ARON WARNER has been named the new head of PACIFIC DATA IMAGES (PDI), the computer animation, commercial production, and effects affiliate of DreamWorks SKG. The move follows the announcement that PDI president and chief executive officer Jim DeRose is resigning his post, effective April 1, 2000, to pursue an unspecified Internet business opportunity. In making the announcement, Katzenberg stated, "During his time at PDI, Jim made enormous contributions to the firm. In one short year, he re-established PDI in the commercial and effects business and took it to record levels. He also played a vital role in streamlining PDI's operations and in assisting DreamWorks with its recent acquisition of a majority interest in the company, and we wish him much success in his new venture." Warner joined PDI in 1997 as a producer on ANTZ. He previously served as vice president of production at Twentieth Century Fox, where he supervised production on such films AS INDEPENDENCE DAY, THE CRUCIBLE, ALIEN RESURRECTION, VOLCANO and TITANIC. Earlier he produced such films as FREDDY'S DEAD: THE FINAL NIGHTMARE and TANK GIRL. Katzenberg said, "Having collaborated with Aron Warner on ANTZ, I know he brings enormous creativity, as well as a solid production background to the table. I am confident he is the perfect choice to take over the reins of PDI/DreamWorks as we explore new projects and new business opportunities for the company." Warner said, "Since joining PDI, I have enjoyed one of the greatest collaborations of my career with Jeffrey Katzenberg and the teams at both PDI and DreamWorks. I am thrilled at the prospect of taking those creative partnerships to an even greater level as we discover new avenues for the company."
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
