Animation Dingle honours Andrew Fitzpatrick, Monster Entertainment with the prestigious Murakami Award
Skwigly
Andrew Fitzpatrick, Chairman of Monster Entertainment, the Dublin-based distribution, production, and brand management company is the 13th recipient of the Murakami award.
On receiving news of the award, Andrew said “I 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’s 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’ve had the pleasure of working with throughout my career. I am so pleased to receive Jimmy’s award, this one, I will truly treasure”.
From 1985 -1995, Andrew ran Don Bluth Studios, the largest animation studio in Europe at the time. The studio was behind The Land Before Time, All Dogs Go to Heaven and the highest-grossing animated feature of all time An American Tail. Andrew raised over $160 million for the studio’s films. After Don Bluth closed in 1995, Andrew helped bring The Storykeepers (tv series) to life, which was later one of the most successful Irish animation series.
Andrew and Monster Entertainment have been involved in several acclaimed works, including Adam Elliott’s Harvie Krumpet (Oscar-winning) with other notable Oscar nominated works including The Mysterious Geographic Explorations of Jasper Morello and Give Up Yer Aul Sins.
Commenting on the award, now in its 11th year, Ethna Murakami said “We are truly delighted that Andrew Fitzpatrick is the recipient of this year’s Murakami Award. A dear friend of Jimmy’s, 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!”
Andrew’s 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:
- Jungle Beat (sold in 196 countries)
- The Day Henry Met (sold in 193 countries)
- Earth to Luna (sold to over 100 countries)
Monster’s portfolio also features adult animation, documentaries, and shorts, including Oscar-winning and Emmy-winning animated works. At Cartoon Forum 2013, Monster won the Distributor of the Year award, and was nominated again in 2023. Before Brown Bag Films was acquired by 9 Story Media Group, Monster distributed most of the studio’s productions.
Cathal Gaffney, Managing Director, Brown Bag Films added “Andrews 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. ‘