Lionsgate announced that it will partner with Crest Animation Studios to co-produce NORM OF THE NORTH, a stereoscopic 3-D animated family feature, according to COMINGSOON.NET.

As part of their three-picture deal, Lionsgate will manage distribution in North America.

The film is written by Steven and Daniel Altiere and it's scheduled to hit theaters in early 2012. Ken Katsumoto, executive VP of family entertainment at Lionsgate, will oversee production for Lionsgate while Richard Rich, president of animation at Crest Animation, will oversee for Crest.