Lauren Ashton

Managing Editor

Lauren Ashton is a Los Angeles-based writer. She has also taught stop-motion animation and film history since 2020, and holds a BFA in Acting from The California Institute of the Arts. Lauren has previously worked with Walt Disney Imagineering, and since graduating from CalArts, she has worked at Spellbound Inc. (a YouTube Production Company), Gnomon School of Animation, and written plays and sketch comedy for various theaters.

Articles By Lauren Ashton

Illumination

Illumination’s Despicable Me is extraordinarily successful- aside from being one of the highest-grossing animated film franchises of all time. 14 years after the original film became an immediate hit, director Chris Renaud talks with Animation Scoop on the upcoming installment, reflecting on the global appeal, legacy of the characters, and the franchise’s lasting impact over […]

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DreamWorks

DreamWorks’ upcoming film, The Wild Robot, directed by Chris Sanders (How to Train Your Dragon, The Croods, Lilo & Stitch) and led by Head of Story Heidi Jo Gilbert (Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Turbo, The Croods: A New Age), takes Peter Brown’s book from the page and onto the screen. During the Annecy […]

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Nickelodeon

Today, reboots and spin-offs are everywhere. Studios seem to be interested in using existing IP when producing content, no matter how long it’s been since the original came out. Among all the reboots and spinoffs, some stories are better suited for a comeback than others. In this discussion, Ashleigh Crystal Hairston and I explore how […]

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Viva Kids

Viva Pictures is pleased to share its recent acquisition of “Scarygirl”, a feature-length animated film inspired by the popular graphic novels and merchandise. Boasting a unique style and captivating storytelling, the film is a “coming-of-age” project that aims to appeal to family audiences. A collaborative co-production between Like A Photon Creative and Highly Spirited, the feature […]

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AppleTV+

This week, Apple TV+ announced the upcoming premiere of WondLa from Skydance Animation. This highly-anticipated project is based on the New York Times bestselling book series “The Search for Wondla” by Tony DiTerlizzi. Bobs Gannaway serves as the showrunner and executive producer, and the cast features an amazing voice cast for the seven-episode season. It […]

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More From Animation Scoop

INTERVIEW: What Makes Pixar’s “Hoppers” Ambitious

After six years in development, Pixar’s latest feature debuts on March 6th, and it doesn’t fit neatly into a box. Director Daniel Chong and producer Nicole Grindle reflect on building a layered, comedic, and meaningful film while embracing challenges and letting the story lead the way. (This Animation Scoop Q&A was edited for length and […]