Original Force Animation Launches in L.A.

Chinese digital animation studio Original Force announced that it has launched a new motion picture division and initiated production on three animated feature films. The company has opened a production office in Los Angeles and recruited animation veterans Sandra Rabins and Penney Finkelman Cox who will serve as co-presidents of Original Force Animation.

The company plans to produce at least one major CG feature film approximately every 18 months.

Rabins and Finkelman Cox have overseen such animated films as Shrek, Prince Of Egypt, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Open Season and Surf’s Up. At Original Force, they have already tapped a team of veteran artists, writers and filmmakers for their inaugural slate, among them Christopher Jenkins, producer of the recent DreamWorks Animation hit Home, John Eng (Rugrats Go Wild) and Bob Bendetson (The Simpsons). Marketing expert Peter Adee, who was formerly president of marketing at Universal Pictures and MGM, is consulting with the company on the launch of their initial titles.

Established in 1999, Original Force creates CG animation for a range of global television and gaming clients including Disney, DreamWorks Television, Sony, Tencent, Activision and Electronic Arts.

“There is no one more talented, skilled or experienced in leading animated films than Sandy and Penney,” said Harley Zhao, president and founder of Original Force. “Each has had an extraordinary career and their track record co-running DreamWorks Animation and Sony Pictures Animation has given them a completely unique perspective on building a contemporary animation studio from the ground up.”

“When Harley approached us with this unique opportunity, he told us he wanted to build a new creative home for the world’s best storytellers, writers, directors, animators, digital artists and designers,” said Finkelman Cox.

“Harley has organically grown his business from a small start-up of four to a thriving world-class animation services and production facility that is operating in five cities with a talented team that is nearly 1,000 strong,” said Rabins. “After years of successfully working as a studio-for-hire, Original Force is creating its own content and global IP and we believe we have an inaugural slate that will resonate all over the world.”

The company is currently in production on Duck Duck Goose, directed by Jenkins. Jenkins previously collaborated with Rabins and Finkelman Cox on Surf’s Up when the duo launched Sony Pictures Animation.

Original Force is also in the early stages of pre-production on OldZilla, written and directed by Bendetson and co-written with Art Everett (Married… With Children).

The company’s development slate also includes the upcoming films Where The Mountain Meets The Moon, Riding Giants and QQ Speed.