Mexicos #2 television network TV Azteca entered the theatrical feature film distribution business with the release of the 3D animated, PIRATES EN EL PACIFICO (PIRATES IN THE PACIFIC), reports VARIETY. TV Azteca partnered with leading exhibitor Cinepolis on the venture and is set to release the film in the U.S. this fall.
Showing on 100 screens, the movie grossed almost $260,000 in its first weekend, beating the debuts of HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE, BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE and THE BAD NEWS BEARS. TV Azteca exec Javier Arnau says the film is exceeding expectation and is on track to gross $2 million in Mexico alone. The film opened in Lima on 35 screens and in Bolivia on six.
Peruvian film company AlpaMayo Ent. produced the film for $530,000.
TV Azteca will also distribute AplaMayos DRAGONES (DRAGONS) next year. The net is seeking other projects to distribute.
TV Aztecas' larger rival Televisa has its own film distribution and production division, Videocine.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
