Les Armateurs and StudioCanal have lined up the voice cast for their feature ERNEST AND CELESTINE, reports Variety. Lambert Wilson (THE MATRIX RELOADED) will lend his voice to Ernest, a bear who wants to be an artist. He strikes up a friendship with the energetic old mouse Celestine, who will be voiced by Belgian stage actress Anne-Marie Loop. Additionally, Dominique Collignon (A CHRISTMAS CAROL) will play a dentist.
French author Daniel Pennac penned the script based on Gabrielle Vincent's book series, which the film takes its visual style from. Benjamin Renner is co-directing with the A TOWN CALLED PANIC team of Vincent Patar and Stephane Aubier. Belgium's Digital Graphics is providing the watercolor effect on the film.
StudioCanal will release the film in France, Germany and U.K. They also handle the worldwide rights. Maybe Movies, Belgium's Le Parti and Luxembourg's Melusine are also producing. Copyright Promotions Licensing Group (CPLG) will handle licensing.
The producers will be ready for release in early 2013.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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