Newly minted LA-based distributor Smith Global Media is continuing its aggressive release slate build-up by picking up animated family features Gnome Alone and Charming. Featuring star-studded voice casts, both films are financed and produced by 3QU Media in association with CF Films International, and made in Montreal by Cinesite. The pics are both produced by John H. Williams (Shrek) and executive produced by 3QU’s Henry Skelsey, Jon Christianson and Jeremy Ross.
The rights acquisitions were announced Wednesday by Harry Smith, Founder & CEO of Smith Global Media.
“It is a huge coup for Smith Global Media to acquire two highly commercial films of this caliber. Charming features an all-star cast who will also lend their musical talent to this reimagined tale of three familiar fairy tale princesses. Gnome Alone has an amazing mix of humor and excitement that will appeal to a wide family audience,” Smith commented. “This dual acquisition enhances our company’s position in the marketplace and illustrates our desire to be the home for the most acclaimed independent films worldwide. Charming and Gnome Alone are both terrific family comedies that will appeal to the masses and be supported with a significant level of marketing and advertising. This acquisition further exemplifies our commitment to aggressively growing our theatrical release slate for 2017 and 2018.”
Slated for worldwide release in Q2 of 2018, Charming is an irreverent, music-filled comedy about a young Prince (Wilmer Valderrama) with an irresistible appeal and one kick-ass maiden who wants him only for his money. Cursed as a child, every woman Prince Felipe Charming meets falls in love with him, leaving a trail of lovesick ladies and scorned lovers to wreak vengeful havoc on the Kingdom. In order to beat the curse before his 21st birthday, Prince Charming will embark on an epic journey. Accompanied by a strong-willed thief named Lenore (Demi Lovato), the prince must achieve three feats of heroism that will reveal which princess is his one true love.
The voice cast also features pop princesses Ashley Tisdale as Cinderella, Avril Lavigne as Snow White, and G.E.M. as Sleeping Beauty, Sia, Nia Vardalos and John Cleese. Charming is written and directed by Ross Venokur. Valderrama’s WV Enterprises also produced, with Lovato as executive music producer. The film features two original songs written by Sia, and score by Tom Howe (produced by Harry Gregson-Williams).
Gnome Alone, due out in Q4 2017, is an adventure-comedy directed by Peter Lepeniotis (The Nut Job), which centers on a girl named Chloe (voiced by Becky G of Power Rangers) who must make a major decision when she discovers the garden gnomes at her new home are more than they seem: focus on creating her best possible high school experience, or band with the gnomes in a fight against the menacing Trogg monsters who have invaded the house through an interdimensional portal?
Also starring Josh Peck, Olivia Holt and George Lopez, Gnome Alone was written by Michael Schwartz and Zina Zaflow, based on a screen story by Rob Moreland and story by Micah Herman & Kyle Newman. Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy performed multiple voice roles, composed the score and wrote an original song for the film (performed by Becky G). 3QU’s head creative, Danielle Sterling, guided production.
The acquisition was negotiated by Hillary Arlene Jones, Smith Global Media’s Head of Legal and Business Affairs, on behalf of the distributor, and by UTA on behalf of 3QU.
Smith Global Media also recently closed a multi-year home entertainment agreement for its titles with Sony Pictures Home Ent., including digital and physical distribution worldwide. SPHE will also handle SVOD and TV distribution.
