CULVER CITY, Calif., Jan. 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Pictures Entertainment today announced that Oscar^® nominee Kristine Belson has been named President, Sony Pictures Animation (SPA).  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.

Belson joins Sony Pictures Animation after spending nearly a decade at DreamWorks Animation, where, most recently, she executive produced How to Train Your Dragon and produced The Croods, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award^® for Best Animated Feature. She joined DreamWorks Animation in 2005 as Head of Development, where she oversaw the development and acquisition of all feature film projects for the company. 

"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.  "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 added, "Ten years ago I was lucky enough to join DreamWorks Animation, where I developed a deep understanding and love of the artistry of animation.  I am now so charged up to be able to bring my experience and perspective to Sony Pictures Animation, to build on what they've begun and to reach new heights.  I am deeply grateful to Amy, my first mentor, for giving me this incredible opportunity."

About Sony Pictures Animation
Sony Pictures Animation produces a variety of animated and family entertainment for audiences around the world.  The studio is following its worldwide comedy hits—the 2012 monster hit comedy Hotel Transylvania, the hybrid live action/animated blockbusters The Smurfs and The Smurfs 2, and the mouth-watering Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs movies—with the family comedies Hotel Transylvania 2 scheduled in September 2015 and Untitled Smurfs Movie in August 2016.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.

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SOURCE Sony Pictures Entertainment

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