Andrea Miloro out as CO-President of 20th Century Fox Animation

Introduction:

Andrea Miloro, who took on the role of Co-President at 20th Century Fox Animation in October 2017, has recently stepped down from her position. Her departure marks a significant shift within the company, as her counterpart, Robert Baird, is expected to remain in his role, continuing to lead the animation division.

Leading Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios

During their tenure, Andrea Miloro and Robert Baird jointly managed the operations of Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios. Blue Sky Studios is renowned for its creation of iconic films such as Ice Age and Rio, as well as upcoming projects like Spies in Disguise and Nimona. Miloro’s leadership at Fox Animation spanned 21 months, during which she played a crucial role in steering the studio through its various ventures.

The Uncertain Future of Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios:

With Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox’s entertainment assets, questions have arisen about the future of Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios. Disney already operates two highly successful animation houses—Disney Animation Studios and Pixar—leaving industry experts speculating on how Fox Animation/Blue Sky will integrate into Disney’s larger corporate structure.

One possibility is that Disney might retain Blue Sky Studios to support content production for its streaming service, Disney+. Alternatively, the studio could be sold off as Disney reshuffles its newly acquired assets. Despite producing acclaimed hits like Frozen under Disney Animation, the future of Blue Sky remains uncertain.

Andrea Miloro’s Farewell Message:

In a heartfelt note to her team, Andrea Miloro expressed her deep connection to Blue Sky Studios, stating, “Blue Sky has always been a force for compelling family entertainment, and for the last ten years I have loved being a part of the family. While this is the end of my Blue Sky journey, I know that this studio will continue to surpass the very high expectations we set out for ourselves.

Miloro’s Career Before Fox:

Before joining Fox, Andrea Miloro served as the head of production at Sony Pictures Animation. Her extensive experience in the animation industry positioned her well to lead Fox Animation, and her departure is seen as a significant loss to the studio.

The Impact of Disney’s Acquisition on Blue Sky Studios:

Since Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, Blue Sky Studios has faced an uncertain path. Although the studio has several films in various stages of production, the transition has not been smooth. Disney has implemented rounds of redundancies, impacting many former top executives at Fox, including film chief Stacey Snider, domestic distribution chief Chris Aronson, and home entertainment chief Mike Dunn.

Conclusion:

Andrea Miloro’s exit from 20th Century Fox Animation marks the end of an era for the studio, as it navigates its future under Disney’s ownership. While Robert Baird remains at the helm, the fate of Blue Sky Studios and its integration into Disney’s broader strategy remains to be seen. Miloro’s departure highlights the ongoing shifts within the animation industry as major studios adapt to new challenges and opportunities in the digital age.