Gold Valley Films and Toonz Media Group announced today that an adaptation of the Scandinavian children’s classic The Wonderful Adventures of Nils is coming to the big screen as an animated feature for the first time. Nils: The New Adventure is based on the book by Selma Lagerlöf, the first woman to ever win the Nobel Prize in Literature. The project will be helmed by Jason Reisig, co-director of Warner Animation Group’s Smallfoot ($214 million worldwide box office).
When a misunderstood boy is shrunk to mini size by a vengeful pixie, he must team up with a bumbling goose on the journey of a lifetime to change himself back. Will he “grow up” in time?
Nils: The New Adventure is part of the six animated picture co-financing and co-producing deal between Toonz Media Group and Gold Valley Films. The first two pictures announced by the two studios as part of the deal are Little Emma, which is having its world premiere screenings at the Cannes Film Market, and Pierre the Pigeon-Hawk from producer-director John D. Eraklis’ Exodus Film Group.
Additionally, longtime Toonz executive Gulshan David is joining the feature film division as Vice President, International Distribution and Sales, reporting to Ariel Veneziano, President of Feature Film at Toonz Media Group.
David has over two decades of experience in sales, marketing, and business development, including in leadership positions. He has been associated with Toonz Media Group since 2010 in senior positions such as Director of Marketing, Distribution and Syndication division. He was Vice President of Media Sales with Imira Entertainment, a Toonz company. Prior to joining Toonz, David was the Assistant Marketing Manager with Sony Pictures Entertainment India.
“I am thrilled to join the newly launched division as VP of Sales and stay within the Toonz family, where I will work with Ariel and Allen Tsang of Gold Valley. These are exciting times to be part of the productions Nils, Pierre and Little Emma with Toonz and Gold Valley Films,” said David.
Veneziano commented, “Gulshan is a terrific addition to the team, as he comes with a wealth of experience that will be instrumental in ramping up Toonz’s film sales and distribution arm, starting at Cannes.”
Toonz Media Group and Gold Valley Films will be available for meeting s during the Cannes market at the Residences du Grand Hotel, Cormoran 1 entrance, 4th floor.
