The press release announcing the one year anniversary of new animation studio Project Firefly can be read here:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Firefly Burning Bright: Dream Studio Celebrates One Year Anniversary

ORLANDO,FL, March 23, 2005 —Project Firefly Animation Studios celebrates its one year anniversary this week, and with new offices, a burgeoning headcount and everyone hard at work on a major feature, the future looks bright.

Project Firefly, founded by four former Disney animators, opened its doors last March on the heels of the closing of Disney Feature Animation’s Florida studio. Following a dream the partners had to run their own studio, the foursome mortgaged their homes and turned down job offers from major animation houses. The risk has paid off.

“It’s been an exhilarating year,” says Dominic Carola, President of Project Firefly. “The one year anniversary is an important milestone in any business, especially an endeavor like ours. The team that we have built here has worked really hard to get us here. We couldn’t have done it without the dedication and faith of everyone in this studio.”

“We recently completed a full color, 100% animated pilot for an original TV series called Farm Force,” said John Webber, Director of Business Affairs. “We took it to NATPE and Kid Screen this year and got a great response. We’re also talking to several networks about other original projects we currently have in development.”

In addition to developing original programming, Project Firefly is providing its expertise to other projects including features. Project Firefly has been tapped for a significant portion of a major animated feature currently in production.

“This feature is a great opportunity for us,” says Gregg Azzopardi, Director of Production. “After the film was pitched to the studio, the crew was very excited. It’s going to be a great movie. We’ll be doing everything from layout to animation, and we’ll be building some relationships that will help us produce our own feature length film.”

Other companies are starting to notice Firefly, as well. Several animation studios popped up when Disney Feature Animation closed its Florida studio last March, but quickly disappeared. Firefly’s determination to establish itself as a contender in the lucrative animation market has attracted attention. Several companies, both foreign and domestic, have expressed interest in partnering with Firefly on upcoming projects.

“As a studio, we are open to new partnerships which add value to our projects,” says Paulo Alvarado, Director of Story and Development. “We continue to develop original material while working with outside entities to insure that what was once only a dream becomes reality.”

The new projects will mean Firefly’s staff will steadily grow over the next year to accommodate the company’s growth plans. More staff means more space, and Project Firefly has recently moved in to new offices, occupying an entire floor on the production lot at Universal Studios, Florida. “The new space is important, but only a small sign of much greater things to come.” says Carola.

Project Firefly is a full service animation studio providing 2-D and 3-D animation and artwork for theatrical and video releases, television series, commercials, interactive/internet media, children’s books and educational films.

For more information, visit Project Firefly Animation Studios at www.projectfirefly.com.