FILMMAKERS IN FRANKLIN (FiF Events) – a new Film Event Series, by Leah Allers, presents: “BEAUTY AND
THE BEAST: a Tribute to Roger Allers” Special 35th Anniversary Screening, Q n’ A, and Meet & Greet, with
Director Gary Trousdale
GARY TROUSDALE (Director – BEAUTY AND THE BEAST) is an American animator, storyboard artist, writer,
and director. After studying at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) from 1979–1982, he joined Walt
Disney Feature Animation in 1984 as an effects assistant on THE BLACK CAULDRON (1985). What was
expected to be a six-month assignment became a 20-year career, during which he storyboarded OLIVER &
COMPANY (1988), THE LITTLE MERMAID (1989), THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER (1990), THE RESCUERS DOWN
UNDER (1990), THE LION KING (1994), numerous ROGER RABBIT shorts, and other projects.
He made his directorial debut with Disney’s EPCOT attraction CRANIUM COMMAND before co-directing the
Academy Award®-winning BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (1991), followed by THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE
DAME (1996) and ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE (2001), helping define a generation of Disney animation.
In 2003, Trousdale joined DreamWorks Animation, where he storyboarded MADAGASCAR (2005) before
directing THE MADAGASCAR PENGUINS IN A CHRISTMAS CAPER (2005), SHREK THE HALLS (2007), SCARED
SHREKLESS (2010), and the animated short ROCKY & BULLWINKLE (2014). He later joined DreamWorks’
Theme Park division, where he wrote, designed, and produced attractions and media for Merlin
Entertainments, Motiongate Dubai, Universal Studios, and Comcast NBCUniversal. His work on KUNG FU
PANDA ADVENTURE at Universal Beijing Resort received the 2021 Best New Theme Park Attraction award.
Trousdale continues to write and design stories for television, feature animation, themed entertainment,
and publishing from his home in Lake Arrowhead, California.
LEAH ALLERS (FiF Founder & Producer) grew up in the world of film and animation- literally taking her first
steps in an animation studio. She developed a passion for storytelling from her filmmaker father, Roger
Allers (director of THE LION KING). After studying art, animation and filmmaking in college, and working in
production for several years at Walt Disney Feature Animation, Leah pivoted to a performing arts career.
Leah went on to star as “Amneris” in national and international tours of Disney’s Broadway musical AIDA,
and has sung at the Hollywood Bowl, Dorothy Chandler, and Carnegie Hall. TV credits include DAYS of OUR
LIVES, CRIMINAL MINDS, ONCE UPON A TIME. Her Voice-Over work includes the animated movie, THE
PROPHET, with Liam Neeson, lead dubbing on numerous Netflix series, audiobook narration for Harper
Collins, commercials, promos, and video games.
Leah lives in Franklin, and spends her time working as a Voice Over artist, Actor, Singer, and private Voice
coach. She runs FiF Events, and is currently directing a documentary about her father Roger Allers and his
pivotal work during the ’80s and ’90s Renaissance era of Disney Animation.
FILM DESCRIPTION:
Follow the adventures of Belle, a bright young woman who finds herself in the castle of a prince who’s been turned into a mysterious beast. With the help of the castle’s enchanted staff, Belle soon learns the most important lesson of all — that true beauty comes from within.
*Please be aware the Franklin Theatre does not show previews. Movies will begin at the posted time.
- Naming Rights: “### Presented by ###”
- 4 tickets to sponsored event
- Logo or name recognition on:
- On-site digital signage (marquee and screens)*
- Franklin Theatre website*
- Cross-promoted on social (175k) and email (approx. 75k)*
- Opportunity for lobby giveaways (pending approval from Corporate Sponsorships)
