DNEG Animation promotes Philippe Denis to creative director

DNEG Animation has promoted Philippe Denis to creative director. 

Denis has over 25 years’ experience in the industry, and originally joined DNEG in 2017 from Dreamworks. Based in London, he served as VFX supervisor on DNEG Animation’s debut feature Ron’s Gone Wrong for 20th Century and Locksmith Animation, Paramount’s upcoming Under The Boardwalk.

During almost 20 years at DreamWorks Animation in California, Denis was a CG supervisor on projects such as Madagascar, Over the Hedge, and Shrek the Third and latterly as VFX supervisor for animated movies such as Megamind, Mr. Peabody and Sherman, and Trolls.

As creative director, Denis will oversee the creative output of the DNEG Animation teams globally while also developing the long-term strategy for the creative direction of the division. This comes as DNEG Animation aims for more co-productions and has announced a focus on the high-end episodic animation market, in addition to its ongoing work as a full-service animation studio on shows such as Entergalactic and the upcoming Nimona.

Tom Jacomb, president of DNEG Animation, said: “I have known and admired Philippe since our days together at DreamWorks, and he is an important and valued member of our creative leadership team here at DNEG Animation. This promotion recognises Philippe’s immense contributions, but more importantly, it provides a platform from which he can help us to shape the future of our company.

“On the back of co-producing Garfield with our partners at Alcon Entertainment, DNEG Animation is actively exploring a number of other co-production opportunities, as well as increasing our focus on the high-end episodic animation market. As we continue to build out our wonderful teams around the world, and bring on board new clients and new partners in different markets, Philippe will also play a vital role in helping to ensure that our creative output remains second-to-none.”

Denis added: “My time working with Tom and the incredibly talented team at DNEG Animation has truly been a career highlight. To have this opportunity to work even more closely with our teams across the world and to play a part in the future direction of our division is incredibly gratifying. As DNEG Animation continues to grow and develop with the support of our clients, I am very proud and excited to be able to help shape the next phase of our journey.”