Christopher DeFaria
Christopher Joseph DeFaria is an American film producer. He served as president of animation and innovative technology at Warner Bros. Pictures for four years. In January 2017, he joined DreamWorks Animation in the newly created position of president of the DreamWorks Feature Animation Group. As president, DeFaria oversaw all aspects of DWA's feature animation business, including slate strategy, development, production; innovation and technology; and business affairs prior to his departure in early 2019.
He is a graduate of UCLA, a member of the AMPAS and WGA and a founding member of FilmAid International. He serves on the board of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Early life
DeFaria began his Hollywood career in 1969 as a voice actor playing the part of Peppermint Patty in Peanuts TV specials from the same year until 1973. He also has a sister, Gabrielle "Gai" DeFaria Ritter, who was previously Peppermint Patty's voice before he took over.Career
DeFaria produced the film Tom & Jerry, and he also produced the film Coyote vs. Acme.Prior to establishing Keylight, Chris served as President of DreamWorks Animation where he led the studio’s creative development and technological advancement. Before that he was president of Digital Production and Innovative Technology at Warner Bros. where he founded Warner Animation Group, the studio’s animation division, developed VFX strategies for films like Harry Potter and The Matrix and oversaw initiatives in AI and VR.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Notes |
| 1991 | ...And Then She Was Gone | TV movie |
| 1992 | Amityville: It's About Time | Direct-to-video; Also writer |
| 1993 | Amityville: A New Generation | Direct-to-video; Also writer |
| 1995 | Live Nude Girls | Co-producer |
| 1996 | Tremors 2: Aftershocks | Direct-to-video |
| 2001 | Cats & Dogs | |
| 2021 | Tom & Jerry | |
| 2026 | Coyote vs. Acme |
| Year | Title | Notes |
| 1989 | Double Your Pleasure | TV movie |
| 1990 | She Said No | TV movie |
| 1990 | A Mom for Christmas | TV movie |
| 1991 | What Ever Happened to... | TV movie |
| 1991 | Locked Up: A Mother's Rage | TV movie |
| 1992 | Day-O | TV movie |
| 1992 | A Murderous Affair: The Carolyn Warmus Story | TV movie |
| 1993 | Miracle Child | TV movie |
| 2020 | The Young Witchfinder | TV movie |
Executive producer
- Looney Tunes: Back in Action
- Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole
- Sucker Punch
- Happy Feet Two
- Gravity
- Mad Max: Fury Road
- Ready Player One
- The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
- One Small Hero
- Trolls World Tour
- ''The Croods: A New Age''