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Post by The Ultimate Nullifier on Oct 5, 2014 19:27:37 GMT -6
variety.com/2014/film/news/boxtrolls-partners-focus-laika-teaming-on-three-more-animated-movies-1201320469/Laika and Focus Features, which teamed on “The Boxtrolls,” “Coraline” and “ParaNorman,” will continue their partnership on Laika’s next three projects. Focus will distribute the three movies domestically and Universal Pictures International will release them overseas. “The Boxtrolls” opened last weekend to a $17.3 million gross in the U.S., the biggest debut for a Laika movie. It has also been released in 16 international territories to date, including the U.K., where it has led the box office for two weeks in a row. Stop-motion specialist Laika and Focus did not disclose which titles will be covered under the partnership. The Portland, Ore.-based animation studio announced in 2011 that it had optioned “Wildwood,” a young-adult fantasy novel set in an alternate version of the Oregon city, written by the Decemberists lead singer Colin Meloy and illustrated by his wife, Carson Ellis. In 2012, Laika optioned “Goblins,” an adaptation of a British novelist Philip Reeve’s book with Mark Gustafson (animation director on “Fantastic Mr. Fox”) attached to direct. Focus CEO Peter Schlessel and Laika President and CEO Travis Knight made the announcement Friday about the three-picture deal. “Focus and Laika are kindred spirits,” said Knight. “Over eight years and three films we’ve forged an incredible bond over a shared love for, and commitment to, bold, distinctive, and enduring stories. Peter and his superlative team have created a welcoming home for original voices and enriching, challenging filmmaking. They’re the bravest studio in the world.”
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