Blue Sky Studios

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Blue Sky Studios was an American computer animation film studio based in Greenwich, Connecticut. Founded in February 1987 by Chris Wedge, Michael Ferraro, Carl Ludwig, Alison Brown, David Brown, and Eugene Troubetzkoy after a series of successful experiments with CGI (computer-generated imagery) animation. Blue Sky Studios was known for creating the Ice Age franchise, one of the most successful animated franchises in film history. The studio was a subsidiary of 20th Century Fox Animation, and later, following the acquisition by The Walt Disney Company in 2019, it became a part of Walt Disney Studios before closing in April 2021.

History

Blue Sky Studios was initially formed to provide CGI animation for commercials and film effects. The studio gained significant attention with its short film, Bunny, which won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 1998. This success led to the studio focusing on creating full-length animated feature films.

The studio's first feature film, Ice Age, was released in 2002 and was a massive box office success. It spawned a series of sequels, making it one of the studio's most beloved and financially successful franchises. Following the success of Ice Age, Blue Sky Studios continued to produce a variety of animated films, including Robots (2005), Rio (2011), and its sequel Rio 2 (2014), among others.

In 2019, following the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by The Walt Disney Company, Blue Sky Studios became a part of the Disney family. However, in February 2021, Disney announced that it would be shutting down Blue Sky Studios due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the film industry. The studio officially closed on April 10, 2021.

Legacy

Despite its closure, Blue Sky Studios left a significant mark on the animation industry. Its Ice Age franchise remains a beloved series, and the studio's commitment to quality animation and storytelling set a high standard within the industry. The studio's innovative use of CGI animation also contributed to the evolution of animated films.

Filmography

Blue Sky Studios produced a total of 13 feature films during its operation. Notable films include:

• Ice Age (2002)
• Robots (2005)
• Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006)
• Horton Hears a Who! (2008)
• Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009)
• Rio (2011)
• Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012)
• Epic (2013)
• Rio 2 (2014)
• The Peanuts Movie (2015)
• Ice Age: Collision Course (2016)
• Ferdinand (2017)
• Spies in Disguise (2019)

Impact on Animation

Blue Sky Studios was known for its technical innovations in animation, particularly in rendering and lighting techniques. The studio's proprietary rendering software, CGI Studio, allowed for complex visual effects, such as realistic fur and dynamic lighting. These advancements not only enhanced the visual appeal of Blue Sky's films but also pushed the boundaries of what was possible in animation.

Closure

The closure of Blue Sky Studios was met with sadness from fans and professionals within the animation industry. It marked the end of an era for one of the pioneering studios in CGI animation. However, the legacy of Blue Sky Studios continues to influence the animation industry, with its alumni moving on to other studios and projects, carrying with them the experience and creativity fostered at Blue Sky.