Jason Moring, DDI president, announced today a deal to sell the international distribution rights for SPARK, the latest animated feature from the creators of the widely successful 2014 film, THE NUT JOB. SPARK proudly held its world premiere last April as the opening film for this year's Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI).
SPARK stars the voice talents of stars Jessica Biel (VALENTINE'S DAY, NEW YEAR'S EVE), Hilary Swank (MILLION DOLLAR BABY, P.S. I LOVE YOU), Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: The Next Generation, X-MEN), and Susan Sarandon (ENCHANTED, THELMA & LOUISE).
SPARK is written and directed by Aaron Woodley (THE ENTITLED, Glenn Martin DDS), and produced by Redrover, ToonBox Entertainment and Gulfstream Pictures, the trio behind THE NUT JOB, alongside newcomer Shanghai Hoongman Technology. A truly international coproduction spanning Asia and North America, SPARK celebrates the Year of the Red Monkey, adding a distinctly Chinese flavor to a timeless saga which draws from sources as diverse as Journey to the West, THE LION KING, and STAR WARS.
Thirteen years ago, the power-mad General Zhong seized control of Planet Bana, tearing it to pieces in the process. Enter Spark and his friends, Chunk and Vix, who learn of Zhong's plan to take over the universe. If Zhong is able to harness the power of an ancient beast known as the Kraken, he'll have history's deadliest weapon at his fingertips. It's left to Spark and his friends to stop him. An action-packed space-odyssey filled with humor and heart, SPARK is the story of a boy who embarks on an epic adventure, and in the process discovers his rightful place in the universe.
"This is one of the most exciting projects we've brought to Cannes," says Moring, "Spark is a magical film with a wonderful message. The team behind The Nut Job has done it again with an A-list voice cast combined with incredible animation. We are extremely excited to be sharing this film with our buyers on la Croisette."
All the way from the other side of the Pacific, Redrover CEO Hoe-Jin Ha responded "After all of the enthusiasm and positive reception at TAAFI, we are delighted to be working with Double Dutch International, and are sure that DDI, with their talent, experience, and passion, will not only make SPARK a global success, but, even more importantly, bring enjoyment to audiences all around the world."
DDI will be selling the picture during the Cannes Film Festival on the Marche du Film, May 11-20, 2016.
CHATELIN Bruno 
