Alex Schwartz Joins China-Funded Alpha Animation As Production Head
Alpha Animation has named former DreamWorks Animation development executive Alex Schwartz as their new head of production overseeing creative development on the company’s animated feature slate. The division of the China-based Alpha Group will produce animated features for worldwide distribution and will look to develop original material as well as leverage existing IP. The company’s other label, its Alpha Pictures shingle, was a co-producer on The Mermaid, which became the all-time highest box-office earner in China. The features division of Alpha Group also launched a partnership with New Regency Productions, including an investment in the Academy Award nominated film, The Revenant, as well as upcoming releases Assassins Creed and Splinter Cell.
Alpha Group Co. Ltd was originally founded in 1993 and Alpha Group is now the largest animation group and a leading pan-entertainment platform in China after it transformed itself from a toy-oriented company.
Alpha Group’s Alpha Pictures is focused on developing U.S.-China co-productions based on properties from U17.com, the largest online comic book platform in China.
Prior to Alpha, Schwartz was head of development at DreamWorks Animation, involved in the development and production of films including How To Train Your Dragon, Shrek 4, Puss in Boots, The Croods and Home. She also produced the animated feature film Mr. Peabody & Sherman with director Rob Minkoff.
She will serve as executive producer on Storyscape Entertainment’s live-action remake of The Toxic Avenger, which will be helmed by Conrad Vernon.
Before joining DreamWorks, Schwartz was Head of Production at Walden Media, overseeing a slate that included Holes, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Bridge to Terabithia, Charlotte’s Web and Journey to the Center of the Earth. She began her film career at Walt Disney Studio’s Touchstone Pictures working on many successful comedies including Sister Act, Romy & Michelle’s High School Reunion and Rushmore.
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