A year ago, it would have seemed impossible that Disney, a titan in the animation industry, would lose one of its best directors to the still emerging SPA. However, after SPA’s recent Oscar-winning triumph,
Spider-Man Into The Spider-verse, it appears that SPA has succeeded in doing just that.
Moore will develop, produce and direct original animated features for SPA. In addition, he will act in an advisory capacity with ongoing feature film and series-based projects.
Before joining Disney, Moore worked with Matt Groening on
The Simpsons. He was one of the first three original directors on the show and was later involved in the development and production of
Futurama. Moore spent the last ten years at Disney, having been brought in by John Lasseter, then head of Disney Animation.
SPA president Kristine Belson said in a statement:
"Rich is a world-class storyteller and he brings with him a wealth of experience and a unique sensibility for story, comedy and heart. We are so excited for him to join our team of filmmakers at Sony Pictures Animation as we continue to develop a slate of animated features that are big, bold and will take audiences by surprise."