StudioCanal, UMG going 'Around the World'

3-D animated film directed by 'Fly Me to the Moon' helmer

By Rebecca Leffler

May 16, 2009, 10:56 AM ET

More Cannes coverage

CANNES -- French distributor StudioCanal has partnered with Universal Music Group to release the animated 3-D feature "Around the World in 50 Years," the companies said Friday.

UMG will handle all North American theatrical, nontheatrical DVD and TV rights in addition to the soundtrack album worldwide. StudioCanal will release the film in its three major European territories: France, Germany and the U.K.

Directed by Ben Stassen ("Fly Me to the Moon"), "World" is a "buddy movie with turtles for the 21st century," StudioCanal execs said. Former DreamWorks marketing executive Peter Dunne, an animation consultant for StudioCanal, showed an exclusive 15-minute reel of 3-D footage this week in Cannes.

"Our sales campaign is off to a really strong start, and I'm confident that we will secure our other distribution partners very quickly," said Harold Van Lier, StudioCanal's executive vp international sales.

"World" is set to be released at the end of 2010.

StudioCanal, UMG going 'Around the World'

3-D animated film directed by 'Fly Me to the Moon' helmer

By Rebecca Leffler

May 16, 2009, 10:56 AM ET