Spurred by the box office success of the first animated PATORUZITO film, Jorge Rodriguez of Red Lojo Ent. has announced plans to exploit the franchise in features, television and merchandising, reports VARIETY. The story follows a boy who fights to claim the title of cacique (chief) of his tribe in Patagonia. A new studio will launch in April to handle the animation on the property.
"We hope to produce at least one animated feature every two years," said co-producer Jorge Rodriguez, who owns rights to the 75-year-old cartoon boy, based on a character created by Dante Quinterno. "He is Argentina's very own Mickey Mouse and is just as old.
The original film, directed by Jose Luis Massa and produced by 150 local animators, garnered more than 2 million admissions. Co-producer Patagonik Film Group owns worldwide rights to the movie and has named Spain-based Latido as its international sales agent.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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