Sony Animation Enters Deal with Fred Seibert

CULVER CITY: Sony Pictures Animation has entered into a multi-year, first-look deal with Fred Seibert and his Frederator Studios to develop animated feature films.

Seibert, a former president of Hanna-Barbera Productions, founded Frederator in 1998. He has produced 16 series, including Butch Hartman’s The Fairly Oddparents, Genndy Tartakovsky’s Dexter’s Laboratory and Craig McCraken’s The Powerpuff Girls.

"It is hard to imagine someone more passionate about animation than Fred Seibert," said Bob Osher, the president of Sony Pictures Digital Productions. "He is a remarkable creative resource."

"Frederator Studios is thrilled to be working with Bob, Hannah, and their team at Sony Pictures Animation," added Seibert. "They’ve given us a uniqueopportunity to further develop our incubator for big animation ideas."

"As we look to make a wide variety of animated movies, this relationship with Frederator Studios presents a wealth of fresh ideas and talent," said Hannah Minghella, the president of production at Sony Pictures Animation. "It is exciting to be working with Fred and his creative community."

Sony Pictures Animation has recently announced other development agreements, including a first-look deal with The Gotham Group, and the acquisition of several properties including The Familiars, Hip Hop and a title from Platinum Studios. Sony Pictures Animation’s next movie, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, opens next weekend.