Tony Leondis

Anthony Leondis (born March 24, 1972) is a Greek[2]-American animator, filmmaker, and voice actor, known for directing The Emoji Movie, Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch, and Igor.

Tony Leondis
Born
Anthony Leondis

(1972-03-24) March 24, 1972
New York City, U.S.
Alma materHellenic College[1]
Occupation(s)Animator, voice actor, filmmaker
Years active1997–2017
Notable workLilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch, Igor, Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Masters, The Emoji Movie

Career

Leondis started his career as a story artist working on films such as The Prince of Egypt and The Lion King II: Simba's Pride. He later joined DisneyToon Studios, where he co-wrote the script for Kronk's New Groove. Leondis made his directorial debut on Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch in 2005. In 2008, he directed his first theatrical animated film, Igor, for Exodus Film Group.[3]

Since 2009, he was directing at DreamWorks Animation an animated feature film about ghosts, titled B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations.[4] The film, which was based on his original idea,[5] was scheduled to be released in 2015,[6] but by late 2014, it was pulled from DWA's schedule and went back into restructuring.[7][8] By 2015, Leondis left DreamWorks to develop his next animated film, while B.O.O. is left dead at the studio.

The Emoji Movie

In 2017, Leondis directed and co-wrote Sony Pictures Animation's animated film The Emoji Movie.[8] Leondis pitched the film to the studio and co-wrote it with Eric Siegel.[8]

The film was released on July 28, 2017. Though the film was a box-office success, it was panned by critics.[9] He won two Razzie Awards for Worst Director and Worst Screenplay, the latter he shared with Eric Siegel and Mike White, making him the first animation director in motion picture history to get those categories.[10][11][12] Leondis has not been active in the industry since the film's release.

Personal life

Leondis is openly gay.[13]

Filmography

Film
Year Title Director Writer Animation department Voice actor Role Notes
1998The Lion King II: Simba's PrideYesDirect-to-video
Additional character designer
The Prince of EgyptYesStory artist
2000The Road to El DoradoYesAdditional story artist
2004Home on the RangeYesStory artist
2005Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a GlitchYesYesDirect-to-video
Kronk's New GrooveYes
2008IgorYesYesYesKilliseum Fan #4Additional screenplay material
2011Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the MastersYesYesMaster CrocVideo short
2017The Emoji MovieYesYesYesLaughter,
Broom,
Pizza		Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Director winner
UnreleasedB.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly OperationsYesYesStory artist

Television
Year Title Special thanks Notes
1997Cartoon SushiYesEpisode #1.4

Awards and nominations
CeremonyFilm/TV ShowCategoryYearResult
Razzie Awards The Emoji Movie Worst Director 2018 Won
Worst Screenplay
Annie Awards Kronk's New Groove Best Writing In An Animated Feature Production 2006 Nominated
DVD Exclusive Awards Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch Best Director (of a DVD Premiere Movie)
Best Screenplay (for a DVD Premiere Movie)

References
  1. "Tony Leondis - Film director and writer of famous animations produced by Walt Disney". Retrieved September 2, 2018.
  2. Stelinia Theodosopoulou (September 24, 2017). "GREEK-AMERICAN DIRECTOR TONY LEONDIS SPEAKS AT IGN GREECE". IGN Greece. Retrieved September 1, 2018.
  3. Zeitchik, Steven (September 21, 2006). "Weinsteins tap 'Igor' helmer". Variety. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  4. Barrett, Annie (June 19, 2009). "DreamWorks greenlights animated ghost project 'Boo U'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  5. DreamWorks Animation (October 31, 2013). "Bill Murray Gets Ghost Busted with Jennifer Coolidge and Octavia Spencer in B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations". Pitch Engine. Retrieved October 31, 2013.
  6. DreamWorks Animation (September 9, 2012). "New Distributor Twentieth Century Fox Unveils DreamWorks Animation's Release Slate Through 2016". DreamWorks Animation. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
  7. Verrier, Richard (November 17, 2014). "DreamWorks Animation shares plummet after Hasbro talks end". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 20, 2014.
  8. Fleming, Mike Jr. (July 21, 2015). "Emoji At Center Of Bidding Battle Won By Sony Animation; Anthony Leondis To Direct". Deadline. Retrieved July 21, 2015.
  9. Lawrence, Derek (July 27, 2017). "The most brutal reviews of The Emoji Movie". Entertainment Weekly.
  10. Amidi, Amid (January 22, 2018). "'The Emoji Movie' Sets Animation Record With 4 Razzie Nominations". Cartoon Brew.
  11. Perez, Lexy (March 3, 2018). "Razzie Awards: 'Emoji Movie' Named Worst Picture of the Year". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  12. Stefansky, Emma (March 3, 2018). "The Emoji Movie Wins(?) Big at the 2018 Razzie Awards". Vanity Fair. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  13. Freeman, Molly (July 10, 2017). "How Toy Story Inspired The Emoji Movie, According to Tony Leondis". Screen Rant. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
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