Independent distributor Viva Kids has acquired the animated films “Treasure Trekkers,”“Space Cadet,” and “Pirate Mo and the Legend of the Red Ruby” to add to its upcoming release calendar; specific dates to be announced later.
“Treasure Trekkers”is based on J.S. Friedman’s children’s book series “Maurice’s Valises,” which follows the “adventures of young explorers on quests around the world.” Directed by Kevin Munroe, the film features a voice cast including Alan Cumming, Jack McBrayer, Greg Cipes, Tara Strong, Meredith Bull, and John DiMaggio.
Directed by Kid Koala (Eric San) and featuring Karen and Emilíana Torrini, “Space Cadet” tells the tale of “astronaut Celeste who launches into space on her first solo mission, leaving behind Robot, the guardian who raised her. Alone for the first time, each must confront what it means to let go. As Celeste faces unexpected dangers in the vast reaches of space,her memories become her only compass.”
Adapted from the children’s book “Seeräubermoses” by Kirsten Boie, “Pirate Mo and the Legend of the Red Ruby” is “a swashbuckling adventure full of heart, guts, and hope for a better world, led by a young girl whose goodness is matched only by her derring-do.” The film is directed by Florian Westerman.
The deals were negotiated by Mayank Jhalani for Viva Pictures, Jason Bressand for “Treasure Trekkers,” Florencia Gil for “Space Cadet” and Gamze Celik for “Pirate Mo and the Legend of the Red Ruby.”
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Thursday, June 18
Crayola Studios Names Nicole Graves as Winner of Kids’ Content Development Initiative
Crayola Studios, the children’s and family entertainment content division of Crayola, has named Nicole Graves as the first-ever winner of its Kids’ Content Development Initiative, in partnership with Geena Davis and the Bentonville Film Festival.
Graves will receive $10,000 and the opportunity for development of the winning concept by Crayola Studios for her series “ImagINN.” The animated series for children 6 to 11 sees kids check into a colorful hotel that helps them navigate big emotions through imagination, creativity, and self-expression.
Sabrina Wiewel, EVP and Head of Crayola Studios, said: “We were blown away by the imagination, heart, and originality of the submissions to this new initiative, designed to create opportunities for creatives with fresh perspectives and original ideas that can inspire the next generation. Our five finalists all created exceptionally strong and intriguing proposals, making it a hard task to choose just one, but we were totally captivated by [winner’s] presentation which aligns perfectly with Crayola’s values. Now we look forward to working together to develop the idea into exciting new content to engage and inspire young viewers.”
Crayola Studios also announced a development deal with Kickstart Entertainment for “Create the Impossible,” a new live-action STEAM series for kids co-created by astronaut, MIT-engineer turned Emmy-nominated science TV host Emily Calandrelli and multi Emmy and Peabody award-winning executive Maria Pepin.
Emily Calandrelli said: “I’m thrilled to be partnering with Kickstart Entertainment and Crayola Studios on Create the Impossible. Crayola has inspired generations of kids to think creatively, making them the perfect partner for a show that celebrates imagination, experimentation, and big ideas. Together, we’ll challenge kids to dream boldly, embrace curiosity, and discover what can happen when art and engineering collide!”
Wagner Moura and Greta Lee Fight for Survival in ‘The Last House’ Trailer
Netflix has released the trailer for “The Last House,” starring Greta Lee and Wagner Moura.
Per the official description, the sci-fi thriller is directed by Louis Leterrier and follows “a family of four who are suddenly sealed inside their home with no way out. They must work together to survive against both their dwindling resources and the mysterious threat keeping them trapped.”
Gabriel Barbosa, Emma Ho, Noah Alexander Sosnowski, and Riley Chung round out the cast.
“The Last House” marks Moura’s first film since his Academy Award-nominated performance in “The Secret Agent.” Lee — who is best known for her work in “Past Lives” and will appear in “Toy Story 5” this month — adds the film to her body of work exploring identity, relationships, and personal growth.
The film premieres globally on Netflix on August 7.
Watch the trailer below.
Wednesday, June 17
Jimmy Stewart Biopic ‘Jimmy’ to Open Heartland Film Festival
The upcoming Jimmy Stewart biopic “Jimmy” is set to open the Heartland Film Festival on October 8.
With KJ Apa leading the cast as the Oscar-winning performer, “Jimmy” tells the untold true story of Stewart’s life, following his experience filming “The Philadelphia Story” to enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps at the beginning of World War II. The film was directed and produced by Aaron Burns; the screenplay is written by Justin Strawhand, Max Casella plays “It’s a Wonderful Life” director Frank Capra, Kara Killmer plays Lady Julia and Variety‘s own Marc Malkin plays Glenn Miller.
“We’re thrilled to have the festival world premiere of ‘Jimmy’ at the Heartland Film Festival ahead of its nationwide release,” producer Angela Galgani Sullivan said in a statement. “Jimmy Stewart’s spirit has long been celebrated at Heartland, and for good reason. He was a Hollywood legend, but at his core, he remained a small-town Pennsylvania kid shaped by service, humility, faith, and community. There’s no more fitting place to introduce his story to the world.”
“Jimmy” will release in theaters by Fathom Entertainment November 6. The Heartland Film Festival runs October 8-18 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Art Directors Guild to Return to Beverly Hilton for Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards in February
The Art Directors Guild has announced that its 31st Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards will be held Feb. 27 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif.
According to a statement, the ADG Awards “celebrate excellence in production design and recognize the creative vision and artistry of production designers, art directors, scenic, title and graphic artists, illustrators, matte artists, model makers, set designers, and other design professionals whose work helps shape the visual language of film, television, commercials, music videos and animated features.”
This year’s awards ceremony will be produced by Megan Elizabeth Bell, ADG, and Kate Weddle, ADG. The 2027 event marks the Guild’s return to the hotel and will feature updated Awards Rules, including a strengthened Code of Conduct and new submission guidance for projects under non-disclosure agreements.
“The 31st Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards celebrate the extraordinary artists whose creativity, collaboration and vision help define the visual worlds audiences experience on screen,” said Dina Lipton, President of the Art Directors Guild. “Production design is at the heart of visual storytelling, and these awards honor the remarkable contributions of our members across film, television, commercials, music videos and animation. We are proud to continue this tradition of recognizing excellence and are delighted to have Megan Elizabeth Bell and Kate Weddle leading this year’s awards production team.”
Tuesday, June 16
Psychological Thriller ‘Eternal Properties’ Adds Kahyun Kim and Nick Ballard to Cast
Kahyun Kim and Nick Ballard have boarded the psychological sci-fi thriller “Eternal Properties.”
Kim, known for her starring role on “St. Denis Medical,” and Ballard, known for “Rosario,” join a cast rounded out by Betsy Hume, Nils Stewart, Travis Lincoln Cox and Michael Guarsaci. “Eternal Properties,” which is currently filming in Carmel, California, follows a private nurse named Sabrina (Kim) as she turns the same age her mother was when she died of ovarian cancer.
“Her newest patient, Julian Milton (Ballard), is an eccentric tech entrepreneur conducting a longevity experiment known as Project Paradigm from his secluded coastal compound,” an official synopsis reads. “When he offers the chance for Sabrina to join the trial as its first female participant, she can’t resist. But Sabrina soon learns that cheating death comes at a dangerous cost.”
Maceo Greenberg directs from Laura Picklesimer’s script, based on characters from her upcoming novel. Greenberg and Picklesimer produce under their Story Well Productions banner, in addition to Hannah Mendelson and co-producer Cameron Hahn.