Illumination (company)

Illumination (formerly Illumination Entertainment) is an American film and animation studio founded by Chris Meledandri in 2007. Illumination is owned by Chris Meledandri and the Illumination brand is co-owned by Universal Pictures,[4][5][6] a division of its wholly owned subsidiary NBCUniversal. Meledandri produces the films, while Universal finances and distributes all the films.[5] The studio is responsible for the Despicable Me, The Secret Life of Pets and Sing franchises and the film adaptations of Dr. Seuss’ books The Lorax and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The Minions, characters from the Despicable Me series, are the studio's mascots.

Illumination
TypeDivision
IndustryAnimation
Motion pictures
Founded2007 (2007)
FounderChris Meledandri
Headquarters
Santa Monica, California
,
U.S.
Key people
  • Chris Meledandri (CEO)[1]
  • Keith Feldman (COO)[2]
OwnerNBCUniversal (Comcast)
Number of employees
100 (2016)[3]
ParentUniversal Pictures
SubsidiariesIllumination Mac Guff
WebsiteOfficial website

Illumination has produced 11 feature films, with its latest release being Sing 2, with an average gross of $695.4 million per film. The studio's highest-grossing films are Minions, which has grossed $1.159 billion worldwide, Despicable Me 3, $1.034 billion and Despicable Me 2, $970.8 million. All three are among the 50 highest-grossing films of all time, and six of their films are among the 50 highest-grossing animated films.

History

Meledandri left as President of 20th Century Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios in early 2007. While at those companies he supervised or executive-produced movies including Ice Age, Ice Age: The Meltdown, Robots, and Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! After leaving, he founded Illumination Entertainment and a deal was announced positioning Illumination Entertainment as NBCUniversal's family entertainment arm that would produce one to two films a year starting in 2010.[7] As part of the deal, Illumination retains creative control and Universal exclusively distributes the films.[8] During the summer 2011, Illumination acquired the animation department of the French animation and visual effects studio Mac Guff, which animated Despicable Me and Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, and formed Illumination Mac Guff.[9][10][11]

Meledandri prefers to keep Illumination adhering to a low-cost model, recognising that "strict cost controls and hit animated films are not mutually exclusive". In an industry where film expenses often exceed $100 million, Illumination's first two releases were completed with significantly lower budgets, considering Despicable Me's $69 million budget and Hop's $63 million budget. One way the company sustains a lean financial model is by employing cost-conscious animation techniques that lower the expenses and render times of its computer graphics.[12]

Not unlike Pixar, in its early days Illumination depended on a core group of directors and writers to create its films. The directors of Despicable Me, Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, also directed or co-directed Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, Despicable Me 2, Minions, The Secret Life of Pets, and Despicable Me 3. Screenwriters Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio (who had written Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who for Meledandri at Fox) wrote or co-wrote Despicable Me, Hop, Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, Despicable Me 2, The Secret Life of Pets, and Despicable Me 3, while screenwriter Brian Lynch wrote or co-wrote Hop, Minions, and The Secret Life of Pets.

On August 22, 2016, NBCUniversal acquired competing studio DreamWorks Animation, which fuelled speculation that Meledandri was to oversee both studios.[13][14][15] While he had been approached by NBCUniversal to oversee both studios, he turned down the offer and later explained “I love the process of making films and working with artists. I don’t think I’m particularly great at managing companies”.[16]

Process

In a similar fashion to Sony Pictures Animation and DreamWorks Animation, Illumination does not produce its films in-house where it is based in Santa Monica, but rather outsources the animation production of its films to other studios. Most of its films are animated by Illumination Mac Guff,[3] a subsidiary formed through the purchase of Mac Guff (which animated the first Despicable Me).[17][18] So far, the only Illumination film not to be animated by Illumination Mac Guff or Mac Guff was Hop, which was animated by Rhythm & Hues Studios.[19]

Illumination's films cost $60-80 million, but Sing 2 is the studio's most expensive film, with an $85 million budget.

Projects

The studio's first film, Despicable Me, was released on July 9, 2010 and was commercially successful, earning $56 million on its opening weekend, and going on to ticket sales of $251 million domestically and $543 million worldwide. Illumination's second film was the live action/CGI hybrid Hop (2011), which has a $37 million opening, and ended up with $108 million domestically and $183 million worldwide and debuted on April 1, 2011. An adaptation of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, debuted on March 2, 2012, earning $70 million on its opening weekend, and with eventual totals of $214 million in the US market and $348 million worldwide. The studio's first sequel, Despicable Me 2, opened in the United States on July 3, 2013, earning over $970 million worldwide,[20] becoming the second highest-grossing 2013 animated film and breaking a record as the most profitable Universal Studios film in its 100-year history.[21] The spin-off of the Despicable Me franchise, titled Minions, was released on July 10, 2015,[22] and grossed over $1 billion worldwide.

The Secret Life of Pets was released on July 8, 2016.[23] Directed by Chris Renaud and Yarrow Cheney, the film would earn $104 million in its opening weekend, $368 million domestically, and $875 million worldwide. Sing, a comedy written and directed by Garth Jennings, was released on December 21, 2016.[24] It was the first movie for the studio to have a Christmas release. The film would earn $56 million in its first 5 days, grossing $270 million stateside and $634 million worldwide. It also holds the record for the highest-grossing film not to ever be at No. 1 in its run. Despicable Me 3 was released on June 30, 2017, and became the 2nd film to earn $1 billion for the studio, and set a record for the highest theatre count ever with 4,536 theatres in its 2nd week. The second film from Illumination based on a Dr. Seuss book, Dr. Seuss' The Grinch, was released on November 9, 2018, and is directed by Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney from an adaptation by Michael LeSieur and Tommy Swerdlow.[24] The Secret Life of Pets 2, the sequel to 2016's The Secret Life of Pets, was released on June 7, 2019. This was followed by Sing 2, which released on December 22, 2021.

On May 19, 2011, Illumination announced that it would be working with Universal Studios to create Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, a 3-D ride at Universal Parks & Resorts in Orlando, Hollywood, and Osaka.[25] The ride officially opened on July 2, 2012 in Orlando, in Hollywood on April 12, 2014, and in Osaka on April 21, 2017.

Upcoming projects

Future projects include Minions: The Rise of Gru set for July 1, 2022, an animated film based on the Mario franchise as a collaboration with Nintendo set for April 7, 2023,[26][16][27][28] an original film titled Migration on June 30, 2023 and Despicable Me 4 on July 3, 2024.[29][30][31] Other films the studio has in development include an original animated film with frequent collaborator and musician Pharrell Williams that will be "made from scratch."[16]

Franchises
Title Films Shorts Release dates
Despicable Me 6 15 2010–present
The Secret Life of Pets 2 3 2016–present
Sing 5

Filmography
Main article: List of Illumination productions
# Film Release date Distributor/Co-production with Animation service(s) Budget Gross References
1 Despicable Me July 9, 2010 Universal Pictures Mac Guff $69 million $543.2 million [32]
2 Hop April 1, 2011 Universal Pictures
Relativity Media		 Rhythm and Hues Studios $63 million $183.9 million
3 The Lorax March 2, 2012 Universal Pictures Illumination Mac Guff $70 million $348.8 million
4 Despicable Me 2 July 3, 2013 $76 million $970.8 million
5 Minions July 10, 2015 $74 million $1.159 billion
6 The Secret Life of Pets July 8, 2016 $75 million $875.5 million
7 Sing December 21, 2016 $634.2 million
8 Despicable Me 3 June 30, 2017 $80 million $1.035 billion
9 The Grinch November 9, 2018 $75 million $511.8 million
10 The Secret Life of Pets 2 June 7, 2019 $80 million $430.1 million
11 Sing 2 December 22, 2021 $85 million $405.9 million
Upcoming
# Film Release date Distributor/Co-production with Animation service(s) Status References
12 Minions: The Rise of Gru July 1, 2022 Universal Pictures Illumination Mac Guff Completed [26]
13 Untitled Mario film April 7, 2023[33][28] Universal Pictures
Nintendo		 In production [16]
14 Migration June 30, 2023[34] Universal Pictures [29][31]
15 Despicable Me 4 July 3, 2024[34] [31]

See also

References
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  2. Lang, Brent (March 5, 2020). "Illumination Taps Keith Feldman as COO (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on March 6, 2020. Retrieved March 7, 2020.
  3. Richford, Rhonda (December 9, 2016). "An Inside Look at Illumination's 24/7 Operation, From L.A. to Paris". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on May 12, 2019. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  4. Debruge, Peter (July 17, 2013). "Illumination Chief Chris Meledandri Lines Up Originals for Universal". Variety. Archived from the original on February 22, 2019. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
  5. Kilday, Gregg (December 9, 2016). "Illumination's Chris Meledandri Talks Success Secrets, Rumors He'll Head DreamWorks". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  6. "Why Illumination Entertainment Is One Of The Most Innovative Companies Of 2017". Fast Company. February 13, 2017. Archived from the original on March 28, 2017. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  7. Snyder, Gabriel; Fritz, Ben (January 18, 2007). "Family films for Universal". Variety. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  8. Fleming, Michael (March 6, 2008). "Meledandri, Universal team on deals". Archived from the original on August 29, 2012. Retrieved July 10, 2016.
  9. Fleming, Mike (November 14, 2011). "Universal Pictures Buys Paris Animation Unit For Chris Meledandri's Illumination". Deadline. Archived from the original on November 15, 2011. Retrieved November 15, 2011.
  10. "ILLUMINATION MAC GUFF (PARIS 15) Chiffre d'affaires, résultat, bilans sur SOCIETE.COM - 533478434". www.societe.com. Archived from the original on September 7, 2017. Retrieved July 10, 2016.
  11. Keslassy, Elsa (December 12, 2011). "Universal benefit in Mac Guff accord". Variety. Archived from the original on January 6, 2012. Retrieved December 17, 2011.
  12. Barnes, Brooks (April 3, 2011). "For Illumination Entertainment, Animation Meets Economic Reality". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 7, 2011. Retrieved June 15, 2011.
  13. "Comcast's NBCUniversal buys DreamWorks Animation in $3.8-billion deal". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on November 29, 2019. Retrieved April 28, 2016.
  14. "NBCUniversal Unveils New DreamWorks Annimation Senior Management". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 27, 2016. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  15. McNary, Dave (August 22, 2016). "Comcast Completes $3.8 Billion Purchase of DreamWorks Animation". Variety. Archived from the original on October 24, 2016. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  16. Lang, Brent (November 6, 2018). "Inside Illumination's Plans for Animated 'Super Mario Bros.' Movie". Variety. Archived from the original on November 6, 2018. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  17. Keslassy, Elsa (December 12, 2011). "Universal benefit in Mac Guff accord". Variety. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
  18. Desowitz, Bill (July 8, 2010). "Meet the 'Despicable Me' Directors". Animation World Network. AWN, Inc. Archived from the original on November 29, 2020. Retrieved September 12, 2020.
  19. Liu, Ed (December 18, 2010). "Toonzone Interviews Chris Meledandri on Despicable Me". ToonZone.net. Archived from the original on December 20, 2010. Retrieved December 19, 2010.
  20. "Despicable Me 2 (2013)". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on December 31, 2015. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  21. Szalai, Georg (July 31, 2013). "NBCUniversal CEO: 'Despicable Me 2' Will Be Most Profitable Film in Universal's History". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 29, 2019. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  22. Fleming, Mike (February 11, 2013). "Sandra Bullock To Voice Super-Villain In 'Minions' Spinoff For Illumination/Universal". Deadline. Archived from the original on February 12, 2013. Retrieved February 12, 2013.
  23. Shaw, Lucas (February 12, 2013). "Universal Dates Mystery Illumination Movie for 2015". The Wrap. Archived from the original on December 2, 2020. Retrieved February 15, 2013.
  24. "'Despicable Me 3′ Set For June 2017 Release; 'Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas' Arrives Five Months Later". Deadline. January 15, 2014. Archived from the original on January 18, 2014. Retrieved January 16, 2014.
  25. Vary, Adam B. (May 19, 2011). "Universal Parks announces new 'Despicable Me' ride, and a major face-lift for 'Spider-Man'". EW.com. Archived from the original on June 24, 2011. Retrieved June 15, 2011.
  26. Tartaglione, Nancy (April 1, 2020). "'Minions: The Rise Of Gru', 'Sing 2' Set for New 2021 Release Dates; 'Wicked' Still Brewing Slot". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 25, 2020. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  27. Nintendo Direct - 9.23.2021, archived from the original on November 2, 2021, retrieved September 25, 2021
  28. D'Alessandro, Anthony (April 25, 2022). "'Puss In Boots: The Last Wish' Heads To Christmas Time". Deadline. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  29. Yee, Lawrence (February 2, 2017). "Illumination, Universal Add Four More Animated Films to Slate". Variety. Archived from the original on February 3, 2017. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
  30. D'Alessandro, Anthony (September 23, 2021). "Universal Reserves Several Dates On 2024 Theatrical Release Calendar". Deadline. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  31. Grobar, Matt (February 18, 2022). "Illumination & Universal Set Dates For Animated Films 'Migration' And 'Despicable Me 4'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  32. "Despicable Me". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved April 1, 2022.
  33. Donnelly, Matt (September 23, 2021). "Super Mario Bros. Movie Lands All-Star Voice Cast: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen". Variety. Penske Business Media, LLC. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  34. Moreau, Jordan (February 18, 2022). "'Despicable Me 4' Set for Summer 2024 by Illumination, Universal". Variety. Penske Business Media, LLC. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
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