Empire Pictures has signed an agreement with Transcience Corp. to develop an animated film and possible franchise from the infamous children's toy line, THE AMAZING LIVE SEA-MONKEYS, reports VARIETY. As part of the deal, Empire obtained entertainment rights to the line, which has been sold in more than 50 countries over the past 45 years.
Empire founder/president Michael Birnbaum plans to start with an animated feature, but hopes to spinoff a television series and merchandising later on. Birnbaum is meeting with writers to develop the story before taking the project to the studios.
Created by created by inventor Harold von Braunhut, SEA-MONKEYS debuted in 1960. Transcience owns the Sea-Monkeys brand, which is distributed by Educational Insights.
Transcience CEO Yolanda von Braunhut said, "Dozens of producers have inquired about making a Sea-Monkeys film over the years, but Michael's passion and vision made him the clear choice to guide these lovable and telepathic beings who want to be our friends on their journey to the silver screen.
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