Film Roman
| Company type | LLC |
|---|---|
| Industry | Animation |
| Founded | October 26, 1984 in Burbank, California, United States |
| Founder | Phil Roman |
| Defunct | 2017 (ceased operations) |
| Fate | Closed by Waterman Entertainment |
| Headquarters | Woodland Hills, California , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Phil Roman (founder), Michael Wahl (former President), Bill Schultz (former VP of Production and Development), Steve Waterman (owner) |
| Products | Animated television series and specials (e.g., Garfield specials, The Simpsons, King of the Hill, Family Guy) |
| Owner | Waterman Entertainment (since 2015) |
Film Roman, LLC. was an American animation studio originally located in Burbank, California before relocating to Woodland Hills, California. Throughout its history, the company experienced multiple ownership transitions involving Digital Production Services, Ltd., IDT Entertainment, Starz, Inc., and Waterman Entertainment.
Established by experienced animator and director Phil Roman on October 26, 1984, Film Roman gained recognition primarily for producing the Garfield primetime specials, adapted from Jim Davis' comic strip. The studio’s portfolio also includes notable animated series such as The Simpsons, The Critic, King of the Hill, Family Guy, Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!, The Goode Family, and Dan Vs..
Background
Veteran animator Phil Roman, with previous experience at MGM Animation/Visual Arts and Bill Melendez Productions, founded Film Roman on October 26, 1984 to continue work on the Garfield specials. Since Melendez’s studio was unable to simultaneously manage both the Peanuts and Garfield specials, a new production entity became necessary. Although Melendez and Lee Mendelson had produced the initial two Garfield specials, creators Charles M. Schulz and Jim Davis raised concerns about overlapping production priorities, leading to Roman’s involvement. Roman accepted Mendelson’s invitation to produce and direct the subsequent special, Garfield in the Rough (1984) for CBS, which earned an Emmy.
Formation
In 1985, CBS commissioned an animated series inspired by the Garfield specials, eventually titled Garfield and Friends. After three years of development, Film Roman launched its first regular series on September 17, 1988, as part of CBS’ Saturday morning programming. To support growth, Roman recruited former Marvel Productions executives Michael Wahl as President and Bill Schultz as Vice President of Production and Development. The popularity of Garfield and Friends, which expanded into a one-hour block on CBS’ leading Saturday lineup, contributed significantly to the studio’s expansion.
By 1988, under new leadership, Film Roman developed and sold Bobby's World to the newly formed Fox Kids Network, headed by ex-Marvel Productions president Margaret Loesch. From 1992 through 2016, Film Roman assumed production responsibilities for 20th Century Fox's The Simpsons, taking over from Klasky Csupo, which had handled earlier seasons. This shift represented a substantial growth opportunity for Film Roman within prime-time animation tied to a globally acclaimed franchise.
In 1999, founder Phil Roman departed after selling the company to establish Phil Roman Entertainment, concentrating on holiday-themed productions such as Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (2000). Despite this move, he retained shareholder status and rejoined Film Roman's board in 2001.
During this timeframe, Film Roman sought to enter syndication through Max Degree TV with plans for three shows including Mission Extreme by Steve Tisch and a new cartoon titled Victor created by Wes Archer. However, this syndication effort did not materialize.
In April 2000, The Harvey Entertainment Company was appointed as Film Roman’s international sales agent to enhance global market penetration. That same year, India-based software company Pentamedia Graphics attempted to acquire a majority 51% stake for $15 million; nevertheless, the agreement was terminated in 2001.
Ownership by IDT Entertainment and Starz
In May 2003, a majority stake of 51% in Film Roman was acquired by IDT Corporation’s Digital Production Solutions unit, which briefly rebranded the company as DPS Film Roman. Subsequently, that same year, the studio was incorporated into the newly established IDT Entertainment division.
By May 2006, IDT divested IDT Entertainment, including Film Roman, selling it to Liberty Media for $186 million. The transaction finalized on August 31, 2006, after which the division was absorbed into Starz Entertainment Group and renamed Starz Media.
Ownership under Waterman Entertainment
Film Roman changed hands again in 2015 when Waterman Entertainment, headed by executive producer Steve Waterman, purchased it from Starz Distribution. Despite this transition, Waterman Entertainment maintained a partnership with Starz, which continued to hold the rights to Film Roman’s in-house library, now managed by Lionsgate Television.
On November 22, 2016, Film Roman expanded its animation production capacity by establishing a joint venture in Tijuana named Film Roman Baja J.V., in collaboration with Boxel Studios.
However, on October 9, 2017, the California Secretary of State revoked Film Roman, LLC’s status due to non-compliance with mandatory filings; the California Franchise Tax Board followed suit in May 2018. Following these developments, Waterman Entertainment ceased Film Roman’s operations after Steve Waterman decided to close the company.
Studio Locations
The original studio was situated on Riverside Drive in Toluca Lake, California, where founder Roman collaborated with producer Lee Mendelson. It subsequently relocated to Chandler Boulevard in Studio City before moving to Starz Plaza on Hollywood Way in Burbank. At the Burbank location, it shared premises with the former Hub Network and Hasbro Studios/Allspark. Eventually, the studio moved to Woodland Hills.
Television series
Charlie's Angels: Animated Adventures Ivan GoffBen Roberts Sony Pictures Digital
Hilltop New Media, Inc. Web series based on Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle Tripping the Rift Chris Moeller
Chuck Austen 2004–2007 Space
Teletoon (season 3)
CinéGroupe Eloise: The Animated Series Kay Thompson
Hilary Knight rowspan=2 2006 HandMade Films Law & Order Dick Wolf Wolf Films
NBC Universal Television Studio Visual effects contribution Eon Kid Designstorm 2006–2007 Manga Entertainment
BRB Internacional
Daiwon
Designstorm
Screen 21
TVE English dub Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Bob Boyle 2006–2010 Bolder Media
Starz Media Slacker Cats Andy Riley
Kevin Cecil 2007–2009 Laika
ABC Family The Goode Family Mike Judge
John Altschuler
Dave Krinsky 2009 Ternion Pictures
3 Arts Entertainment
Judgemental Films
Media Rights Capital Currently distributed by Shout! Factory The Super Hero Squad Show Stan Lee 2009–2011 Ingenious Media (season 1)
Marvel Animation Currently distributed by Disney-ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes Ciro Nieli
Joshua Fine
Christopher Yost 2010–2012 Marvel Animation Currently distributed by Disney-ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution Dan Vs. Dan Mendel
Chris Pearson 2011–2013 The Hatchery Beavis and Butt-Head Mike Judge 2011 Ternion Pictures
3 Arts Entertainment
Judgemental Films
MTV Production Development Season 8 only Ultimate Spider-Man Marvel Animation 2012–2017 Marvel Animation Currently distributed by Disney-ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. Paul Dini
Henry Gilroy
Marvel Animation 2013–2015 Camp WWE Seth Green 2016–2018 Stoopid Buddy Stoodios
WWE Studios %}
Films and specials
| Show | Creator(s) | Year(s) | Co-production(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garfield and Friends | Jim Davis | 1988–1994 | United Media Productions (seasons 1–6) Lee Mendelson Film Productions (seasons 2–7) Paws, Inc. |
Currently distributed by 9 Story Media Group |
| Bobby's World | Howie Mandel | 1990–1998 | Alevy Productions Fox Children's Productions |
Currently distributed by Splash Entertainment |
| Zazoo U | Shane DeRolf | 1990–1991 | Fox Children's Productions | Currently distributed by Disney–ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution |
| Mother Goose and Grimm | Mike Peters | 1991–1993 | Tribune Media Services Grimmy, Inc. Lee Mendelson Film Productions MGM/UA Television Production Group |
|
| The Simpsons | Matt Groening | 1992–2016 | Gracie Films 20th Television |
Produced seasons 4–27 only Currently distributed by Disney–ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution |
| Animated Classic Showcase | 1993–1994 | Soyuzmultfilm | ||
| Cro | Mark Zaslove | Children's Television Workshop | ||
| Mighty Max | Mark Zaslove Rob Hudnut |
Bluebird Toys Canal+ D.A. Bohbot Entertainment |
||
| The Critic | Al Jean Mike Reiss |
1994–1995 | Gracie Films Columbia Pictures Television |
Currently distributed by Sony Pictures Television |
| The Baby Huey Show | Bob Jaques | 1995 | Carbunkle Cartoons (season 1) Harvey Films Claster Television |
Season 2 only Currently distributed by NBCUniversal Syndication Studios |
| The Mask: Animated Series | Duane Capizzi | 1995–1997 | Dark Horse Entertainment Sunbow Entertainment New Line Television |
Currently distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution |
| Klutter! | David Silverman Savage Steve Holland |
1995–1996 | Savage Studios Fox Children's Productions |
'Eek! Stravaganza' segment Currently distributed by Disney–ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution |
| The Twisted Tales of Felix the Cat | Pat Sullivan Otto Messmer Joseph Oriolo |
1995–1997 | Felix the Cat Productions | Currently distributed by NBCUniversal Syndication Studios |
| C Bear and Jamal | Earl Richey Jones Todd R. Jones |
1996–1997 | Taurus Film GmbH and Co. | |
| Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm | Sean Catherine Derek | 1996 | Threshold Entertainment New Line Television USA Studios |
Currently distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution |
| Richie Rich | Timothy Williams | Harveytoons Claster Television |
Currently distributed by NBCUniversal Syndication Studios | |
| Bruno the Kid | Joel Madison | 1996–1997 | Camelot Entertainment Sales Active Entertainment Taurus Film GmbH and Co. |
|
| King of the Hill | Mike Judge Greg Daniels |
1997–2010 | Deedle-Dee Productions Judgemental Films 3 Arts Entertainment 20th Television (original run) |
Original run only; revival by 20th Television Animation Currently distributed by Disney–ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution |
| The Mr. Potato Head Show | Dan Clark Doug Langdale |
1998–1999 | Hasbro | |
| Family Guy | Seth MacFarlane | 1999–2000 | Fuzzy Door Productions 20th Television |
Produced season 1 only Currently distributed by Disney–ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution |
| Mission Hill | Bill Oakley Josh Weinstein |
1999–2002 | Oakley/Weinstein Productions Castle Rock Entertainment |
Currently distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution |
| The Man Show | Adam Carolla Jimmy Kimmel Daniel Kellison |
Jackhole Industries (seasons 1-5) Stone Stanley Entertainment Comedy Partners |
Animation segments produced Currently distributed by Eagle Rock Entertainment | |
| X-Men: Evolution | Marty Isenberg Robert N. Skir David Wise |
2000–2003 | Marvel Studios | Currently distributed by Disney-ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution |
| The Oblongs | Angus Oblong Jace Richdale |
2001–2002 | Jobsite Productions Mohawk Productions Warner Bros. Television |
Currently distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution |
| Free For All | Brett Merhar | rowspan=2 2003 | ||
Sci Fi Channel - Visual effects - Slayer - Anchor Bay Entertainment
Sci Fi Channel - Jackass Number Two - Paramount Pictures
MTV Films
Dickhouse Productions - Lynch Siderow Productions - Hellboy: Sword of Storms - Revolution Studios - Mosaic - rowspan=8 - POW! Entertainment
Manga Entertainment - Hellboy: Blood and Iron - Revolution Studios - The Thirst - Anchor Bay Entertainment - Visual effects - The Simpsons Movie - 20th Century Studios
20th Century Animation
Gracie Films
Matt Groening Productions
Rough Draft Studios
AKOM - Pre-production divided between Film Roman and Rough Draft Studios - Sands of Oblivion - Starz Productions
Sci Fi Channel - Visual effects - Rush Hour 3 - New Line Cinema
Roger Birnbaum Productions
Arthur Sarkissian Productions
Unlike Film Productions - Visual effects (trailer only) - Illegal Tender - Universal Pictures - Visual effects - Hairspray (2007 film) - New Line Cinema
Ingenious Media
Zadan/Meron Productions
Storyline Entertainment
Offspring Entertainment - Visual effects (trailer only) - The Great Buck Howard - rowspan=9 - Magnolia Pictures
Playtone
Walden Media
Bristol Bay Productions - Visual effects - Turok: Son of Stone - Classic Media - Speed Racer - Warner Bros. Pictures
Village Roadshow Pictures
Silver Pictures
Anarchos Productions - Visual effects - Sex and the City - Warner Bros. Pictures
New Line Cinema
HBO Films - Visual effects (trailer only) - Tripping The Rift: The Movie - CinéGroupe - Wubbzy's Big Movie! - Bolder Media - Dead Space: Downfall - Electronic Arts - Secrets of the Furious Five - DreamWorks Animation
Reel FX Creative Studios - Provided 2-D animation sequences - Cranberry Christmas - Ocean Spray Productions - Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!: Wubb Idol - rowspan=2 - Bolder Media - The Haunted World of El Superbeasto - Carbunkle Cartoons - Intended for theatrical release - Dante's Inferno: An Animated Epic - 2010 - Electronic Arts - Animated segments titled "Prologue", "The Arrival", and "Entry to Hell" only - Dead Space: Aftermath - 2011 - Electronic Arts
Visceral Games - The Longest Daycare - 2012 - 20th Century Studios
20th Century Animation
Gracie Films
Matt Groening Productions
Rough Draft Studios
AKOM - Short film; pre-production shared between Film Roman and Rough Draft Studios -|}
Miscellaneous
- Music video for Get in Line by (Barenaked Ladies)
- Music video for Molotov's song, Frijolero
- Unaired pitch pilot for (American Dad!), produced in 2003
- Cutscenes contributed to the video game The Simpsons Game (2007), developed by Electronic Arts
- Animated film for amusement rides titled The Simpsons Ride, premiered in 2008 at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood
- Cutscene animation for freemium mobile game, The Simpsons: Tapped Out, released in 2012 by Fox Digital Entertainment and Electronic Arts
Commercials
- Alpo pet food advertisements
- Branding reel for Ask Jeeves (2000), lasting five minutes
- Burger King campaigns from 2001 through 2003
- Butterfinger commercials aired during periods of 1992–1994, again from 1998–2001, and in 2007
- CC's cereal promotion in 1998
- C.C. Lemon advertisements between 2000 and 2002
- Embassy Suites Hotel commercials
- Expedia ad campaign in 2003
- Garfield Fruit Snacks marketed by General Mills
- General Foods promotions featuring Garfield character ads only for Honey Nut Cheerios in 1993
- Intel marketing spot from 1998
- Matchbox brand CGI sales presentation animated by Forum Visual Effects in 2002
- Microsoft commercial aired in 2003
- Mirinda advertisements from years spanning 2005–2006 and again in 2008
- Partnership for a Drug-Free America campaign in 2002
- RC Cola commercial from the year 1999
- SeaWorld promotional advertisement in 1998
- SHO Too network commercial aired during 2002 period
- Toyota advertisements broadcast between years of 1992 and 1993
- Trix cereal commercials aired during the year of 1991
Unreleased projects
- Animated series adaptation of Blues Brothers canceled due to inability to recast original actors' voices irreplacably associated with characters
- Max Degree TV project terminated because of absence of international financial support
- CGI animated series based on the comic strip Heathcliff, created by George Gately, cancelled following studio closure; planned co-production with Creators Syndicate and Foothill Entertainment
- Animated adaptation of Tom Tomorrow’s comic strip, titled This Modern World, abandoned after studio ceased operations
- Project based on graphic novel titled The Untamed, authored by Sebastian A. Jones and Peter Bergting, discontinued consequent to studio shutdown
See also
External links
- Articles with short description
- Film Roman
- Adult animation studios
- 1984 establishments in California
- American animation studios
- Companies based in Burbank, California
- Companies based in Los Angeles County, California
- Entertainment companies in California
- Entertainment companies established in 1984
- Film production companies of the United States
- Mass media companies established in 1984
- Former Lionsgate subsidiaries
- 2015 mergers and acquisitions
- American corporate subsidiaries
- 2018 disestablishments in California
- Entertainment companies disbanded in 2018
- Mass media firms closed in 2018
- 2003 mergers and acquisitions
- American companies dissolved in 2018
- Film production firms located in California
- Television production firms based in California
- American companies disestablished in 2018