EXCLUSIVE: Goodfellas Animation has boarded international sales on Andy Serkis’ animated adaptation of Animal Farm, based on the iconic novella by George Orwell.
The company will introduce the film to buyers in Cannes next week ahead of its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June.
Lord of the Rings and Planet of the Apes star Serkis has gathered an all-star voice cast featuring Seth Rogen, Gaten Matarazzo, Steve Buscemi, Glenn Close, Laverne Cox, Kieran Culkin, Woody Harrelson, Jim Parsons, Andy Serkis, Kathleen Turner and Iman Vellani to bring the timeless allegory to life.
Directed by Serkis and written by Nick Stoller, Animal Farm is a modern adaptation of George Orwell’s classic novel, one of the most widely read books in history with countless copies sold and translations in more than 250 languages.
The story follows a group of farm animals who rebel against their human owners and take over the farm, only to face new challenges under the rule of a cunning pig named Napoleon (Rogen). As their troubles escalate, the animals discover that revolution is just the beginning and must find the courage to stand up to Napoleon and save Animal Farm.
The Goodfellas team have a strong animation track record, having previously handled Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli slate, beginning with Spirited Away and including most recently Academy Award-winning film The Boy and the Heron, as well as The Little Prince, Red Turtle, Summit of the Gods, and Where is Anne Frank.
“We are thrilled to board this original and modern take on George Orwell’s timeless tale, which we are convinced will appeal to children and adults alike. After handling such classics as The Little Prince with great success, we truly believe in the commercial potential of the film internationally,” said Goodfellas CEO Vincent Maraval.
“Goodfellas Animation pursues its tradition of promoting high quality, thought-provoking films accessible to all. We are grateful to Aniventure for trusting us with this incredible project.”
Aniventure and Imaginarium are producing with Adam Nagle (Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank), Dave Rosenbaum (Riverdance: The Animated Adventure), Jonathan Cavendish (Bridget Jones’s Diary), and Andy Serkis. Harrelson also serves as executive producer alongside Matt Reeves (The Batman, Planet of the Apes). Animation was provided by Cinesite, produced by Connie Nartonis Thompson (Frankenweenie). Casting is by Margery Simkin (Avatar, Erin Brokovich).
Goodfellas Animation, which is a rebrand of Gebeka International with the same team in place, is also handling sales on two animated features films in Cannes Official Selection: Arco, by Ugo Bienvenu, produced by Felix de Givry, Natalie Portman and Sophie Mas, and Little Amélie, by Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han, produced by Nidia Santiago, Edwina Liard, Claire Lacombe and Henri Magalon.
Both animated features will also play in Annecy.
