Ex-Disney workers go to new firm
By Chris Cobbs | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted July 22, 2004, 11:52 AM EDT
A Boston-based firm developing a humorous, family-friendly interactive game for release next year has launched an Orlando animation and production studio.
Cecropia, Inc. has hired seven former employees of Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida, which closed in March, and plans to hire up to 20 more by the end of the year, said Ann-Marie Bland, president and CEO.
The Disney alumni are now working out of their homes, but Cecropia plans to lease office space in the Dr. Phillips area by Sept. 1, Bland said.
"There's a goldmine of talent in Orlando,'' she said.
"We've been developing our new interactive game for three years, and the addition of the new staff will help us greatly.''
The ex-Disney workers will focus on creating artwork and animation for the company's as-yet-unnamed game.
Cecropia's goal is to unite storytelling and video gaming in a way that hasn't been tried previously, said Omar Khudar, founder and creative director.
The intent is to create personality animation in an interactive story that lets players participate in the actions and emotions of the characters, he said.
Chris Cobbs can be reached at ccobbs@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5447.
By Chris Cobbs | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted July 22, 2004, 11:52 AM EDT
A Boston-based firm developing a humorous, family-friendly interactive game for release next year has launched an Orlando animation and production studio.
Cecropia, Inc. has hired seven former employees of Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida, which closed in March, and plans to hire up to 20 more by the end of the year, said Ann-Marie Bland, president and CEO.
The Disney alumni are now working out of their homes, but Cecropia plans to lease office space in the Dr. Phillips area by Sept. 1, Bland said.
"There's a goldmine of talent in Orlando,'' she said.
"We've been developing our new interactive game for three years, and the addition of the new staff will help us greatly.''
The ex-Disney workers will focus on creating artwork and animation for the company's as-yet-unnamed game.
Cecropia's goal is to unite storytelling and video gaming in a way that hasn't been tried previously, said Omar Khudar, founder and creative director.
The intent is to create personality animation in an interactive story that lets players participate in the actions and emotions of the characters, he said.
Chris Cobbs can be reached at ccobbs@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5447.
