Kristine Belson has been named President of Sony Pictures Animation (SPA), Sony Pictures Entertainment announced Tuesday.
In her new role, Belson will lead the development and production of original material as well as current and future franchises, focusing on creating an environment that nurtures animators and artists. She will report to Amy Pascal, Co-Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment and Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group.
“I’m thrilled to have Kristine join the studio — I know she has a first-rate sense of story and a great eye for material,” said Pascal in a statement. “But she’s more than that: Kristine is a visionary who will make our animation studio a home where the animation industry’s best talent can come and make the films they want to make. I am confident Kristine will help SPA become an even more vital component of the way we construct our overall slate.”
Belson joins SPA after nearly a decade at DreamWorks Animation, whereshe executive produced “How to Train Your Dragon” and produced “The Croods,” for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.