American film producer Karen Rupert Toliver behind stellar productions such as Ferdinand, Curious George, Meet the Robinsons, and Oscar-winning Hair Love has been named Netflix’s new Vice President of Animated Film
An impressive resume with a wealth of experience in the field, Toliver has worked as an executive at Walt Disney Animation Studios, 20th Century Fox Animation, and Sony Pictures Animation, the top producer who joins the giant streamer in March will be responsible for two to three animated features annually. She will work alongside fellow animation VP Gregg Taylor and report to Melissa Cobb, VP of the kids and family division.
“It has been an absolute dream working with Kristine Belson and her game-changing team at Sony Pictures Animation. The experience has been instrumental in shaping how I approach producing. Storytelling in animation continues to evolve and expand, and I am excited to join the team at Netflix to continue to break new ground,” Toliver told Variety.
Toliver is also known for her development of the Oscar-nominated “The Mitchells vs. the Machines.”
“Karen Toliver has been so impactful at Sony Pictures Animation since she joined our team in 2017. She is also a dear friend. It’s been a joy working with her on our slate of films and series, and I know that she will bring her unique ability to inspire storytellers to her new job. We are excited for Karen, and the opportunity to partner with her on movies at Netflix in the future,” said SPA President Kristine Belson.
“We are thrilled to welcome Karen to Netflix where she will be a key partner in creating our ambitious slate of animated feature films,” added Cobb. “An executive with exceptional passion for animation, Karen possesses a strong vision for the future of storytelling in the medium and we can’t wait to see it come to life.”
Netflix’s feature and shorts animation slate includes acclaimed films “Robin, Robin,” “Klaus,” “The Willoughbys,” “Over the Moon” and the upcoming SXSW Richard Linklater title “Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood.”
