UTA Agent Jason Burns Praises Animation Ahead of Annecy Festival
The year 2025 marked a significant turning point for the animation industry, with a surge of animated features dominating the box office. From highly anticipated sequels like “Zootopia 2” to original streaming hits such as “KPop Demon Hunters,” audiences showed a strong appetite for innovative storytelling and visually captivating animations. Behind the scenes, United Talent Agency (UTA) played a crucial role in empowering animation creators to bring their visions to life.
As the only major talent agency with a dedicated animation division, UTA boasts an impressive roster of animation clients, including renowned directors like Brad Bird, Maggie Kang, and Andrew Stanton. The agency’s animation clients have collectively grossed over $25 billion at the worldwide box office, with groundbreaking films like Phil Lord & Chris Miller’s “Spider-Verse” franchise reshaping the landscape of animated movies.
Jason Burns, partner and co-head of MP Lit at UTA, has been at the forefront of the animation industry’s evolution. In a recent interview with Variety ahead of Annecy, Burns discussed the rise of original animation projects and the global impact of films like “KPop Demon Hunters” and surprise Academy Award winner “Flow.”
One of the key shifts in the industry highlighted by Burns is the increasing influence of filmmakers in shaping the direction of animated films. With a more competitive marketplace, animation directors now have greater authority and creative control over their projects. This shift has led to the emergence of new deal structures, including overall deals and multi-movie agreements, that prioritize filmmaker-driven storytelling.
UTA’s approach to representing animation filmmakers emphasizes the importance of original storytelling and intentional IP development. Through strategic deal-making and a focus on nurturing filmmakers’ creative visions, UTA has helped clients like Phil Lord & Chris Miller navigate between original projects and established franchises like “Zootopia 2.”
The success of recent and upcoming projects, such as Pixar’s “Hoppers” and Brad Bird’s “Ray Gunn,” reflects the industry’s vibrant future. With a balance of original stories and purposeful sequels, the animation industry continues to connect with audiences on a profound level.
Looking back at his own career, Burns cites securing projects like “Project Hail Mary” for Lord and Miller and launching the Spider-Verse franchise as major milestones. These achievements underscore the transformative impact of auteur-driven filmmaking in the animation landscape.
In conclusion, the increased market competition in the animation industry has led to improved financial opportunities for filmmakers and a more diverse range of storytelling. UTA’s evolved approach to deal-making has been instrumental in ensuring that animation creators are fairly compensated for their work, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of animated filmmaking.
