The Town with Matthew Belloni The Animation Arms Race With Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri
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Dec 14, 2023 Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri joins Matt to discuss the challenges of releasing original animated movies, the future of original films, the perception of Disney Animation, establishing brand penetration, and the aesthetic and tone of the upcoming film 'Wonka'.
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Why Original Animated Films Struggle Post‑COVID
- Original theatrical animation struggles because audiences go to cinemas for films that 'penetrate culture' and create urgency.
- Chris Meledandri: unknown originals face harder awareness challenges and changing definitions of cultural penetration after COVID.
Reset Expectations For Original Theatrical Releases
- Reset theatrical expectations and plan for lower commercial performance for originals while still pursuing breakout potential.
- Meledandri recommends learning how to engage audiences today rather than assuming pre‑COVID models will return.
How Illumination Controls Animation Budgets
- Illumination keeps budgets low by setting studio expectations and quotas that control artist output and prevent budget creep.
- Meledandri cites French studio cost differentials and starting the studio with productivity norms as key levers.