Australia’s Animal Logic to produce animated LEGO feature film in Sydney for Warner Bros.
Acting NSW Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner has announced NSW will be the production base for a new animated feature film based on the popular children’s construction toy LEGO.
Warner Bros. has contracted Academy Award-winning Sydney animation studio Animal Logic to make the family entertainment comedy at Fox Studios Australia, where Mr Stoner made the announcement today alongside Animal Logic CEO Zareh Nalbandian.
The NSW Government has helped secure the production for the State’s film industry with assistance from NSW Trade & Investment’s State Investment Attraction Scheme.
“Congratulations to Animal Logic for beating strong international competition from the US and Canada to secure this major animated film production,” Stoner said.
“The production of LEGO will see up to $48 million spent in NSW, which will include commitments to industry research, development and training. The film will employ over 200 people during its peak. The LEGO film will be based on the popular children’s LEGO building blocks and include licensed LEGO characters.
“Originally designed in the 1940’s in Denmark, LEGO has achieved international appeal and this film is sure to be a hit with children around the world,” Stoner added.
“The film’s directors will be Phil Lord and Chris Miller, who co-directed the 3D animated comedy Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009) which grossed $239 million worldwide.
“LEGO will be an innovative film incorporating the latest animation and photo-real techniques which will demonstrate the strength of NSW creative technology skills and enhance the international reputation of Sydney as a film location. Not only will the securing of LEGO enable Animal Logic to retain staff through an ongoing work schedule but it will also place Sydney in a strong position to secure further work should sequels be planned later.
Says Nalbandian: “LEGO is further testament that Sydney is now established as one of the world’s great digital animation centres. With LEGO, Animal Logic continues to develop and produce ground breaking digital entertainment and to build a talent base that’s second to none anywhere in the world.”
Steve Papazian, president of worldwide physical production for Warner Bros. Pictures, said: “I want to extend my appreciation to the NSW Government for its continued support. We look forward to building upon our valued relationship.”
LEGO is due for release in 2014 with Warner Bros. both producing and distributing the film internationally.
The LEGO film is being written and directed by Lord and Miller, with Chris McKay serving as co-director. Dan Lin and Roy Lee are producing. LEGO Company’s Jill Wilfert will executive produce and Lin Pictures’ Seanne Winslow will co-produce.
3 Comments
Ripper! well done
OK, we need more info. I assume it won’t be another Lego Star Wars film as ILM and Lucas Arts will do all those. Will it be the follow up to Clutch Powers or another Nijago, or a brand new property within lego?
I just hope they don’t do a Pirates of the C or some other existing film property like Harry Potter they have some rights to.
Must know more.
Lynchy. On it!
Good on you guys, I know you will do an amazing job with Lego again.
The Padawan Menance was really well done.
Looking forward to it