As Marvel Studios moves into a production unit of its own, the house that superheroes built has promoted Kevin Feige to president of production, Ari Arad to evp production and Craig Kyle to vp creative development, animation, according to THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER.
Feige will now work with Marvel Studios chairman/ceo Avi Arad in overseeing all film and television productions for the company. As evp production, Ari Arad son of Avi Arad will continue producing Marvel feature film and television projects, while Kyle will be responsible for developing Marvel's characters in all animated forms.
"Now that we are our own studio, with our own productions, there is an extended function to the job. These are the titles they deserve and are, in some ways, overdue," Avi Arad said. "These guys live and breathe Marvel, and all are steeped in experience making our kinds of movies."
Feige was an exec producer on SPIDER-MAN 2 and FANTASTIC FOUR as well as a co-producer on X2: X-MEN UNITED, DAREDEVIL, THE PUNISHER and ELEKTRA.
Ari Arad was a co-producer on GHOST RIDER and THE PUNISHER and will serve as exec producer on the live-action BLADE TV series.
Kyle, who was a key figure in the building of Marvel's animation department, is shepherding the development of Marvel's first-ever direct-to-DVD feature, THE ULTIMATE AVENGERS, set for a winter 2006 release. He is also developing animated series based on the Fantastic Four, X-Men and Iron Man characters.
"Kevin, Ari and Craig are some of Hollywood's rising stars. Their passion, commitment, drive and creativity have enabled Marvel to become the Hollywood success I always envisioned we would be," Avi Arad said. "As incredible as things have been over the last few years, it is really (in) the next few years that Marvel will leave its mark. Having these talented gentlemen alongside me will enable us to continue to set the standard for high-powered, exciting, superhero-themed entertainment."
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
