Director Kelsey Mann Signed With UTA
The veteran animator has joined UTA for representation following his departure from Pixar.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Animation
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Director Kelsey Mann has signed with UTA for representation in all areas of his work. This move follows his departure from Pixar after more than 15 years with the studio.
Why it matters
The signing marks a significant career transition for a filmmaker who recently led one of the most successful animated projects in history. Mann plans to pursue diverse opportunities across the entertainment industry.
Mann's most recent project, Inside Out 2, grossed approximately $1.7 billion globally and earned an Academy Award nomination. His tenure at Pixar spanned over 15 years, during which he worked on films including Monsters University and Onward.
The players
Kelsey Mann
Kelsey Mann is a director and animator best known for helming the commercially successful film Inside Out 2.
UTA
UTA is a global talent agency that represents high-profile artists, actors, and directors across the entertainment sector.
Pixar
Pixar is a renowned computer animation studio that has produced numerous critically and commercially successful feature films.
The details
Mann, who joined Pixar in 2009, previously contributed to projects at Cartoon Network, Warner Bros., and Lucasfilm Animation before directing the short Party Central. He now shifts his focus toward broader creative endeavors within the industry under UTA's representation.
Timeline
Kelsey Mann joined Pixar in 2009.
Inside Out 2 was released in 2024.
Industry Dynamics
Mann's move to UTA follows a standard industry pattern where high-profile creators leave long-term studio roles to seek independent representation for new projects. This transition reflects a broader shift in Hollywood as top-tier talent moves to secure broader creative control outside of legacy studios.
The move suggests fans can expect new, non-Pixar projects from the director in the coming years. This shift potentially expands the variety of animated content available to viewers across different streaming and theatrical platforms.
The takeaway
Mann's departure underscores the fluid nature of creative talent in modern animation as directors seek to broaden their portfolios. Viewers can look forward to seeing how his creative style evolves beyond the Pixar studio model.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Animation to understand how industry shifts impact studio pipelines.
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