Aardman draws up Sony deal

April 03, 2007 U.K. claymation studio Aardman Animations has inked an exclusive three-year, first-look deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment, the two companies said Monday. The Bristol-based studios, home of Oscar-winning animator Nick Park, said the decision to strike a multipicture deal with Sony hinged on "creative freedom," billing it as "the next chapter in the story of Aardman." Aardman chief operating officer and features boss Stephen Moore said the deal means the Bristol company can now attract animation talent "from around the globe" to work in the U.K. "We want to make more Aardman movies," Moore said, describing the Sony deal as being "at the heart of the company's vision."

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