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Walt Disney Animation Studios leadership is getting redrawn.

Jennifer Lee, the company’s chief creative officer and the director of “Frozen” and “Frozen II,” is stepping down and returning to filmmaking full time. Taking her place effectively immediately is Jared Bush, who is currently writing and directing “Zootopia 2” for the studio. He is reporting to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman

As Cco, Bush will oversee the creative output of the animation studio, including its films, series and associated projects. On “Zootopia 2,” TheWrap can exclusively reveal that Byron Howard is also directing the sequel alongside Bush — they both serve as full directors on the film.

Lee will be directing and writing on “Frozen 3” and writing “Frozen 4” with Marc Smith. She will also serve as executive producer on “Frozen 4.”

Clark Spencer continues as President, Walt Disney Animation Studios.

“I am so grateful to Bob and Alan for supporting my...

Before his on-screen career took off, Thomas Middleditch made his name on the comedy stage. A seasoned improv vet who cut his teeth in groups like The Improvised Shakespeare Company and most recently as half of the world-traveling troupe of “Middleditch and Schwartz,” the actor is now amassing a resume of roles for which he’s heard but not necessarily seen.

In lending his voice to one of the main characters on the new Hulu animated series “Solar Opposites,” Middleditch is tapping into that anything-can-happen improv energy. It’s just that, in these spurts, that happens in a recording booth instead of in front of a live audience.

“Animation is the closest to that because, essentially, you’re in the booth and if you’ve got something that you want to riff on or go somewhere with, you have total freedom to do it,” Middleditch told IndieWire. “With film and television,...

Before his on-screen career took off, Thomas Middleditch made his name on the comedy stage. A seasoned improv vet who cut his teeth in groups like The Improvised Shakespeare Company and most recently as half of the world-traveling troupe of “Middleditch and Schwartz,” the actor is now amassing a resume of roles for which he’s heard but not necessarily seen.

In lending his voice to one of the main characters on the new Hulu animated series “Solar Opposites,” Middleditch is tapping into that anything-can-happen improv energy. It’s just that, in these spurts, that happens in a recording booth instead of in front of a live audience.

“Animation is the closest to that because, essentially, you’re in the booth and if you’ve got something that you want to riff on or go somewhere with, you have total freedom to do it,” Middleditch told IndieWire. “With film and television,...

“Zootopia” took home the award for Best Animated Film on Sunday night at the 74th annual Golden Globes, hosted by Jimmy Fallon. The film, which has a pointed message about the importance of diversity, was seen as the heavy favorite.

“We wanted ‘Zootopia’ to be a film that not only entertained kids, but also spoke to adults about embracing diversity even when there are people who want to divide us by using fear,” said Bryon Howard, one the film’s three directors, in his acceptance speech.

Read More: 2017 Oscar Predictions for Best Animated Feature

The film has a strong message about stereotypes and the danger of fearing others, which has been reported to be resonating in Hollywood following the victory of Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential Election.

“Zootopia” is a comedy-adventure directed by Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero...

Befitting his legacy as a comedy icon, Garry Marshall was busy working up until the end of his life.

Marshall died Tuesday due to pneumonia complications. He was 81.

Most recently, Marshall proudly served as an executive consultant on CBS’ “The Odd Couple” revival, now heading into its third season. Marshall, who turned the Neil Simon play into a hit ABC sitcom in the early 1970s, spent the past two years giving advice and working with the show’s producers. Earlier this year, he even appeared on camera as Walter Madison, Oscar’s (Matthew Perry) father.

“I keep creating,” Marshall told us in 2015 at the Television Critics Assn. press tour. “I’m still pitching shows, as many people are,” he said, referring to a show he had in the works at the time about triplets. “What’s exciting is when the network gets behind it. Here, CBS is behind [the ‘Odd Couple’ revival].”

Read More:...

It looks like Penn Zero is retiring. It's been announced that the Disney Xd series Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero has been cancelled after two seasons.Created by Sam Levine and Jared Bush, the animated series follows Penn Zero, a young boy who takes up his parents' job as a part-time superhero. The voice cast includes Thomas Middleditch, Adam DeVine, Alfred Molina, Tania Gunadi, and Larry Wilmore.Read More…...

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery.

Directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”), co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”), and produced by Clark Spencer (“Wreck-It Ralph”), Walt Disney Animation Studios...

Last night, the historic El Capitan theater held the red carpet premiere of Disney’S Zootopia, and the stars came out to celebrate!

Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Nate Torrence, Shakira, Jenny Slate, Directors Byron Howard and Rich Moore, co-director/co-screenwriter Jared Bush and more walked the wild carpet, despite the rain. Check out some of the photos, provided by Walt Disney Studios courtesy of Getty Images, below!

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy.

Walt Disney Animation has released a new UK trailer for their upcoming feature, Zootopia. It offers a good amount of fun new footage including some action and funny gags, and it also shows us how the two main characters in the story — officer Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) — meet. It’s gonna be a fun Disney flick to take the kids to! I also included three clips called “Arrival”, “Fur of a Skunk”, and “Elephant in the Room”.

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers...

Mad Max: Fury Road.

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Mad Max: Fury Road is leading the field in the 63rd annual Motion Picture Sound Editors' Golden Reel Awards.

George Miller's road rage epic earned three nominations, the most in the feature film categories.

The Martian, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Revenant also earned three nominations each..

The nominees represent the work of the world.s most talented sound artists and their contributions to the past year.s most outstanding feature film, television, animation and computer entertainment productions.

Mpse president, Frank Morrone said this nominees had produced an outstanding body of work encompassing motion pictures, television, documentaries, gaming and other mediums.

.Our members continue to impress with their ability to develop new techniques and find creative ways to employ sound as a means of enriching storytelling. We congratulate all of this year.s nominees for their achievements,. he said.

The Mpse Golden Reel...

Walt Disney Animation Studios has released a new full trailer for its upcoming animated comedy-adventure “Zootopia.” The film features the voice talents of Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Shakira, Idris Elba, J.K. Simmons, Nate Torrence, Jenny Slate, Tommy Chong, Octavia Spencer, Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake, and Alan Tudyk.

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps

(voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking,...

We've got a new trailer for Disney's latest animated adventure, Zootopia, for you to watch. It doesn't seem like there's a lot of hype building for the film, but I think it looks like it will be a lot of fun. This latest trailer gives us a much better sense of what the story will be and introduces us to a lot of new characters. The first trailer basically just showed us a clip of the film featuring the two main characters trying to obtain information from the Dmv, which was being run by a bunch of slow moving sloths.

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew,...

Disney Animation Studios has released a set of movie posters for their upcoming comedy Zootopia. We have one new official poster for the movie and a great collection of posters that parody other films. Some of those are called Giraffic Park, 50 Shades of Prey, Cinderelephant, Straight Otter Zootopia, Ex Yakima, and more.

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case,...

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootropolis is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery.

Zootropolis is the latest film from Walt Disney Animation Studios and it has one hell of a pedigree – the film is directed by Byron Howard (Tangled, Bolt) and Rich Moore (Wreck-It Ralph,...

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Wreck-It Ralph's Rich Moore and Tangled's Byron Howard bring their next project, Zootropolis, to the screen in 2016. Here's the trailer.

For reasons we don't fully understand, Walt Disney Animation Studio's next film, Zootopia, is going by the name of Zootropolis in the UK. That notwithstanding, this still looks like a bit of a treat.

it's from directors Byron Howard (who co-helmed Tangled) and Rich Moore (Wreck-It Ralph), and it has a voice cast led by Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman. Jared Bush is co-directing.

We've got a synopsis and a new trailer for you too, so let's get to those. Synopsis first...

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootropolis is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are,...

Walt Disney Animation Studios has released the teaser trailer for its upcoming animated comedy-adventure “Zootopia.” The film features the voice talents of Ginnifer Goodwin, and Jason Bateman.

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps

(voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of

Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery.

The film is directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,...

Disney has released the first full trailer for their upcoming animated adventure, Zootopia. I haven't seen a lot of hype surrounding this movie since it was first announced, but maybe this full-length trailer will change that. I've already seen some of this footage because they screened some stuff at D23 earlier this year, and I've enjoyed everything that I've seen from this movie so far. This is a great trailer that shows you some of the funny humor that the movie will include, and I really think Disney fans are going to get a kick out of it. The sloth character that you'll be introduced to in this trailer is freakin' hysterical. It's such a funny concept for a character.

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals...

©2015 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

Check out the new trailer for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 55th animated feature Zootopia.

The comedy-adventure is directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”).

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything.

But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox,...

While Disney takes its animated classics and turns them into successful live-action movies, the Walt Disney Animation Studios is doing a solid job of bringing new original properties to the big screen. For the 3D comedy-adventure feature “Zootopia,” the studio wrangled a kind of super team of modern animation filmmakers: co directors Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”), Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) developed the story with Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”). Read More: Review: 'Wreck-It-Ralph' Has A Great Concept But Fails To Level Up Into Something Unique Featuring the voice work of Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Alan Tudyk and Shakira, "Zootopia" centers on a New York-ish city populated by talking animals, among them a fox (Bateman) going on the run when he's framed for a crime he didn't commit. Here’s the official synopsis: The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of...

The animals hit the big city in this latest poster for Walt Disney Animation Studio’s Zootopia.

In case you missed it, here’s another look at the funny teaser trailer from over the summer.

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other.

Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy.

Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery.

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”), opens in theaters...

“Zootopia” will introduce audiences to a world where humans never existed, and animals act a lot like humans. In a new teaser trailer Walt Disney Animation Studios released on Thursday, audiences meet scam-artist fox Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) and bunny Officer Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin). We also meet a host of other animals who have evolved to stand on two feet and wear clothing over their fur. The family film is directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”). Clark Spencer produced.

Disney Animation is taking a break from releasing a new film this year as they have been having a hard time moving around the office, what with all the money from Frozen slowing production, not to mention the fact Pixar has not one, but two films coming out this year with Inside Out and The Good Dinosaur. But Disney will be back next year, on March 4, 2016 with Zootopia, the story of a modern mammal metropolis and just reading that makes me think of Monsters, Inc. Today the first trailer for the upcoming animated film has arrived, introducing us to the concept behind the title. Zootopia is comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it's a melting pot where animals from every environment live together--a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when optimistic...

It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen be-fur.

Forgive me for putting you through that pun. It’s the trailer’s, not mine. But the teaser for Zootopia, Disney’s next animated feature just announced this week, actually looks more promising than that. It imagines a world where humans never existed and animals were the ones that became civilized, while retaining all of their animal instincts.

The film, planned for March 4, 2016, isn’t a musical so likely veers closer to Wreck-it Ralph than Frozen, but that’s certainly not a bad thing. Zootopia stars Jason Bateman as a fox (I prefer George Clooney as Fantastic Mr. Fox) and Ginnifer Goodwin as a rabbit police officer in Disney’s children’s comedy. Here’s the full synopsis:

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown,...

Pictured (L-r): Nick Wilde, Judy Hopps. ©2015 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

“It’s a nod to the great Disney animated animal films we all grew up with, but with a funny, contemporary twist,” says director Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”). “Our artists and animators did tons of research to integrate true animal behaviors into each of our characters. The world of Zootopia is fantastic, infused with international flavor that will be relatable to everyone.”

Here’s your first look at Zootopia.

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other.

Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together – a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything.

But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers...

It's Zootropolis in the UK, Zootopia elsewhere - and here's the trailer for Disney's next animated film...

This year is the first in a while where we won't get a new film from Walt Disney Animation Studios. It's picked up Oscars for its last two movies, Frozen and Big Hero 6, but Zootropolis - its next venture - won't be with us until March next year. On the upside, we get two films from the studio in 2016, as Moana is being lined up for the end of the year as well.

But this is about Zootropolis right now (note that the film will be called Zootopia elsewhere in the world). The film is directed by Tangled co-director Byron Howard, and Wreck-It Ralph helmer Rich Moore. And we've got the first trailer for it right here. So let's just jump straight to that...

A synopsis has also been unveiled, and it reads thus.

Walt Disney Animation Studios has announced the addition of Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman to Zootopia, Disney’s 2016 animated feature set in a modern mammal metropolis. Goodwin (ABC’s “Once Upon a Time,” “Something Borrowed,” “Walk the Line”) will lend her voice to an optimistic bunny named Judy Hopps who’s new to Zootopia’s police department.

Jason Bateman (“Horrible Bosses 2,” “This is Where I Leave You”) voices the scamming fox, Nick Wilde, who Judy reluctantly teams up with to crack her first case.

“We knew that ‘Zootopia’ would only succeed if we found the perfect actors to play our main characters,” said director Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”). “This rabbit- and fox-duo are in practically every scene in the film together. After meeting Ginnifer, we knew she embodied Hopps, the ultimate pure-of-heart, idealist bunny. You fall in love with her character instantly. And for Nick Wilde, our cynical con-artist fox,...

Disney Xd has announced that animated series Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero has been renewed for a second season.

Here's the press release:

Disney Xd Orders Second Season Of "Penn Zero: Part-time Hero"

-- Returning Star-Studded Voice Cast Includes Thomas Middleditch, Adam DeVine, Alfred Molina and Larry Wilmore --

Disney Xd has ordered a second season of Disney Television Animation's out-of-the-gate hit series "Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero." It was announced today by Marc Buhaj, Senior Vice President, Programming and General Manager, Disney Xd. Created and executive-produced by Jared Bush ("All of Us," "Zootopia") and Sam Levine ("Tarzan," "Bolt"), the animated comedy adventure about an ordinary boy who inherits the extraordinary job of part-time hero premiered as a simulcast on Disney Xd and Disney Channel in February and continues to gain traction among its core audience of kids 2-11 and...

Austin, Texas, is starting to look a lot like Stars Hollow, Conn.

Four additional Gilmore Girls cast members — including Matt Czuchry — have been added to the show’s reunion panel at this year’s Atx Television Festival, EW.com reports.

Czuchry, who portrayed Rory Gilmore’s wealthy beau, Logan Huntzberger, will be joined by Danny Strong (Doyle), Todd Lowe (Zack) and Jackson Douglas (Jackson) at the panel, which will take place on the festival’s closing night.

PhotosGilmore Girls: Best and Worst Episodes

The panel will also include — deep breath! — Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Kelly Bishop, Jared Padalecki,...

Disney Xd wants more from its part-time hero. The kid-focused cable net has ordered a second season of Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero, the toon starring Silicon Valley‘s Thomas Middleditch as an ordinary boy who inherits an extraordinary job. The series from creator/EPs Jared Bush and Sam Levine premiered in February. Part-Time Hero follows Penn Zero and friends Sashi (Tania Gunadi), an overqualified part-time sidekick, and Boone (Adam DeVine), an underqualified part-time wise…...

Disney Xd has ordered a second season of Disney Television Animation's Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero, which stars Silicon Valley's Thomas Middleditch as the title character. The returning cast also includes Adam DeVine (Pitch Perfect 2), Tania Gunadi (Enlisted), Alfred Molina and Larry Wilmore. Lea Thompson, Gary Cole, Rosie Perez and Lenny Venito have recurring roles. Read More Sarah Michelle Gellar Joins 'Star Wars Rebels' on Disney Xd Created and executive-produced by Jared Bush and Sam Levine, the animated comedy adventure centers on an ordinary boy who inherits the extraordinary job of part-time hero. He and his friends get

read more...

Hollywood’s sound pros nominated Birdman and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes for three awards apiece as the Motion Picture Sound Editors unveiled nods for its 62nd Mpse Golden Reel Awards, honoring the best feature film, television, animation and computer entertainment work of the year.

“2014 was a fantastic year for sound,” said Mpse president Frank Morrone. “The advent of new distribution channels, streaming services and gaming platforms is creating additional opportunities for sound artists to practice their craft beyond the traditional venues of film and television. This year’s nominations reflect that change, spanning an amazing diversity of mediums and genres, all executed at the highest level of creativity. We are truly inspired and impressed by the work of our colleagues.”

This year’s Golden Reels will additionally honor Noah director Darren Aronofsky with the Mpse’s annual Filmmaker Award. Oscar winner Skip Lievsay, known for his work...