Sony Pictures Classics has picked up the North American rights to Sylvain Chomet's THE ILLUSIONIST, reports IndieWire. The story comes from an unproduced script from comedic master Jacques Tati. Pathe produced. Sony released Chomet's previous animated feature, THE TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILE.

Taking place in Edinburgh, Scotland, the film follows a troupe of vaudeville performers at the beginning of the TV and rock 'n roll era.

Bob Last, Jake Eberts and Philippe Carcassonne produced the film.

Sony hopes to have the film in theaters by the end of 2010.