Warner Bros. Lego Film Lands Down Under

SYDNEY -- Sydney-based animation and digital effects house Animal Logic is to make the world's most beloved building bricks into an animated feature in a Lego film, Warner Bros. and New South Wales minister for trade and investment, Andrew Stoner announced on Wednesday.

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“The production of Lego will see up to $48 million spent in NSW, which will include commitments to industry research, development and training. The film will employ over 200 people during its peak. Congratulations to Animal Logic for beating strong international competition from the U.S. and Canada to secure this major animated film production,” Stoner said.

The film, which will incorporate the latest animation and photo-real techniques will be written and directed by the Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs pairing of Phil Lord and Chris Miller, with Chris McKay serving as co-director. Dan Lin and Roy Lee are producing. Lego Co’s. Jill Wilfert will executive produce and Lin Pictures’ Seanne Winslow will co-produce. Original characters and Leg- licensed charadters will feature in the film.

The phenomenon of  what is known as "brick-filming," the creation of stop motion films using plastic toys such as Lego by amateur and professional filmmakers alike, has grown substantially via YouTube in the last few years.

“Not only will the securing of Lego enable Animal Logic to retain staff through an ongoing work schedule but it will also place Sydney in a strong position to secure further work should sequels be planned later,” Stoner said.

“Lego is further testament that Sydney is now established as one of the world’s great digital animation centers, Animal Logic CEO Zareh Nalbandian added.

Animal Logic is currently working on the lead animation and visual effects work for Walking with Dinosaurs 3D for Evergreen Films and BBC Earth.

Lego is due for release in 2014 with Warner Bros. producing and distributing the film internationally.