Coraline producer ties with UK animation firm

Coraline and Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were Rabbit producer Claire Jennings is partnering with London-based animation studio Nexus on an ambitious slate of animation features.

Nexus, run by Christopher O’Reilly and Charlotte Bavasso, recently received a BFI Vision award for £100,000 and will be looking to raise further funds to back the slate.

Jennings, formerly president of Laika, where she oversaw early development on Paranorman, has also produced several acclaimed short films including the Oscar and BAFTA winning Father and Daughter.

Nexus’ credits in short films, series and commercials include the Oscar nominated This Way Up.

Chris O’Reilly, co-founder, Nexus, told Screen: “This is an exciting development for Nexus and for UK animation as a whole. There have been few opportunities for the UK’s incredible animation talent to develop features.

“Claire is someone we’ve long wished to collaborate with so we’re delighted to be working together to achieve this. She has been at the heart of some of the most stand-out projects in animation, which demonstrate both her creative integrity and strong commercial sense.”

Jennings added: “I’m especially delighted to be collaborating so closely with Nexus. Having paved the way for many successful animation artists throughout the years Nexus continue to be leaders within this specialised field. 

“Establishing a well deserved respect within the industry for distinct design, strong storytelling and proven production capabilities Nexus also have outstanding expertise within the world of high profile commercial campaigns.

“A long time admirer of their continuing passion and enthusiasm for animation I’m honored to be entering into a new feature film collaboration with such talented people as co-founders Chris O’Reilly and Charlotte Bavasso.”