Latest news with #GlobalConstellation
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Global Constellation Unveils Ambitious Animation Slate at Annecy (EXCLUSIVE)
Global Constellation, the financing and international sales outfit recently formed through the union of London- and Paris-based Film Constellation with Munich's Global Screen, is making a strong showing at the Annecy Animation Festival as it unveils its animation slate. Global Constellation, part of Vuelta Group's international sales division Playtime Group, has six high-caliber animated features in production and slated for delivery in 2025 and 2026, and additional titles in advanced development for 2027 and beyond. More from Variety Tencent Video Strikes European Deal for 'Blades of the Guardian' With ADN (EXCLUSIVE) Annecy Player 'The Mourning Children' Seeks to Give Life to Recorded History Post 'Flow,' the Baltics Bring a Magnificent Seven of New Animation Titles to Annecy Fabien Westerhoff, managing director – film, Global Constellation, said: 'Animation is a key pillar of our strategy, and this slate signals the scale of our ambition. We're curating projects that combine strong market appeal with the distinct creative signatures of Europe's most exciting talents. This is about building globally-minded, theatrically viable animation that travels, both commercially and culturally.' In Cannes, Global Constellation unveiled a new promo for underwater CG adventure 'The Last Whale Singer' from director Reza Memari ('Richard the Stork'), which is slated for delivery by the end of the year. Produced by Telescope Animation, the feature blends heart, humor and high-stakes adventure for audiences from the age of 6-plus, as we follow Vincent, a not-so-ordinary teenage whale on a deep-sea mission. When a legendary sea monster breaks free from its icy prison and threatens to destroy the oceans, Vincent will confront his deepest fears and journey to the oceans' depths with a group of unlikely companions, seeking to summon his mystical song and save the seas from destruction. The film has pre-sold to France (KMBO), Australia/New Zealand (Icon), Spain (Vercine), Portugal (Pris Audiovisuais), Greece/Cyprus (Rosebud), Bulgaria (ProFilms), Hungary and Romania (ADS), Former Yugoslavia (Blitz), CIS (Nashe Kino), Baltics (GPI), Ukraine (UFD), Turkey (Bir Film), MENA (Selim Ramia), Israel (Five Stars), S. Korea (Signal Pictures), Vietnam (Lumix) and Mongolia (The FilmBridge). Currently in production, from powerhouse French indie animation studio Folivari ('Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia,' 'The Summit of the Gods,' 'Wolfwalkers') is 'Carmen' (working title), a modern, animated take on the classic opera, directed by Annecy Crystal winner Sébastien Laudenbach ('The Girl Without Hands,' 'Chicken for Linda!'). Set for release in 2026 in France by Haut et Court to coincide with the opera's 150th anniversary, 'Carmen' promises a 'visually striking, emotionally rich experience with cross-generational appeal.' Exclusive footage of 'Carmen' will be presented as part of the work-in-progress showcase in Annecy. Fresh from its teaser reveal at the European Film Market, 'The Growcodile,' directed by Cartoon Saloon alumni Joost Van Den Bosch and Erik Verkerk, is another standout title on the slate. 'The Growcodile' was developed and is produced by Fabrique d'Images ('Stitchhead,' 'My Fairy Troublemaker,' 'Luis and the Aliens'), in co-production with Freaks Factory, Ka-Ching Cartoons, Cool Beans and Fantabulous. The film follows Bridget, a gifted young girl with a big secret: she has a pet crocodile that she hides in her room. No matter how sweet, the little crocodile grows bigger and more difficult to care for. What to do when your parents don't like pets, and your father, who owns a shoe store, loves crocodile leather? With the help of Grandma Nell, the unlikely duo will set on a wild adventure to defy the odds and find the perfect home for Gilbert the crocodile. The film pre-sold to France (KMBO), Benelux (Distri7), Greece/Cyprus (Tanweer), Portugal (Nos Audiovisuais), Israel (Tanweer), Turkey and MENA (Italia Film), Poland (KinoSwiat), Eastern Europe (ProRom) and Vietnam (Lumix). Time-traveling CG comedy-adventure 'The Last Dinosaur' will reveal new exclusive footage to buyers in Annecy, ahead of its Q3 2026 delivery. Written by Ben Smith ('Stardog and Turbocat') and directed by Federico Millela ('The Fairy Princess & the Unicorn'), the film was developed and is co-produced by animation studio Red Star, the U.K. team behind 'The Amazing Maurice,' Constellation Productions and Fantabulous, the French joint venture between distribution house KMBO and production outfit Fabrique d'Images. The film follows Rex, son of the King of Dinosaurs, who is suddenly snatched up and transported to the future in a faulty time machine, and finds himself stranded in the 21st century. Desperate to return to his own era to help save his kin, Rex must team up with a gang of nerds, freaks and geeks to go back 65 million years in time. But when he realizes saving those he loves means big trouble for his newfound friends, he will have to face what it means to be the Last Dinosaur. The film pre-sold to France (KMBO), U.K./Ireland (Sky Original), Australia/New Zealand (Umbrella), Benelux (WWE), Greece/Cyprus (Filmtrade), Portugal (Nos Audiovisuais), Poland (Forum), Hungary (Vertigo), Czech amd Slovak Republics (FoxxMedia), Bulgaria (ProFilm), Former Yugoslavia (MCF Megacom), Israel (Red Cape), Turkey and MENA (Italia Film), Vietnam (Mockingbird), and Latin America (BF Distribution). Also in production and slated for a Q2/Q3 2026 delivery is the 'bold and irreverent' adult animation 'Jim Queen,' directed by Cartoon Saloon alumni Marco Nguyen and Nicolas Athané, produced by Bobbypills. The film offers a 'wild, satirical ride through identity, fame, and queer culture in crisis.' When a mysterious virus starts turning gay men straight, Paris' ultimate Gym Queen and his ride-or-die twink sidekick must race to find a cure, and save queer culture before it's too late. Rounding out the slate is the newly announced 'Mission Granny,' a high-octane, gadget-packed CG family caper slated for 2027, with a €10 million budget, and one grandma you do not want to mess with. Stuck with their grumpy grandma for the summer, Paul (8) and Kat (12) are shocked to learn she's actually a retired secret agent. Now, it's up to two rookie kids, one farting dog, and a house full of gadgets to save Grandma, and the planet. Global Constellation launched pre-sales in Cannes, with a first teaser to be unveiled later this year at the American Film Market. 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Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Carlos Saldanha Wraps Principal Photography on Sea-Crossing Drama ‘100 Days' (EXCLUSIVE)
Carlos Saldanha, known for animated hits such as 'Rio' and 'Ice Age,' has completed principal photography on '100 Days,' his first live-action feature. The film, shot in Brazil, dramatizes the real-life solo transatlantic row of Brazilian explorer Amyr Klink and stars Filipe Bragança, Felipe Camargo and Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu. Global Constellation will handle international sales for '100 Days.' The project has attracted attention for its ambitious production scope and multinational collaboration, including Brazil's Ventre Studio ('Godless John'), Boipeba, Madremidia, O2 Filmes ('City of God'), Total Post and Disney Group, as well as Finland's well-connected Good Hand Production. More from Variety Cannes Competition Starts With an Instant Sensation as 'Sound of Falling' Premieres to Rave Reviews and Palme d'Or Buzz 'Sound of Falling' Review: Shattering, Century-Spanning Tapestry of Female Unrest Shoots Mascha Schilinski Into the Big Leagues Media Capital Technologies Backing Financier Head Gear in New Partnership (EXCLUSIVE) 'Directing my first live-action feature in Brazil was a crash course in creativity, grit, and human connection,' said Saldanha in a statement. 'The Brazilian crew's passion and resourcefulness, paired with the cast's talent and generosity, turned impossible tasks into collective victories, like constructing a sprawling indoor water tank in a warehouse in São Paulo or battling the open sea's chaos with nothing but ingenuity and nerve. Every hurdle became a bonding moment, infused with the warmth of a big family reunion.' The film recounts the journey of Amyr Klink, who in 1984 became the first person to row across the Atlantic Ocean. The production navigated both logistical and environmental challenges to bring the story to life on screen. Producer Paula Cosenza highlighted the unique scope of the project. 'We always saw the film as a potent story that could move people all over the world. '100 Days' is not only the first Finnish/Brazilian co-production but a co-production within Brazil itself, with Ventre Studio, Boipeba, Madremidia, O2, Total Post and Disney Group joining forces to make one of the most audacious productions of the year. In such a fantastic moment for Brazilian cinema, we are thrilled to entrust the film to Global Constellation's super-experienced and exciting team.' Associate producers Roosa Toivonen and Kemppinen of Finland's Good Hand Production added, 'For us, it is utterly inspiring to work with Carlos, Paula and their team on this wonderful film that truly and literally crosses continents.' Fabien Westerhoff, Managing Director, Film Global Constellation tells Variety: 'From 'Rio' to 'Ferdinand' to 'Scrat,' Carlos has created some of the most iconic family entertainment characters in recent history. We can't wait for buyers to discover his newest adventure, embarking on an epic journey of survival across the sea. A visually stunning tale of a man overcoming an impossible athletic feat.' The Finnish production house also brought in Totalpost Finland, a consortium that includes Energia VFX, James Post and Helea Sound Post Production. Renowned Finnish composer Tuomas Kantelinen is scoring the film. '100 Days' is now entering post-production, with a release date to be announced. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Vuelta's Playtime to Merge Film Constellation and Global Screen to Form Global Constellation
Vuelta Group's international sales division, Playtime, has completed the full acquisition of sales house Film Constellation from Fabien Westerhoff, and integrated its operations with Global Screen, the German-based international sales outfit under Playtime. Together, these entities will form Global Constellation. Global Constellation will be part of the Playtime Group, which includes sales companies Playtime, Film Boutique, and Be for Films. More from Variety 'How to Have Sex' Director Molly Manning Walker to Preside Over Cannes' Un Certain Regard Jury 'Frozen' Animator Lino DiSalvo's Next Film 'Twisted' Starts Production and Enlists French Partners; Sola Media to Show First Footage at Cannes (EXCLUSIVE) Epsilon Boards Animated Feature 'Dreamers - The Hunt for Shadowclaw' (EXCLUSIVE) Westerhoff takes an executive role as managing director of the theatrical film division bringing together the strengths of both companies with a strategic market focus on animation, family entertainment, and genre cinema. Ulrike Schroder will be managing director of the TV division, heading the hub for international TV distribution within Vuelta. Global Constellation will collaborate closely with Vuelta Germany, Vuelta's German film distribution arm, born from the merger of Squareone and Telepool. This positions Global Constellation as the 'go-to partner for German and international filmmakers seeking pan-European collaborations and international reach,' said Vuelta. The first joint projects will be unveiled at next month's Cannes Film Market. Global Constellation's film slate includes: 'Olmo' by Fernando Eimbcke and 'Welcome Home Baby' by Andreas Prochaska, which premiered in the Panorama section at the 2025 Berlinale; animated features 'The Last Dinosaur' by Ben Smith, 'The Last Whale Singer' by Reza Memari, 'The Growcodile' by Joost Van den Bosch and Erik Verkerk, and 'Carmen' by Sebastien Laudenbach; historical epic 'The Captive' by Alejandro Amenábar; and survival horror thriller 'Fear Is the Rider' by John Michael McDonagh; 'Call Me Queen,' the first foray into English-language by German-French director Emily Atef; and 'Paradise' by Academy Award nominated Jeremy Comte. On the TV side, Global Constellation has a strong current lineup comprising among others: True crime miniseries 'Murder on the Inca Trail,' produced by Westside Filmproduktion/Constantin Television, directed by Nina Wolfrum; and the second season of hit TV show 'Recipes for Love and Murder,' a light crime series, directed by Jozua Malherbe and Karen Jeynes and produced by Thierry Cassuto in partnership with AMC Networks' Acorn TV, Multichoice and Both Worlds Pictures. New projects will be unveiled at the upcoming Cannes Film Market and before NATPE for TV. François Yon, Vuelta's CEO, said: 'When shaping the ambition of Vuelta, it appeared to us that a sales company, focused on a strong market segment and a dedicated TV sales arm was needed. Merging the expertise of the Film Constellation team with the footprint of German anchored Global Screen made a lot of sense.' Westerhoff added: 'It is an exciting time to join Vuelta, tapping into the strength of the group's multi-territory distribution and production capacities. I am delighted to bring Constellation's strong filmmaker ties to curate a bold slate, bridging visionary storytelling with global market appeal. Global Constellation offers end-to-end expertise from early packaging to international sales, working closely with leading producers, emerging talent, and major distribution partners across all territories.' Schroder said: 'Global Constellation will continue its proven tradition as an integrated house of cinema and TV world sales in the new set-up and, with the support of an assertive corporate network of local production, distribution and sales that makes up Vuelta, representing even stronger content and achieve even greater reach and weight.' Chairman of Vuelta Media, Jerome Levy, commented: 'Global Constellation is an integral part of Vuelta's broader strategy – to create an ambitious, collaborative, and integrated European film studio, bringing together development, production, distribution, and international sales under one roof. I am excited about this talented and creative group of people we have brought together.' Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in May 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in May 2025
