Moonscoop Refocuses U.S. Business

LOS ANGELES/PARIS: Moonscoop is looking to expand its animation work-for-hire business in the U.S. as it reorganizes its Los Angeles office.

The company is currently in production of Zevo-3 for Skechers and is set to announce a number of other work-for-hire projects in production. The L.A. office will also continue to focus on the expansion of the multiplatform kids’ entertainment service Kabillion. The change in strategy follows last September’s relocation of executive chairman Nicolas Atlan from Paris to L.A. to head up the U.S. business. He will continue to work with U.S.-based co-CEO Mike Young on growing the business with an emphasis on forging new partnerships, particularly for animation work-for-hire. Liz Young as president will continue to lead all U.S. production. Rounding out the senior U.S.-based team is Cynthia Money as president of worldwide consumer projects and marketing.

Bill Schultz, co-CEO and principal, is stepping down from day-to day studio management, but will continue to executive produce Hero:108, Rob Dyrdek’s Wild Grinders and The DaVincibles. He will be non-exclusive to Moonscoop, but will have a first look with the company on new projects. "This new non-exclusive relationship will give me the freedom to create completely new and different opportunities on my own—but also continue to support this great company in an important way, by focusing my efforts on these wonderful properties in conjunction with our great partners.”

Nicolas Atlan commented: "With offices in both the U.S. and Europe, we are maximizing the potential of our business, exporting ideas, expertise and partnerships across the Atlantic, in both directions. We have a very talented and experienced U.S. team and believe there is a timely opportunity to expand our work-for-hire activities working with high-profile partners, as we have with Skechers on Zevo-3. I’m looking forward to working with Mike and Liz to boost this area of our business. Bill’s contribution in building the company as a partner, friend and co-CEO has been invaluable and significant, and although we are all sorry to lose him as a part of management, we are very happy to have his continued contributions on these key brands, which he helped to create. We wish him all the best in his new endeavors.”