Annapurna Launches Animation Division with ‘Nimona’ Leading Slate

Annapurna, the entertainment company spanning film, TV, games, and theater, is establishing an Animation division co-led by former Disney animation executives Robert Baird and Andrew Millstein. The duo recently collaborated with Annapurna on the highly anticipated animated film, Nimona, which will premiere on Netflix next year. The two will build a new animation division for the independent studio.

“Animation is a natural extension for us and it became an instant fit when we started to collaborate with Andrew and Robert,” said Nathan Gary, President of Annapurna. “They both bring the kind of energy, quality and creative vision that connects all Annapurna divisions and projects.”

Megan Ellison, Founder and CEO, Annapurna, said, “We are excited to have Andrew and Robert joining Annapurna. Working with them and the Nimona team has been an incredible experience and we cannot wait for audiences to see the film. We believe adding animation alongside our other divisions, in combination with the depth of our catalog, will lead to tremendous opportunities. Anything is possible.”

The duo previously headed Fox/Disney’s Blue Sky Studios, where they led over 500 filmmakers and were responsible for the development and production of Blue Sky’s feature animation slate. During Millstein’s tenure as President of Walt Disney Animation Studios, the company released blockbuster hits including Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Moana and Ralph Breaks the Internet. A longtime screenwriter, Baird’s credits include Monsters, Inc., Carts, Monsters University, Big Hero 6, Ferdinand and more.

“Robert and I have had an inspiring experience collaborating with Megan, Nathan and Annapurna,” said Millstein. “We’re excited to bring incredible animated stories to Annapurna’s portfolio of talent-led projects.”

Baird agreed, “We instantly felt at home at Annapurna. Their vision is extremely compelling and is a deep match with our values and the types of impactful stories we want to help bring to life.”

Annapurna Animation’s debut project with Baird and Millstein will be Nimona, directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane and produced by Julie Zackary and Karen Ryan, for Netflix.

For its live-action TV work, Annapurna garnered 12 Emmy nominations between The Staircse and Pam & Tommy earlier this year. The studio recently announced the animated series Sausage Party: Foodtopia is in production for Amazon Prime Video with Sony and Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg at Point Grey. 

Annapurna Interactive released the breakout hit and multi-million unit selling Stray. Additionally, their release Neon White has become one of the best reviewed games of 2022, and the highly anticipated upcoming title Silent Hill Townfall was recently announced in partnership with Konami.

Annapurna Pictures recent productions include She Said (Universal Pictures) and are currently in post-production on both Corey Finley’s Landscape with Invisible Hand (MGM) and Marielle Heller’s Nightbitch (Searchlight Pictures).

The company also hosts a live Theatre division which earned multiple Tony nominations this year for A Strange Loop, The Lehman Trilogy and Company.