Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Hollywood animator who directed the first film from Laika Studios in Portland, has left the company. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

Henry Selick joined Laika five years ago when owner Phil Knight chose him as an artistic leader.  Selick garnered praise last year for Laika’s first motion picture Coraline.

Coraline proved to be a great success with ticket sales topping $120 million so far.

Laika’s chief executive, Travis Knight, issued a statement saying: “Henry is a brilliant, inspirational, and visionary artist whose contributions are indelibly etched into the very DNA of Laika.”

In the same statement, Selick said: “I appreciate the commitment that Laika and the Knights have made to stop-motion filmmaking and wish them continued success.”

No reason was given for Selick’s departure except that his contract has expired. 

Laika laid off 65 members of its staff last month.

The company is in the final stages of choosing its next film. Pre-production could start this fall, but it’ll still be a few years before a new Laika movie is in theaters.