Les Armateurs has announced that it will go into production on a prequel to its Annecy grand prize-winning feature KIRIKOU AND THE SORCERESS, titled THE CHILD KIRIKOU, reported VARIETY. Michel Ocelot, director and writer of the original, will write the new tale and direct it along with Benedicte Galup. Ocelot will split the directing duties because he is working on another project. The film has a budget set at $6 million and should reach theaters by the end of 2005.
The success of Les Armateurs began with KIRIKOU AND THE SORCERESS, which was a surprise international hit. The company's success only grew with the phenomenal success of Sylvain Chomet's THE TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE, which was nominated for an Oscar for Outstanding Animated Feature. The firm is in negotiations with Chomet to produce his next feature, BARBACOA.
Established in 1993, Les Armateurs is a Paris-based TV and feature animation production company. For more information, visit www.lesarmateurs.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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