EXCLUSIVE:
Goodfellas Animation has taken on international sales for Andy Serkis’ animated adaptation of
Animal Farm
, based on the iconic novella by George Orwell.
Next week, the firm will present the movie to potential buyers in Cannes before its global debut at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June.
Lord of the Rings
and
Planet of the Apes
Actor Serkis has assembled a star-studded voice cast including Seth Rogen, Gaten Matarazzo, Steve Buscemi, Glenn Close, Laverne Cox, Kieran Culkin, Woody Harrelson, Jim Parsons, Andy Serkis, Kathleen Turner, and Iman Vellani to breathe new life into this classic fable.
Directed by Serkis and penned by Nick Stoller,
Animal Farm
is a modern adaptation of George Orwell’s classic novel, one of the most widely read books in history with countless copies sold and translations in more than 250 languages.
The narrative centers around a band of barnyard creatures who revolt against their human caretakers and seize control of the farm. However, they encounter fresh difficulties when a sly boar called Napoleon (Rogen) assumes leadership. With problems mounting, the animals realize that toppling the old regime is merely the start. They must muster the bravery needed to confront Napoleon and rescue Animal Farm from his grasp.
The Goodfellas crew boasts an impressive background in animation, having previously taken care of Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli projects, starting with
Spirited Away
and most recently an Academy Award-winning movie
The Lad and the Heron
, as well as
The Little Prince
,
Red Turtle
,
Summit of the Gods
, and
Where is Anne Frank
.
“We are delighted to present this fresh and contemporary interpretation of George Orwell’s enduring story, which we believe will captivate both kids and grown-ups. Following the success with such classics as
The Little Prince
with great success, we truly believe in the commercial potential of the film internationally,” said Goodfellas CEO Vincent Maraval.
“Goodfellas Animation pursues its tradition of promoting high quality, thought-provoking films accessible to all. We are grateful to Aniventure for trusting us with this incredible project.”
Aniventure and Imaginarium are producing with Adam Nagle (
Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank
), Dave Rosenbaum (
Riverdance: The Animated Adventure
), Jonathan Cavendish (
Bridget Jones’s Diary
), and Andy Serkis. Harrelson also serves as executive producer alongside Matt Reeves (
The Batman
,
Planet of the Apes
). Animation was provided by Cinesite, produced by Connie Nartonis Thompson (
Frankenweenie
). Casting is by Margery Simkin (
Avatar
,
Erin Brokovich
).
Goodfellas Animation, which is a rebrand of
Gebeka International
with the same team in place, is also handling sales on two animated features films in Cannes Official Selection:
Arco
, by Ugo Bienvenu, produced by Felix de Givry, Natalie Portman and Sophie Mas, and
Little Amélie
, by Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han, produced by Nidia Santiago, Edwina Liard, Claire Lacombe and Henri Magalon.
Both animated features will also play in Annecy.
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