Locksmith Animation, the London-based studio behind “Ron’s Gone Wrong” and Netflix’s recent “That Christmas,” has announced its first independent animated feature.
“Wed Wabbit” will launch at the European Film Market, with Timeless Films handling worldwide sales and produced in association with Cantilever Media.
Based on the book by BAFTA-winning writer, producer, and director Lissa Evans, “Wed Wabbit” is a described as a “witty, laugh-out-loud ‘down the rabbit hole’ adventure full of heart.” The story follows 12-year-old pragmatic Fidge, who is unexpectedly plunged into the absurd world of her sister Minnie’s favourite pop-up book — now ruled by the tyrannical Wed Wabbit, Minnie’s beloved toy. To make matters worse, Fidge is stuck with her pompous cousin Graham, who’s been pulled into the madness as well. To escape, Fidge must navigate this “chaotic, bonkers world while staying two steps ahead of the comically capricious Wed Wabbit, who’s determined to keep her there.”
“‘Wed Wabbit’ is an exciting milestone for Locksmith Animation as our first independent feature,” said Locksmith’s CEO Natalie Fischer. “After successful collaborations with major studios and streamers, we’re now tapping into the immense potential of the independent market, especially for animation. Partnering with Timeless Films allows us to showcase our storytelling and production strengths to independent distributors, and we’re eager to expand our portfolio with more independent projects as we continue to grow our global presence.”
Olly Reid, who has worked at Aardman, Passion Pictures, Axis Studios, and The Imaginarium, will direct the project, with Gideon Defoe (“The Pirates!”) writing the script. Julie Lockhart, co-founder and President of Production at Locksmith Animation, will produce on behalf of the studio, while Andrew Baker (“The Amazing Maurice”) will produce for Cantilever Media. Sky has developed the feature in partnership with Locksmith.
“We are very excited to be partnering with Locksmith and Cantilever Media on this amazing project,” said Ralph Kamp of Timeless Films. “Locksmith is without question one of the leading animation production companies in the world and Timeless is thrilled to be able to offer their first independent film to distributors internationally, which is an extraordinary opportunity.”
Locksmith has a first-look deal with Warner Bros. Pictures and is currently in production on “Bad Fairies,” an original animated musical. The studio is also developing “The Lunar Chronicles,” a trilogy of films based on Marissa Meyer’s bestselling novels, along with an original animated short.
