European CG studio TeamTO has secured a distribution agreement with Taikong Works for all rights to its debut theatrical feature Yellowbird in China — a triumphant first deal for TeamTO’s Beijing office, established in June of this year.
Taikong Works will distribute Yellowbird throughout China across all platforms, including cinemas, digital media and traditional broadcast. A theatrical release is planned for Chinese New Year in January. Taikong Works, a strong branding and licensing entity in the country, will also roll out ancillary rights and promotions alongside the theatrical run.
Yellowbird, featuring the voices of top Hollywood talent Seth Green, Elliott Gould, Christine Baranski and Dakota Fanning, has been sold by Simon Crowe of SC Films International to over 50 markets worldwide, and has seen theatrical release in 35 countries.
Headed by experienced Franco-Chinese film industry veteran Shu Ye, TeamTO’s Beijing office was established to create partnerships between its own studios in France and Chinese animation companies, with the intent to co-produce premium content for global audiences.
“The traditional relationship where international companies outsource to Chinese animation companies is quickly evolving into a more bilateral relationship, with co-production, co-finance, and co-distribution in a global market of high-quality projects flowing in both directions,” commented Guillaume Hellouin, President of TeamTO.
