In a celebration of storytelling excellence and mentorship, Kathleen Kennedy, the luminary behind some of the most iconic films in Hollywood, has been named the 2024 recipient of the Austin Film Festival’s Polly Platt Award for Producing. This prestigious accolade, established in 2019, is annually bestowed upon producers who not only possess a discerning eye for compelling narratives but also dedicate themselves to nurturing emerging talent in the film industry. A Tribute to a Legacy Kennedy’s selection for this award underscores her monumental contributions to cinema and her commitment to fostering new voices. “I am deeply honored to receive the Austin Film Festival’s Polly Platt Award for Producing,” Kennedy remarked. She paid homage to Polly Platt, an extraordinary producer, mentor, and advocate for the Austin Film Festival, as well as a cherished personal friend. Kennedy’s acknowledgment of Platt’s enduring influence and her anticipation to celebrate Platt’s legacy highlights the profound…
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Kathleen Kennedy Set to Lead Disney into New Era as CEO After Bob Iger
In an unexpected yet thrilling turn of events, The Walt Disney Company stands on the cusp of a historic leadership change. Kathleen Kennedy, a name synonymous with cinematic excellence and visionary leadership in the entertainment industry, is set to become the next CEO of Disney following Bob Iger. This landmark announcement comes ahead of Disney’s crucial shareholder meeting slated for April 3, 2024, marking a pivotal moment for the company. ———————————- Kathleen Kennedy: Movie Producer (Women Leading the Way: Blastoff! Readers, Level 2) (Blastoff! Readers, Level 2: Women Leading the Way) ———————————- A New Captain at the Helm Kathleen Kennedy’s ascendancy to the role of CEO is not just a change in leadership; it symbolizes a bold step forward for Disney, with major shareholders, including George Lucas, throwing their weight behind her candidacy. Kennedy, whose career has been marked by the successful stewardship of major film franchises and a keen…
Mike Blanchard, Lucasfilm’s Post-Production Maestro, Retires After Nearly Three Decades of Crafting Galaxies
After nearly three decades of shaping the galaxy far, far away, Mike Blanchard, Lucasfilm’s Vice President of Post-Production, is set to retire. His career, spanning almost 30 years, has been instrumental in bringing to life some of the most iconic moments in the Star Wars saga and other Lucasfilm projects. Blanchard’s retirement marks the end of an era for Lucasfilm, as he has been a pivotal figure behind the scenes, ensuring the highest quality of post-production work on numerous films and series. A Legacy of Galactic Proportions Mike Blanchard’s journey with Lucasfilm began in the early ’90s, a period that saw the Star Wars franchise expand its universe through various mediums. Over the years, Blanchard has overseen the post-production of major Lucasfilm titles, including the prequel and sequel Star Wars trilogies, ensuring that each project met the visionary standards set by George Lucas and continued by the studio under Disney’s…