Babatunde Akinloye, a visionary filmmaker, talented creative leader, and beloved member of Walt Disney Animation Studios, has passed away, leaving a profound impact on the world of animation and storytelling.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Babatunde’s passion for film and creativity was evident from a young age. He dedicated his life to bringing compelling stories to life, inspiring audiences, and mentoring fellow creatives along the way.
Throughout his career, Babatunde was widely respected for his professionalism, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Most recently, he served as Production Supervisor at Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he played a pivotal role across both Story and Creative Development for upcoming feature projects.
In this role, he worked closely with directors, writers, producers, artists, and studio executives, ensuring that every project maintained its creative vision while achieving strategic production goals. His insightful guidance and leadership were critical in shaping stories that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Babatunde’s professional journey reflected both dedication and versatility. After earning his M.F.A. from USC’s prestigious Peter Stark Producing Program in 2018, he joined MACRO, where he contributed to the development and production of film and television projects at every stage.
He then worked alongside Oscar®-winning Producer Yvett Merino at Walt Disney Animation Studios, gaining invaluable experience in production, post-production, and team leadership on multiple award-winning projects.
Babatunde further expanded his creative expertise at Issa Rae Productions, where he worked on digital and branded content, honing his storytelling instincts and demonstrating remarkable adaptability across a range of media.
Recognized for his talent and potential, Babatunde was selected in 2017 for the inaugural Academy Gold program, a talent development and inclusion initiative by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences for emerging filmmakers.
He also interned with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures’ VFX and Post Production team, gaining firsthand experience in the technical and creative workflows essential to major studio filmmaking.
Babatunde was a proud UCLA graduate, earning his B.A. in Film, Television, and Digital Media from the UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television. During his time at UCLA, he was honored with the Chancellor’s Service Award for his leadership, dedication, and collaborative service to the campus community.
These early accomplishments reflected the character and commitment that would define his professional life. Babatunde Akinloye’s career and life were guided by a dedication to producing bold, inclusive, and meaningful stories that entertain, inspire, and connect audiences around the world.
He leaves behind a legacy of creativity, mentorship, and passion for storytelling, and his influence will continue to resonate within the animation community and beyond.
Babatunde’s memory will forever be cherished by family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched with his talent, generosity, and vision.
