DreamWorks Animation SKG has named Alex Schwartz head of development, responsible for overseeing the development of all projects at the toon factory. She fills the position vacated by Kristine Belson, who will produce the studio’s upcoming feature film, Crood Awakening (working title).
‘As we see the line between live action and animation continue to blur, we are eager to broaden our slate and bring new talent into the studio,’ says Bill Damaschke, co-president of production at DreamWorks Animation. ‘Alex’s excellent relationships across the board will help us move forward with this initiative.’
Schwartz began her entertainment career in 1990 at Walt Disney Studios’ Touchstone Pictures, where she oversaw such titles as What’s Love Got to Do With It, Sister Act, Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion and Rushmore. Having worked her way up to senior VP, she left Touchstone and did a two-year stint as head of production at Bel Air Ent., where her film credits included Rockstar and Pay It Forward. Schwartz relocated to New York, where she joined filmed family entertainment company Walden Media in 2001. As Walden’s exec VP in charge of overseeing the creative group, Schwartz personally produced and managed such projects, including Holes, Because of Winn-Dixie, Charlotte’s Web and Bridge to Terabithia, as well the upcoming features Nim’s Island, Journey to the Center of the Earth 3-D, and City of Ember.
DreamWorks Animation’s next release, Kung Fu Panda, opens in theaters on June 6. The studio will kick off its stereoscopic 3-D initiative with Monsters vs. Aliens, set for release on March 27, 2009. How to Train Your Dragon will follow in March of 2010, a year that may also see the debut of DreamWorks’ Shrek Goes Fourth and Master Mind.
