While DreamWorks Animation’s struggles continue, the producers behind the successful Madagascar and How To Train Your Dragon Franchises were named the new co-presidents of feature animation on Sunday.
Bonnie Arnold and Mireille Soria has produced eight films at DWA, which have grossed a combined $3.5 billion worldwide. They will replace outgoing chief creative officer Bill Damaschke.
"Mireille and Bonnie are two of the most accomplished and prolific filmmakers working in feature animation today," DWA CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg said in a statement. "I am confident in their ability to marshal the extensive creative resources available at our studio and lead DreamWorks's vast ranks of artists and filmmakers as they produce the highest quality entertainment."
Arnold has spent 12 years at DWA and has over 30 years of experience in filmmaking. Prior to joining Katzenberg’s company, she produced Disney’s Tarzan and worked on Pixar’s Toy Story. She also produced the live action film The Last Station. At DWA, she oversees the How To Train Your Dragon films.
Soria has spent 15 years at DWA and also has over 30 years of experience in Hollywood. She also has Disney experience and was the vice president of production for Walt Disney Pictures. She oversees the Madagascar series at DWA.
DWA has been struggling as of late, thanks to failures like Rise of the Guardians and Mr. Peabody & Sherman. While How To Train Your Dragon 2 was a success this year, Penguins of Madagascar was a doomed release this winter. Penguins only made $78 million in the U.S.
Katzenberg has tried to find a buyer for the company, but potential deals with Hasbro and Softbank both fell apart.
As for the future, BOO: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations has been delayed indefinitely. Home is due out in March.