The Los Angeles community is mourning the loss of Babatunde Akinloye, a dedicated and talented filmmaker and Disney animation professional, whose unexpected passing has touched many. Babatunde, born and raised in Los Angeles, was known for his passion for storytelling and his exceptional leadership in the world of animation and film production.
Babatunde had been making significant strides in his career at Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he recently served as a Production Supervisor overseeing both Story and Creative Development on upcoming feature projects. In this role, he worked closely with directors, writers, producers, artists, and studio executives, guiding projects from initial concept through early production phases.
His ability to balance creative vision with strategic execution made him a valued collaborator and leader within the studio. He earned his M.F.A. from USC’s Peter Stark Producing Program in 2018, a testament to his dedication to honing his craft. Before joining Disney, Babatunde supported MACRO’s film and television projects across all development and production stages.
His impressive career further included assisting Oscar®-winning Producer Yvett Merino at Walt Disney Animation Studios on multiple acclaimed projects, enriching his experience in production, post-production, and team leadership. Babatunde also gained hands-on filmmaking experience at Issa Rae Productions, where he worked on digital and branded content, strengthening his storytelling instincts and production versatility.
In addition to his professional achievements, Babatunde was recognized for his leadership and commitment to diversity and inclusion. He was selected by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences for the inaugural Academy Gold program in 2017—a talent development initiative aimed at supporting emerging filmmakers.
He also interned with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures’ VFX and Post Production teams, gaining valuable insight into the technical and creative workflows of major studio filmmaking. A proud graduate of UCLA’s School of Theater, Film & Television with a B.A. in Film, Television, and Digital Media, Babatunde was honored with the UCLA Chancellor’s Service Award for his leadership and collaborative spirit.
His journey exemplifies a passion for producing bold, inclusive stories that inspire and connect audiences around the world. Babatunde Akinloye’s passing is a profound loss to the film community and all who knew him. His legacy as a creative leader and storyteller will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers. The Los Angeles community mourns the loss of a remarkable young talent whose life was dedicated to shaping meaningful and impactful stories.
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