Gaumont hires ex-Sony exec as animation director

Gaumont has hired former Sony Pictures director Alex Soto to the newly created role of creative director for animation and family.

Soto will report to Terry Kalagian, SVP for the group, and will work alongside Kimberly Dennison, VP of creative development in the US office and Gaelle Guiny, VP of creative development in Paris.

In his new role, Soto will be responsible for the creative vision of Gaumont’s series, building the creative teams for each project in development

Current projects include Stan Sakai’s comic book series Usagi Yojimbo; Touch the Earth and Heal the Earth from authors Julian Lennon and Bart Davis; Molly and the Cryptos with France Television; Bionic Max with Gulli and more.

Soto most recently served as executive of creative development for Spin Master Entertainment, overseeing Super Dinosaur for Skybound Entertainment and collaborating on the rebrand of Bakugan. Prior, he served for two years in a directing role at Sony Pictures Animation.

“Alex is a creative force in the world of animation, his amazing vision has helped bring to life some of the most successful animated series of the past two decades,” said Nicolas Atlan, president of animation and family for Gaumont.

“He creates from the heart and that in and of itself is priceless. We are thrilled to have him join the expanding Animation and Family team, one that we believe truly brings together the best of the best in the industry!”