Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group has drawn up a U.S. distribution deal for upcoming CG animation “Planet 51.” SPWAG struck a deal with sales, finance and production house HandMade Films International for the Ilion Animation Studios’ project. SPWAG president Steven Bersch, Ilion Animation Studios CEO Ignacio Perez Dolset and Guy Collins, chairman of HandMade Films International announced the deal Thursday.
“Planet 51” is scheduled for a wide theatrical release by Sony Pictures Releasing under the TriStar Pictures label in November 2009. Directed by Jorge Blanco, along with co-directors Marcos Martinez and Javier Abad, and scripted by Joe Stillman (“Shrek”), “Planet 51” will star the voices of Dwayne Johnson, Jessica Biel, Justin Long, Seann William Scott, Gary Oldman and John Cleese.
Produced by Dolset and Collins, with Peter D. Graves, the movie details the story of an astronaut who lands on Planet 51 and discovers a place inhabited by little green people who live on a white picket-fenced world reminiscent of a cheerfully innocent 1950’s America. Dolset said: “Having Sony come on board with this project is the culmination of a decade-long journey and we are thrilled to be partnering with them in bringing this unique animation experience to cinema-goers in the U.S.”
Article courtesy the Hollywood Reporter.
