Podcast Episode 16: Disney Dreams: Jay Francis on Turning Hardships into Triumphs

We sat down with Jay Francis, Vice President, Current and Development, Disney Television Animation, to discuss how he turned challenges into opportunities, confidently pivoted his career, and embraced collaboration for growth.

Jay Francis is Vice President, Current and Development, Disney Television Animation (TVA). He recently joined BaR Productions as the creative executive partnering with Executive Producers Bruce Smith and Ralph Farquhar, the creative team behind The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. Jay identifies, develops, and produces authentic and culturally relevant stories for both animated and live action series and movies. 

Prior to accepting his recent position, Jay was the VP, Content & Inclusion, responsible for managing the creative direction of production on current series for Disney TVA and working closely with the development and recruitment teams to identify, secure and mentor diverse creative talent for Disney TVA and Disney Junior. 

Francis joined Disney TVA in 2007. During his tenure, he has overseen creative direction on a multitude of original animated series including Disney’s five-time Emmy® Award-winning “Phineas and Ferb,” Emmy® Award-nominated “Big City Greens,” “Amphibia,” “Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero,” “Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja,” and most recently, the Disney+ original animated adventure movie “Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe.” 

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Francis received a Bachelor of Science in Television and Film Production from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. He is a member of Disney’s Leadership Learning Advisory Board, Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and ASIFA-Hollywood.