Disney launches adult animation unit, headed by veteran exec Marci Proietto

Family Guy

US-based Disney Television Studios has launched a new a new production unit devoted to adult animation, with Marci Proietto promoted to head it up.

Proietto has been named EVP of the new 20^th Television Animation, and will be responsible for developing, growing and maintaining the company’s library of animated productions.

The unit already has 11 series in production, including Koala Man and Solar Opposites for Disney streamer Hulu, as well as The Great North for Fox, Central Park for Apple TV+ and The Prince for HBO Max. The unit will also oversee legacy titles such as The Simpsons, Family Guy, American Dad and Bob’s Burgers.

Proietto joined the former 20th Century Fox Television 29 years ago straight from college as assistant to the head of production and has worked her way up through the ranks, gaining vast experience with the company’s animated output.

Having joined The Simpsons during its sixth season, she went on to work on every other animated property the studio has made since its very first episode, including older titles like King Of The Hill and Futurama, through to new and currently in-production shows such as The Prince and Koala Man.

The company estimates that Proietto has now worked on more than 2,440 episodes of 22 animated television series during her career at the studio.

“This studio is literally the only place I’ve ever worked, and I’ve been fortunate to have a front row seat to the creativity and genius of artists like Matt Groening, Seth MacFarlane, Loren Bouchard and Justin Roiland,” said Proietto. “I love what we get to do, and I am grateful to Craig and Dana Walden for this vote of confidence.

“This is truly a boom time in adult animation and I’m excited to continue to build on the leadership of this studio with this new production unit laser-focused on growing our roster of successful animated series.”