Red Kite Reveals First-Look Artwork for ‘Nessie Junior’

As the American Film Market (AFM) opens in Los Angeles (November 11–16), Red Kite Animation is introducing a monster-sized family adventure with the CG-animated feature Nessie Junior, presented to buyers by Julia Weber and Alice von Einem at Epsilon Film (AFM contact #338). The project is billed as the first animated feature for the big screen inspired by the legend of the Loch Ness Monster.

“Nessie Junior is a built-in brand, leveraging the globally recognized Loch Ness mystery,” Weber stated in the announcement. “The film follows 13-year-old Kellina on an adventurous family journey as she befriends Finn, Nessie’s grandson, and protects him from ruthless corporate exploitation. The presales realized so far give proof to this elevated concept. With our brilliant partners on board, we’re excited to bring this project to cinemas worldwide.”

Written and directed by Stephen Donnelly (Scrooge: A Christmas Carol, Monster High: Welcome to Monster High) from an original story by Jens Opatz & Matthias Drescher, the film is being developed with script editor Martha MacDiarmid (My Old School). Nessie Junior is currently in advanced development, with production targeted for 2026.

“We’ve always championed stories that speak to families everywhere,” says Ken Anderson, Producer and founder of Red Kite Animation. “With Nessie Junior, we wanted to create something heartfelt and uplifting — a story rooted in Scottish folklore but with universal appeal. And it’s just the beginning of a much bigger story world we’re excited to explore.”

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Scottish Highlands,Nessie Junior brings a fresh perspective to one of the world’s most enduring legends — the Loch Ness Monster, an icon of global fascination and a symbol of Scotland’s storytelling heritage. The film reimagines the legend for a new generation, blending humor, heart and adventure in a story about friendship, courage and the magic of believing in the impossible.

Originating from German producer Matthias Drescher’s FFL FILM, working with producer Uli Schwarz (Dragon Rider), the film is co-produced by the U.K.’s Red Kite Animation and Epsilon Film, with funding support from MFG Baden-Württemberg and Screen Scotland / Creative Scotland. FFL has brought in MARK13 (Germany) as a production partner, while Red Kite has brought in Triggerfish (South Africa/Ireland).

Red Kite Animation is leading the final creative development of the film, with writer-director Donnelly spearheading a new visual direction for the characters in collaboration with a talented team of designers and the creative artists at Triggerfish (Khumba, Adventures in Zambezia).

“With the generous support of MFG Baden-Württemberg and Epsilon, we’ve developed Nessie Junior with care and ambition — always in search of the right co-production partner,” said Drescher. “Teaming up with Ken Anderson and Red Kite proved to be the perfect match. Their creative energy and production experience, combined with the talents of Triggerfish and director Stephen Donnelly, blend beautifully with our team at FFL and studio M.A.R.K.13 in Stuttgart.”