Shout! Studios has acquired North American distribution rights to family adventure feature “Pet Investigators” from indie European distributor Plaion Pictures.
The deal was negotiated by Shout! Studios’ executive VP Melissa Boag, Mark Balsam, Bruce Eisen of Eisen Law, and Steven Katz, Shout’s VP of business affairs, and film writer and producer Werner Kienberger of Plaion. Sola Media is selling remaining territories at Berlin’s European Film Market (EFM).
The family-oriented mystery, directed by Brent Ryan Green from a script by Sebastian Brummer, Werner Kienberger and B. Dave Walters, follows three teens and their canine companion as they investigate a series of neighborhood pet disappearances, ultimately uncovering a bumbling crime ring of animal thieves.
Rising talents Gabriella Sophia Terrero (“The Truth About Santa Claus”), Peyton Jackson (“Best Foot Forward”) and Joseph Lee (“An-de-lu”) lead the cast, with support from television veterans David Faustino (“Entourage”), Corin Nemec (“Parker Lewis Can’t Loose”) and “Lord of the Rings” alum Sean Astin.
Almost Never Films produced the film, with Danny Roth, Kienberger and Brummer producing. John Mehrer and Michael Roth executive produced alongside co-executive producers Tony Armer and David Yates.
The multi-year deal grants Shout! all North American rights across theatrical, home entertainment and ancillary platforms. The distributor plans to launch the family-friendly feature on the festival circuit later this year.
“‘Pet Investigators’ delivers an exciting movie adventure along with a heartwarming story that will resonate with families and animal lovers,” said Boag.
Plaion managing director Jochen Walter added that the film is “in the best hands with Shout! Studios,” citing the companies’ “successful and long-lasting collaboration” alongside Anime Limited and Sola Media.
The creative team includes production designer Jaime Brightbill, cinematographer Thomas Hennessy, editor Daniel Duncan and composer Sam Mizell.
