Academy Award-Winning Composer Alan Menken to Create Original Songs and Score for Vicky Jenson Helmed Skydance Animation Feature Spellbound
SANTA MONICA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 20, 2020–
Skydance Animation, led by John Lasseter and Holly Edwards, today announced that legendary composer known for his award-winning work on and will compose original music and score for the upcoming musical fantasy (working title). Menken is joined by celebrated lyricist and frequent collaborator ( and lauded music producer ( ). Menken, Slater and Montan are the latest award-winning talent to join the studio’s expanding creative roster as it continues to build its ambitious production slate. Skydance Animation recently announced a global expansion with the formation of Skydance Animation Madrid.
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Alan Menken (Photo: Business Wire)
The animated feature is led by acclaimed director Vicky Jenson ( , ) and written by Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin ( ) and Linda Woolverton ( , ). (working title) is set in a world of magic where a young girl must break the spell that has split her kingdom in two.
“Alan Menken’s music defines a generation and is loved by audiences around the world,” said Jenson. “From day one, we knew this magical world would be full of music, and we knew only Alan could bring it to life. With Glenn and Chris onboard, their combined creativity adds so much depth and complexity to the emotions of our characters and this very unique story. It is a true honor to collaborate with this team.”
“I’m thrilled to be united with so many talented collaborators and very much look forward to working with Vicky Jenson, Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin,” said Menken. “ promises to be quite unique and inspiring.”
Alan Menken’s career has spanned over four decades and has earned him eight Academy Awards—more than any living person—and is the recipient of numerous other awards including Golden Globes, Grammys, Drama Desk Awards and a Tony. He is best known for composing the score and writing songs for a number of Disney animated films including , , , , , and His work also includes the onstage musicals and as well as adaptations of his film work including .
Glenn Slater is a Grammy-winning lyricist best known for his work in musicals for both the stage and screen. He has collaborated with Alan Menken on a number of projects including the animated films and ; Broadway’s , and ; as well as songs for the television series . He has also partnered with Andrew Lloyd Webber on and . In addition to his Grammy, Slater has also been nominated for three Tony Awards, two Emmys, an Oscar and a Golden Globe.
Chris Montan is a Grammy-winning music producer with over 30 years in the business. He is best known for his time as President of Walt Disney Music where he was responsible for all Disney and Pixar animated features, all Disney Theatrical stage productions and music for the Walt Disney Theme Parks and Resorts worldwide. In 1997, named him “musical supervisor of the decade.” Under his supervision, soundtracks for ten of the studio’s theatrical releases have been certified multi-platinum and he garnered the studio 42 Academy Award nominations for music with 16 wins.
With more than 350 creatives across two continents, in addition to (working title), Skydance Animation’s upcoming feature slate also includes directed by Peggy Holmes ( ), about the unluckiest girl alive who stumbles upon the never-before-seen world of good and bad luck and must join together with magical creatures to uncover a force more powerful than even luck itself; and (working title), written and directed by Nathan Greno ( ). In addition, Skydance Animation has a slate of soon-to-be-announced high-end television series in various stages of development.
Skydance is the diversified media company founded by David Ellison in 2010 to create high-quality, event-level entertainment for global audiences. The Company brings to life stories with immersive worlds across its feature film, television, interactive and animation divisions. Skydance’s upcoming feature films include the highly anticipated and the upcoming seventh and eighth installments of the film series. Skydance Television was launched in 2013, and its diverse slate includes , , , and across a range of platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime and Apple TV+. Skydance Interactive launched in 2016 to create and publish original and IP-based virtual reality video games; its library includes the survival- horror game and the mech-shooter Skydance Animation was formed in 2017 to develop and produce a slate of high-end feature films and television series and in 2020 formed Skydance Animation Madrid and established a presence across two continents. The first slated movie is .
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CONTACT: Jack Horner
Corporate Communications
(424) 291-3464
KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CALIFORNIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MUSIC FILM & MOTION PICTURES LICENSING (ENTERTAINMENT) ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT
SOURCE: Skydance Media
Copyright Business Wire 2020.
PUB: 05/20/2020 06:30 PM/DISC: 05/20/2020 06:30 PM
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