Illumination Entertainment

About

Illumination Entertainment, founded by Chris Meledandri in 2007, is a leading animation studio known for its successful franchises like Despicable Me and Minions. The studio's first film, Despicable Me, released in 2010, was a commercial success, grossing $543 million worldwide. This was followed by Hop and The Lorax, but it was the Despicable Me series that truly catapulted Illumination to fame. The studio's partnership with Universal Pictures allows it to finance and distribute films globally. Illumination's success is rooted in its ability to create films with simple yet effective storytelling, appealing to a broad audience. The studio's films often combine humor with heart, making them family-friendly. Despite its massive box office success, Illumination has seen limited recognition at the Oscars, with only a few nominations. However, its franchises have become cultural phenomena, with characters like the Minions becoming iconic. Illumination continues to expand its portfolio with new franchises and collaborations, such as The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Its studios in Santa Monica and Paris contribute to its distinct European and American style.