Paramount Feature Animation

Paramount Feature Animation (formerly Richard Gordon & Associates from 1968 to 1991, then Gateway Studios, and later Paramount Animation Studios from 2006 to 2011) is an American animation company owned by Paramount Pictures that existed from 1968 to 2011, when it was folded into Paramount Animation.

1968-1991: Richard Gordon & Associates
In 1968, Richard Gordon, a CalArts graduate started out an animated studio of its own, Richard Gordon & Associates. Gordon hired several former employees of Paramount Cartoon Studios (formerly Famous Studios) to join the company, and inherited much of its staff. Gordon stuck a deal with Paramount to distribute its feature films, and Gordon was a longtime partner with Paramount, thus achieving its biggest success.

The first film The Legend of Hansel & Gretel came out in 1971, and it was a critical and commercial success, setting the map for Paramount's feature animated films.

1991-2006: Paramount Feature Animation
In 1991, Paramount wanted to start an animated studio. The studio bought out Richard Gordon & Associates, an animated production company and decided to rename it Gateway Studios. Some of the members remained intact.

In the December of 1996, it was rebranded into Paramount Feature Animation, so they needed a better name. The first film under the new name was The Rainforest Society.

Most of Paramount's animated films met with box office critical success. In 2002, the studio stopped making traditionally animated films and switched the focus to computer-animated films.

2006-2011: Paramount Animation Studios
In 2006, Brad Grey and Gail Berman rebranded the animation studio into Paramount Animation Studios upon request. The studio shut down in 2011 and employees were absorbed into Paramount Animation.