The Weinstein Co. (TWC), The Gotham Group and the Chungcheongnam-do government of South Korea have formed an extensive, strategic relationship to produce and distribute animated feature films. The deal, which includes a multi-year first-look arrangement between TWC and Gotham, was structured by Jon Vein on behalf of Gotham, and Mariel Clemensen of Clemensen Capital. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The projects produced by the venture will be based on work from Gotham’s clients, as well as outside sources. TWC, the Media Center of Chungcheongnam-do and The Gotham Group will serve as producers on the movies, which will be principally co-produced in the Chungcheongnam-do Province of South Korea. TWC will handle worldwide distribution on all titles, with the Chungcheongnam-do government providing support in certain Asian markets.
“This is an innovative and exciting deal to be a part of and we are glad to be working with some of the best animators and animation companies in the business,” say Weinstein Co. co-Chairmen Harvey and Bob Weinstein. “The beauty of animated film is that it speaks to all audiences around the world and transcends language, age and cultural barriers.”
Hee Sup Kim, chief manager of Media Center of Chungcheongnam-do, adds, “Korea and its animation production companies have been at the center of the television animation business for years but have outsourced jobs only to this point. Now we want to extend further to the animated theatrical film business by being co-producer with prominent partners in the U.S.’
Since the successful theatrical bow of Kanbar Ent.’s Hoodwinked, TWC has released the box office hit TMNT, and has taken on a number of independent CG-animated movies, including Escape From Planet Earth with Rainmaker Animation, Opus with Wild Brain Inc., Cricket In Times Square and Hoodwinked 2: Hood vs. Evil. TWC recently picked up Exodus Film Group’s upcoming toon feature, Igor, and the two companies formed a strategic alliance to jointly develop, produce and finance a slate of CG-animated feature films, DVD titles and television series.
