Machine Media Advisors LLC, led by industry veterans Jonathan Sheinberg, Susan Sheinberg and Matt Feige, announces their acquisition of the animated feature film FernGully: The Last Rainforest and all associated rights. Originally released in 1992, the film was directed by Bill Kroyer and starred Robin Williams, Tim Curry, Samantha Mathis and Cristian Slater, and quickly captivated audiences with its groundbreaking environmental message.
As the new owners of the FernGully intellectual property, Machine Media Advisors has been dedicated to reviving and reintroducing the film to a new generation of viewers. They have successfully re-released the film’s soundtrack, featuring music from acclaimed artists such as Elton John, Sheena Easton and Raffi. Additionally, they have brought back the 1998 sequel, FernGully 2: The Magical Rescue. In celebration of the film’s 30th anniversary, a special edition was released in August 2022, showcasing its enduring impact and resonance with fans. Historically, Disney/20th Century Fox managed the distribution of these releases. However, FernGully is now distributed by Shout Factory.
“It has been a pleasure to bring FernGully back to life in the modern digital era,” says Jonathan Sheinberg. “It’s a film that matters deeply to so many people, and we’re excited to continue the legacy of this beloved title.”
Machine Media Advisors plans to honor the nostalgic value of FernGully while introducing new iterations that will engage both existing fans and fresh audiences. The company is currently in talks with major studio partners for potential live-action remakes and animated movies. The team is actively pursuing strategic alliances in the realms of immersive experiences, encompassing gaming and the metaverse, as well as extending the FernGully reach to the world of Broadway, through collaborative partnerships.
Jon Sheinberg’s controlling interest in Machine Media Advisors and the FernGully IP is through his shingle SFO Entertainment, with the instrumental support of their minority partner Moonheart led by Moonli Singha and Rosa Gudmundsdottir. FernGully is represented by the Verve Agency.
The FernGully rebirth will introduce new worlds, characters and weave together compelling storylines crafted to spotlight pressing issues impacting our planet. Among the anticipated themes are the far-reaching consequences of deforestation, the effects of pollution on wildlife, biodiversity and community action.
Upon its original release, FernGully: The Last Rainforest generated over $250 million and becoming one of the best-selling movies in the ’90s. It holds the distinction of being the first film ever screened at the United Nations General Assembly and sparked increased awareness and advocacy for environmental issues among audiences. The film’s impact extended beyond the screen, with significant contributions to the World Wildlife Fund and a continued presence in popular culture. FernGully content has garnered over 110 million views on TikTok, 30 million views on YouTube, and trends on Twitter multiple times a year during environmental news cycles.
