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Andrew Fitzpatrick<\/b>, Chairman of\u00a0Monster Entertainment, the Dublin-based distribution, production, and brand management company is the 13th recipient of the Murakami award.<\/p>\n
On receiving news of the award, Andrew said\u00a0 \u201cI am really thrilled to receive this great recognition. Being part of the vibrant and incredibly talented animation industry here in Ireland has been such a privilege. The creativity, passion, and innovation within this community are unmatched, and it\u2019s the collaboration with so many inspiring individuals that has made my journey so special. The Murakami award is the ultimate accolade in the animation scene in Ireland and of the amazing people I\u2019ve had the pleasure of working with throughout my career.\u00a0 I am so pleased to receive Jimmy\u2019s award, this one, I will truly treasure\u201d.<\/p>\n
From 1985 -1995, Andrew ran\u00a0Don Bluth Studios, the largest animation studio in Europe at the time.\u00a0 The studio was behind\u00a0The Land Before Time,\u00a0All Dogs Go to Heaven\u00a0and the highest-grossing animated feature of all time\u00a0An American Tail.\u00a0\u00a0Andrew raised over\u00a0$160 million\u00a0for the studio\u2019s films. After Don Bluth closed in 1995, Andrew helped bring\u00a0The Storykeepers\u00a0(tv series) to life, which was later one of the most successful Irish animation series.<\/p>\n
Andrew and Monster Entertainment have been involved in several acclaimed works, including Adam Elliott\u2019s\u00a0Harvie Krumpet\u00a0(Oscar-winning) with other notable Oscar nominated works including\u00a0The Mysterious Geographic Explorations of Jasper\u00a0Morello\u00a0and\u00a0Give Up Yer Aul Sins.<\/p>\n
Commenting on the award, now in its 11th year,\u00a0\u00a0Ethna Murakami\u00a0said\u00a0 \u201cWe are truly delighted that Andrew Fitzpatrick is the recipient of this year\u2019s Murakami Award. A dear friend of Jimmy\u2019s, held in the highest regard both professionally and personally. Finnegans in Dalkey will always hold a special place, where over the years, their friendship and shared memories truly flourished!\u201d<\/p>\n
Andrew\u2019s background showcases a wealth of experience in animation, from studio leadership to global distribution. His work has not only shaped successful animated projects but has also had a significant impact on the global entertainment industry. Monster Entertainment specialises in financing and distributing television series worldwide, with its catalogue reaching over 200 countries. Some of its flagship projects include:<\/p>\n
\n- Jungle Beat (sold in 196 countries)<\/li>\n
- The Day Henry Met (sold in 193 countries)<\/li>\n
- Earth to Luna (sold to over 100 countries)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Monster\u2019s portfolio also features adult animation, documentaries, and shorts, including Oscar-winning and Emmy-winning animated works. At\u00a0Cartoon Forum 2013, Monster won the\u00a0Distributor of the Year\u00a0award, and was nominated again in\u00a02023. Before\u00a0Brown Bag Films\u00a0was acquired by\u00a09 Story Media Group, Monster distributed most of the studio\u2019s productions.<\/p>\n
Cathal Gaffney, Managing Director, Brown Bag Films added\u00a0 \u201cAndrews extensive career spans back to the Don Bluth era, and he has produced and distributed countless Irish animated films and tv programmes internationally. Andrew is at the very heart of the Irish animation industry, and he has always been extremely generous with his time for younger studios and producers. The Murakami Award is a highly celebrated award and is going to a very deserving recipient. \u2018<\/p>\n
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