The Weinstein Company has picked up the rights for English-language and Latin American territories for 3-D animated pic ‘Niko and the Way to the Stars’, co-produced by Ireland’s Magma Films.
The Christmas pic is co-produced by Magma Films, Germany’s Ulysees (Magma’s sister company), Denmark’s A Film and Finland’s Anima Vitae. ‘Niko and the Way to the Stars’ follows the adventures of Niko, a little earth-bound reindeer who dreams of flying like his father, one of the elite troop that pulls Santa Claus' sleigh on Christmas Eve. When Niko uncovers a plot by the Big Bad Wolf and his pack to replace Santa's sleigh-pulling troupe, Niko sets off to warn his dad.
Written by Galway-based Icelandic writer Marteinn Thorisson, the €6.1 million film is directed by Danish director Michale Hetner, who also helmed Magma’s ‘Ugly Duckling and Me’. Production on the film is being shared between Galway and the other European animation houses; with writing, voice recording and post-production taking place at Magma’s Galway HQ.
The distribution deal was negotiated by Barry Gordon, executive vice president of home entertainment, Laine Kline, senior VP of business and legal affairs, on behalf of TWC; and Irina Ignatiew, executive VP, international and Kilian Steiner, head of business and legal affairs, for German distributers Telepool, which is handling international sales.
‘Niko’, supported by the Irish Film Board, has sold in more than 100 territories, and will reach theatres next year in time for the holiday season. Universum is releasing the film in Germany, Nordisk in Scandinavia and Filmax in Spain.
