‘SpongeBob’ Exec Bob Bacon Joins China-Backed Alpha Animation
Former Disney and Paramount executive Bob Bacon, who oversaw “The SpongeBob Movie,” has been tapped as chief executive officer of China-backed Alpha Animation.
The new division is aimed at development and production of high-quality animated feature content for a worldwide audience, according to Alpha Interactive Entertainment Division CEO Chen De Rong. It’s been established to leverage Alpha Group properties as well as create original fare with the goal of releasing its first feature in 2020 and to produce a film per year thereafter.
“Bob is one of the most respected and accomplished animation executives in the industry, and we are excited for him to helm Alpha Animation as our company continues to expand its foothold in the animation industry,” Chen said. “Animation has always been at the core of our company’s focus, and producing world-class animation is a key step of Alpha’s globalization strategy. We are looking forward to working with some of the most talented people in the business through this new venture.”
Bacon most recently was exec VP of production for Paramount Animation. He also served as a production executive for Disney’s Touchstone Pictures on 2011 animated feature “Gnomeo and Juliet” and worked at Disney on “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “The Lion King” and “Lilo and Stitch.”
Before leaving Disney, he had been promoted to exec VP of Walt Disney Animation Studios, overseeing production, finance and technology and running the day-to-day operations of a crew of over 600 artists, technicians and production staff.
In his new role as CEO at Alpha, Bacon will oversee all aspects of development, production and operations as he leads efforts to build a global animation powerhouse.
“Alpha has impressively grown into a fully-integrated entertainment company over the years with a strong leadership position in the creation, distribution, and consumer products licensing of its properties which are some of the most recognized brands in China, and I’m excited to be a part of further growing the business,” Bacon said.
Alpha Group also recently established a Los Angeles-based live-action feature film development company called Alpha Pictures, which was a co-producer on “The Mermaid” and invested in “The Revenant” and upcoming releases “Assassin’s Creed” and “Splinter Cell.”
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