Jim Morris: Last News

Disney is reportedly getting ready to announce that a sequel to the beloved Pixar movie Inside Out is on the way, but there are some cast members who will reportedly not return.

Rebecca Rubin Film and Media Reporter The elements are finally coming together for Pixar’s “Elemental,” which is enjoying a rebound after a spark-less start at the box office. The animation adventure stumbled in its debut with $29.5 million domestically and $44.5 million globally, by far the worst opening weekend in Pixar’s 28-year history. Yet two months later, its ticket sales have slowly and steadily climbed to $148 million in North America and $425 million worldwide.

Jazz Tangcay Artisans Editor “Avatar: The Way of Water” topped the 21st Annual VES Awards with nine wins, including for photoreal feature. Meanwhile, Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio” was named best animated feature and took home three awards total. On the TV side, Amazon’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” won three awards and was named best photoreal episode. Rian Johnson, Domee Shi, Tig Notaro, Jay Pharoah, Tyler Posey and Randall Park were among the presenters for the night. James Cameron presented the VES Lifetime Achievement award to acclaimed producer Gale Anne Hurd. Former VES executive director Eric Roth received the Board of Directors Award from the current board, which includes Lisa Cooke, current VES Chair; Jim Morris, VES, president of Pixar Animation and founding VES Chair; and former Chairs Jeffrey A. Okun, VES; Mike Chambers, VES; Carl Rosendahl, VES; and Jeff Barnes.

Toby Emmerich’s exit as chairman of the Warner Bros. Pictures group, and the ascension of former MGM film leaders Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, are just the latest instances of upheaval in what is already shaping up to be a tempestuous new era at the studio behind Harry Potter and Batman.Emmerich’s ouster has been gossiped about for years, dating back well before the company was sold to Discovery. Still, his decision to leave for a production deal stunned executives on the studio’s Burbank lot, many of whom had worked with Emmerich for decades.

Adam B. Vary Senior Entertainment WriterPixar Animation Studios is promoting “Turning Red” producer Lindsey Collins and director Domee Shi into leadership roles at the company.Collins has been named into a new position, as senior vice president of development.

Jazz Tangcay Artisans Editor“Dune” has taken top honors at the VES Awards garnering four awards including Photoreal feature winner. Disney’s “Encanto” was named top animated film, also winning four awards.The Visual Effects Society (VES), the industry’s global professional honorary society, held the 20th Annual VES Awards, the prestigious yearly celebration that recognizes outstanding visual effects artistry and innovation in film, animation, television, commercials, video games and special venues.This marks the Society’s 20th VES Awards program, and is being celebrated during the organization’s milestone 25th Anniversary.Industry guests gathered at the Beverly Hilton to celebrate VFX talent in 25 awards categories.  “Foundation” The Emperor’s Peace was named best photoreal episode.

After a shoulder injury cut Mark Ciardi's professional baseball career short — the pitcher made it to the majors for a few games with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1987 — he set his sights on Hollywood, where he led off by producing a film about his onetime teammate Jim Morris. That movie, The Rookie, became a huge hit for Disney, and Ciardi has since produced a successful run of real-life sports dramas including Miracle, Invincible and Secretariat.

By Bruce Haring

By Dade Hayes