This has been in the offing for some time:
Waterman Entertainment has bought Film Roman — best known as the source animator for “The Simpsons” — for an undisclosed price from Starz Media.
Waterman is headed by Steve Waterman, who has exec producer credits on “Stuart Little” and “Alvin and the Chipmunks.”
Film Roman’s Dana Booton has been promoted from general manager to president of production and will continue to oversee the day-to-day business of the company, in addition to her new responsibilities of managing co-productions and development.
Additionally, founder Phil Roman is returning as chairman emeritus, serving in an advisory capacity and working closely with Booton, Waterman and the development team on the creative vision for the company and its subsequent projects.
This purchase has been known to FR staffers and TAG for a while. Word circulated weeks ago to Simpsoins crew members. Our information is that there will be other changes down the line, but (so far) announcements have not materialized in the press.
However, this press release clarifies the context for the Facebook photograph showing Phil Roman standing next to the Film Roman sign on Hollywood Way. That photograph has been up for a few weeks, without a lot of attached information.