It looks like Aardman Studio's have found a new home. After their exclusive deal with
Dreamworks was cut prematurely earlier this year, the news today is the British based company is in final negotiations on a three year deal with Sony. Amy Pascal, the Chief Executive Officer of Sony said this in a statement....
"We have been huge fans of Aardman films for a long time and this deal greatly expands Sony's commitment to animation in the worldwide marketplace. Aardman makes movies with lively humor, great stories, and fun distinctive visuals. They have boundless creative energy and a passion for animation that is hard to resist. We couldn't be more excited about working with the entire Aardman team."
David Sproxton, the co-founder of Aardman also chimed in with his two cents...
"We know from experience that we create our best work when we do it from our home base here in Bristol, using first class talent from the nation and around the world. It is Aardman's intention to expand this community to produce more world class animated feature films. Pete, Nick and I are delighted to find a partner in Sony that shares our vision and believes in our core values, who will support and encourage us to produce our finest work. We are all very excited by the potential and have a number of projects we are keen to bring to fruition with this new relationship."
The press release hints at Aardman making a movie every 18 months, with varying sized budgets and some even CGI.... which didn't work so well with
Flushed Away. One of the big clinchers for Aardman in the deal, was that they could keep their main base of operations in Bristol UK rather than moving to the States. To read the whole press release,
click here.
Monster House,
Open Season and the upcoming
Surf's Up are the only animated movies that Sony Pictures Animation have produced so far, the former two to only a varying success. This deal with Aardman is a huge coup for them, as it's a big brand name and with more
Wallace and Gromit movies likely on the way.... it could turn out to be a very custody deal indeed. For us, the movie obsessive...... this is fantastic news. A company who are willing to invest for future Wallace and Gromit movies can only be a good thing, although I still think the series is at it's strongest in 30 minute doses. source -
coming soon