Magnolia Pictures has picked up North America distribution rights to Exodus Film Group’s The Hero of Color City, a CG-animated feature that delves into the secret lives of crayons. Magnolia is eying a Fall 2007 release for the film, which will be accompanied by a line of merchandise, art supplies and educational products from Exodus’ consumer products group.
The Hero of Color City introduces a diverse band of crayons who struggle to protect their magical homeland from an evil tyrant who threatens to rid their world of joy and color. All the crayons on the film have personalities that correspond to their their color. Red, for instance, is a bit of a hot head while blue is cool and Yellow timid and fearful. The screenplay was written by J.P. McCormick and Rich Raczelowski.
“The first mark a child will often make in their life is with a crayon,” says executive producer Max Howard. “What better way to encourage and inspire children than with a vivid world of crayons brought to life.”
“We’re excited to be partnering with Exodus on The Hero of Color City. They’ve put together a great concept with a fantastic animation team for something that has the potential to be a children’s classic,” adds Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles.
Magnolia Pictures is part of a group of media properties co-owned by Todd Wagner and Mark Cuban that also includes the Landmark Theatres chain, production companies HDNet Films and 2929 Prods., and high-definition cable networks HDNet and HDNet Movies. Just yesterday, Magnolia released a compilation of animated and live-action shorts nominated for the 2005 Academy Awards.
Exodus is currently in pre-production on an animated feature titled Igor, starring the voices of Christain Slater, John Cleese and Steve Buscemi, with The Weinstein Co. handling North America distribution and international rights. Also in the works are a CG feature titles Amarillo Armadillo and a live-action tall tale titled Bunyan & Babe, which will feature comic actor Eddie Griffin as the voice of the CG-animated Babe the Blue Ox.
