Exodus Film Group announced that Magnolia Pictures has acquired North America distribution rights to its CG-animated feature THE HERO OF COLOR CITY. The film is the tale of a colorful and diverse band of crayons as they strive to protect their magical, multi-hued homeland from an evil tyrant that threatens to rid their world of joy and color. The crayons of Color City each have personalities that humorously complement their color: Red sports a fiery attitude, Blue is cool, calm and collected and Yellow, the heroine, is the most timid and fearful crayon in town.
The first mark a child will often make in their life is with a crayon, said exec producer Max Howard. What better way to encourage and inspire children than with a vivid world of crayons brought to life.
We're excited to be partnering with Exodus on THE HERO OF COLOR CITY. They've put together a great concept with a fantastic animation team for something that has the potential to be a children's classic, added Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles.
Magnolia truly is a unique independent distribution company with a fresh approach to releasing theatrical films, said Exodus president John D. Eraklis. Their entrepreneurial drive makes them an ideal partner for launching a new family franchise.
The screenplay was written by J.P. McCormick and Rich Raczelowski and is targeted for a fall 2007 release. Howard is a veteran animation exec who has collaborated on such animated blockbusters as Disneys THE LION KING and ALADDIN, as well as Warner Bros. SPACE JAM and THE IRON GIANT. Exodus consumer products group, led by licensing veteran Bruce Auerbach, will be complementing the theatrical and home video releases with a line of merchandise, art supplies and educational products.
Magnolia Pictures, an independent distributor, recently released Pierre Morels DISTRICT B13, Roger Donaldsons THE WORLDS FASTEST INDIAN, Alex Gibneys Academy Award-nominated documentary ENRON: THE SMARTEST GUYS IN THE ROOM and the successful multi-platform release of Steven Soderberghs BUBBLE. Upcoming films include Bong Joon-hos THE HOST, Christopher Smiths SEVERANCE and Nicolas Winding Refns THE PUSHER TRILOGY. Magnolia Pictures is part of a vertically-integrated group of media properties co-owned by Todd Wagner and Mark Cuban that also includes the Landmark Theatres chain, production companies HDNet Films and 2929 Prods. and high-definition cable networks HDNet and HDNet Movies.
Led by president/ceo John D. Eraklis, Exodus Film Group was founded in an effort to create a one-stop entertainment company capable of producing content on a realistic budget. Exodus acquires, develops and finances intellectual properties, taking them from inception to distribution. Exodus is primarily focused on family-oriented films with CG-animation content.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
