios’ board member and 18-year Nike, Inc. Finance executive, will serve as interim CEO at Vinton until a permanent successor to Farnath is found.
Known for its character animation, Vinton Studios is active in CGI, stop-motion and cel animation, as well as live action. The company has produced assorted commercials over the years, including the longstanding M&M’s characters fare for BBDO New York, and the classic Nissan ad, “Toys,” out of TBWA/Chiat/Day, Los Angeles. Vinton Studios has also moved aggressively into animated feature films. The company recently acquired author Laura Ruby’s second children’s book, The Wall and the Wing, to be published next year by HarperCollins, as a directing vehicle for Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas, James and the Giant Peach), who joined Vinton Studios as supervising director about a year ago. Selick is currently working on his short CG film Moongirl, and will then begin production on his CG feature film adaptation of Coraline.
On the television front, Vinton Studios produced the animated primetime series The PJs with Imagine Entertainment and Eddie Murphy, in association with Warner Bros. Television. The PJs was the first stop-motion animated primetime series in television history.“Dune: Part Two” and “House of the Dragon” Win 2 HPA Awards Apiece
Dune: Part Two and House of the Dragon each scored two HPA Awards during a gala ceremony at the Television Academy’s Wolf Theatre in North Hollywood, Calif. on Thursday night (11/7). The HPA Awards honor trailblazing talent in the postproduction industry, celebrating standout achievements in color grading, sound, editing, restoration, and visual effects across theatrical features, commercials, and episodics.
Dune: Part Two topped the Outstanding Color Grading--Live Action Theatrical Feature and the Outstanding Sound--Theatrical Feature categories.
House of the Dragon’s two wins were for “The Red Dragon and the Gold” episode which scored for Outstanding Visual Effects--Live Action Episode or Series Season, and Outstanding Editing--Episode or Non-Theatrical Feature (Over 30 Minutes). In the latter HPA Creative Category, House of the Dragon tied with the “Part Six: Far,l Far Away” episode of Ahsoka.
The HPA’s Judges Award for Creativity and Innovation honored Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour. This recognition celebrates the profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment that defined The Eras Tour, underscoring its exceptional impact on audiences and the industry. The jury issued a statement outlining their choice: “Celebrated as the cultural phenomenon of 2023, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour set new records in box office sales, tour revenues, and attendance. The tour showcased exceptional artistry and innovation, making a profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment.”
This year, FotoKem was awarded the Charles S. Swartz Award for its role in supporting filmmakers, studios, cinematographers, and artists across diverse film and media landscapes. Also celebrated... Read More