Announcement: The Mitchells Vs. The Machines

The Mitchells Vs. The Machines is an original animated comedy from producers Chris Miller and Phil Lord (The Lego Movie, 21 Jump Street). The Mitchells are a dysfunctional but loving family whose road trip is interrupted by a tech uprising that threatens mankind: all around the world, the electronic devices people love–from phones, to self driving cars, to a sleek new line of personal robots–turn on humanity. With the help of two malfunctioning robots and the family's delightfully overweight pug, the Mitchells will have to get past their problems and work together to save each other and the world!

The Mitchells Vs. The Machines is directed by Mike Rianda who wrote the screenplay with co-director Jeff Rowe; Phil Lord & Christopher Miller produce along with Kurt Albrecht.

Happy Mother’s Day Weekend from Sony Pictures Animation

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE - Official Teaser Trailer

Liking the look of this:

What if CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS was a horror movie?

With a little re-mixing and some ominous music a kid-friendly film can become a bona fide horror movie:

Happy Halloween!

THE STAR - Official Trailer

Sneak Peek at Hotel Transylvania short, PUPPY

Genndy Tartakovsky explains the premise in the following video:

Hotel Transylvania: The Series

Hotel Transylvania: The Series premieres on Disney Channel

On Sunday, June 25^th, at 8pm ET/PT

New Animated Series from Sony Pictures Animation and Nelvana 

TORONTO, CANADA - May 22, 2017: Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana and Sony Pictures Animation announced today the debut details of their new animated series Hotel Transylvania: The Series, based on the blockbuster film franchise of the same name. The 26x22-minute series, produced at the Nelvana studio in Toronto, focuses on the teenage years of Dracula’s daughter, Mavis, and her three closest friends Hank N Stein, Pedro and Wendy Blob. With Dracula away on “Official Vampire Business,” Mavis finally sees her chance to show her father what she can do. With the help of her friends, she decides to put her brilliant ideas of how to run the Hotel into motion, but enter Aunt Lydia, Dracula’s older and much meaner sister. While Mavis and friends are ready to let loose and have fun, Aunt Lydia pushes for even more order and tradition at the Hotel.

Hotel Transylvania: The Series premieres on Disney Channel on Sunday, June 25th, at 8pm ET/PT with new episodes airing every night at 8pm ET/PT through Thursday, June 29th. The first episode will be available on the Disney Channel app, YouTube and VOD on Tuesday, June 20th. The series will air in its regular timeslot beginning Sunday, July 9th at 8:30pm ET/PT on Disney Channel.

Beginning Sunday, June 4th, and leading up to the premiere of the series, three new shorts will follow Mavis and her dad Drac as he prepares to join the prestigious Vampire Council. These shorts will also be available on the Disney Channel app and Disney Channel YouTube.

“We are thrilled to be teaming up with Disney Channel to share the visual and epic storytelling of Hotel Transylvania: The Series with audiences worldwide,” said Scott Dyer, President, Nelvana. “Working with our partners at Sony Pictures Animation, we are excited to build on the incredible global success of the franchise and bring the world of Hotel Transylvania to the small screen and family-friendly digital platforms.”  

“We are so excited to expand the Hotel Transylvania franchise into television,” said Rick Mischel, Executive Producer at Sony Pictures Animation. “We look forward to bringing the prequel to audiences worldwide and to sharing the hilarious adventures of a younger Mavis and her monster pals. As we look to the upcoming launch of the original short Puppy! In theaters this summer and Hotel Transylvania 3 in 2018, the television series will keep the franchise fresh and the characters will become a part of families’ everyday lives.”

The 2013 monster comedy hit, Hotel Transylvania, was nominated for a Golden Globe® and scored the best September opening of all time at the U.S. box office, only to have that record broken by its 2015 sequel Hotel Transylvania 2, now available on Blu-ray, DVD and digital HD.  Both films were produced by Sony Pictures Animation, and distributed by Columbia Pictures.

Sony Pictures Television is the distributor in the U.S., while Nelvana Enterprises is the distributor of Hotel Transylvania: The Series outside of the U.S.

Smurfs: The Lost Village - Demi Lovato's Lost Audition Tape

"This morning, Sony Pictures Animation unearthed from its vault the lost audition tape of Demi Lovato for the part of Smurfette in SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE, in theaters this Friday. Find out how she really got the part:"

Sony Pictures Animation Unveils Varied Upcoming Slate

Sony Pictures Animation Unveils Varied Upcoming Slate

Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry and Sir Patrick Stewart Join Studio’s Voice Roster;

Animated Films from Phil Lord & Christopher Miller

and Lin-Manuel Miranda on the Horizon

Culver City, CA, January 18, 2017 – Making good on the commitment to increase overall output while continuing to offer its distinctive mix of family films, Sony Pictures Animation today released the project details on its upcoming roster of titles through 2018, along with additional highly anticipated future feature film projects, including one from Pulitzer Prize-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda. 

Kristine Belson, President of Sony Pictures Animation, says, “We are proud of the artist-driven titles we have coming to the marketplace.  The abundance, variety and quality of the features are a testament to the wealth of creative talents who call Sony Pictures Animation their home.” 

SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE (April 7, 2017 release)

Newly announced voice cast includes:  Michelle Rodriguez (SmurfStorm), Ellie Kemper (SmurfBlossom), Ariel Winter (SmurfLily) and Julia Roberts (SmurfWillow), all residents of the title’s Lost Village.  Special voice cameos to include:  Gordon Ramsay (Baker), Gabriel Iglesias (Jokey), Tituss Burgess (Vanity), Jeff Dunham (Farmer), Jake Johnson (Grouchy), and director Kelly Asbury (Nosey). 

Previously announced voice cast includes Demi Lovato (Smurfette), Rainn Wilson (Gargamel), Joe Manganiello (Hefty), Jack McBrayer (Clumsy), Danny Pudi (Brainy), and Mandy Patinkin (Papa).

The feature is directed by Kelly Asbury (SHREK 2), produced by Jordan Kerner (CHARLOTTE’S WEB) and Mary Ellen Bauder Andrews (HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA), and written by Stacey Harman and Pamela Ribon, based on the characters and works of Peyo.  Digital animation by Sony Pictures Imageworks.

In this fully animated, all-new take on the Smurfs, a mysterious map sets Smurfette and her best friends Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty on an exciting and thrilling race through the Forbidden Forest filled with magical creatures to find a mysterious lost village before the evil wizard Gargamel does.  Embarking on a rollercoaster journey full of action and danger, the Smurfs are on a course that leads to the discovery of the biggest secret in Smurf history!

THE EMOJI MOVIE (August 4, 2017 release)

Newly announced voice cast: Jennifer Coolidge (Gene’s mother, Mary Meh), Maya Rudolph (Smiler), Jake T. Austin (Alex), and Sir Patrick Stewart (Poop).

Previously announced voice cast includes T.J. Miller (Gene), James Corden (Hi-5), Ilana Glazer (Jailbreak), Steven Wright (Gene’s father, Mel Meh).

The feature is directed by Tony Leondis, produced by Michelle Raimo Kouyate, and written by Tony Leondis & Eric Siegel and Mike White.  Digital animation by Sony Pictures Imageworks.

THE EMOJI MOVIE unlocks the never-before-seen secret world inside your smartphone.  Hidden within the messaging app is Textopolis, a bustling city where all your favorite emojis live, hoping to be selected by the phone’s user.  In this world, each emoji has only one facial expression – except for Gene, an exuberant emoji who was born without a filter and is bursting with multiple expressions.  Determined to become “normal” like the other emojis, Gene enlists the help of his handy best friend Hi-5 and the notorious code breaker emoji Jailbreak.  Together, they embark on an epic “app-venture” through the apps on the phone, each its own wild and fun world, to find the Code that will fix Gene.  But when a greater danger threatens the phone, the fate of all emojis depends on these three unlikely friends who must save their world before it’s deleted forever.

THE STAR (November 10, 2017 release)

The voice cast will be led by Steven Yeun (Bo the donkey), Kelly Clarkson (Leah the horse), Aidy Bryant (Ruth the sheep), Keegan-Michael Key (Dave the dove), Kristin Chenoweth (Mouse), Anthony Anderson (Zach the goat), Gabriel Iglesias (Rufus the dog), Ving Rhames (Thaddeus the dog), Delilah Rene (Elizabeth), Kris Kristofferson (Old Donkey), Gina Rodriguez (Mary), Zachary Levi (Joseph), with Oprah Winfrey (Deborah), Tyler Perry (Cyrus) and Tracy Morgan (Felix) as the three camels, and Christopher Plummer (King Herod). 

THE STAR is directed by Academy Award® nominated writer/director Timothy Reckart (HEAD OVER HEELS); executive-produced by DeVon Franklin (MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN), Lisa Henson and Brian Henson (The Jim Henson Company); produced by Jenni Magee Cook; with a story by Carlos Kotkin and Simon Moore; and screenplay by Carlos Kotkin.  Digital animation by Cinesite Studios.  

A small but brave donkey named Bo yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill.  One day he finds the courage to break free, and finally goes on the adventure of his dreams.  On his journey, he teams up with Ruth, a lovable sheep who has lost her flock and Dave, a dove with lofty aspirations.  Along with three wisecracking camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow the Star and become accidental heroes in the greatest story ever told – the first Christmas.

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3 (September 21, 2018 release)

Mavis surprises Dracula with a family voyage on a luxury Monster Cruise Ship so he can take a vacation from providing everyone else’s vacation at the hotel. The rest of Drac’s Pack cannot resist going along and once they leave port, romance zings Drac when he meets the mysterious ship captain Ericka.  Now it’s Mavis’ turn to play the overprotective parent, keeping her dad and Ericka apart. Little do they know that his “too good to be true” love interest is actually a descendent of Van Helsing, arch nemesis to Dracula and all monsters!

The voice ensemble of favorites returns, including Adam Sandler (Dracula), Selena Gomez (Mavis) and Andy Samberg (Johnny).

Director Genndy Tartakovsky (SAMURAI JACK, STAR WARS: CLONE WARS) is back in the director’s chair, along with Michelle Murdocca back producing and Adam Sandler executive-producing, with a screenplay by Genndy Tartakovsky and Michael McCullers (AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME).

In addition to this feature film, a new animated short, PUPPY, directed by HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA’s Genndy Tartakovsky, will be debuting in theaters attached to THE EMOJI MOVIE in August 2017.  In the short, the residents of Hotel Transylvania find their world turned upside-down when youngster Dennis gets a surprise monster-sized pet! 

UNTITLED ANIMATED SPIDER-MAN (December 21, 2018 release)

From Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, the geniuses behind THE LEGO MOVIE, comes an animated SPIDER-MAN feature starring Miles Morales.

The feature is directed by Bob Persichetti (head of story on PUSS IN BOOTS and THE LITTLE PRINCE) and Peter Ramsey (RISE OF THE GUARDIANS).  The film is written by Phil Lord.  Avi Arad (IRON MAN, SPIDER-MAN), Amy Pascal (SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING), Phil Lord & Christopher Miller (Untitled HAN SOLO Movie) are executive producing; Christina Steinberg (TROLLHUNTERS) is producing.

VIVO (December 18, 2020 release)

Lin-Manuel Miranda, the award-winning (Emmy, Tony, Grammy, Olivier, Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient) creative force behind the groundbreaking Broadway musical HAMILTON, writes new songs for this musical animated feature.  Academy Award® nominated director Kirk De Micco (THE CROODS) is set to helm a script by Pulitzer Prize winner Quiara Alegría Hudes (IN THE HEIGHTS).  Academy Award® nominated producer Laurence Mark (DREAMGIRLS, JULIE & JULIA) serves as executive producer, and Lisa Stewart (ALMOST FAMOUS) produces.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ANIMATION

Sony Pictures Animation produces a variety of animated and family entertainment for audiences around the world.  The studio is following its worldwide comedy hits—the record-breaking monster comedies Hotel Transylvania and Hotel Transylvania 2, the hybrid live action/animated blockbusters The Smurfs and The Smurfs 2, and the mouth-watering Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs movies—with the fully animated reboot Smurfs: The Lost Village in April 2017; a surprising and comic take at the secret world inside our phones with The Emoji Movie in August 2017; the inspirational The Star in November 2017; Hotel Transylvania 3 in September 2018; and an animated Spider-Man feature from the minds of directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord in December 2018.  The studio, in conjunction with Aardman Animations, has produced two critically acclaimed feature films:  the CG-animated family comedy Arthur Christmas; and the Academy Award® nominated stop-frame animated high-seas adventure, The Pirates! Band of Misfits.  In 2007, Surf's Up also received an Academy Award® nomination for Best Animated Feature Film; a sequel entitled Surf’s Up 2: WaveMania now available on DVD and digital.  The division, whose first feature film Open Season led to a very successful movie franchise including the brand new Open Season: Scared Silly now available on digital, DVD and Blu-ray, was founded in 2002.  Sony Pictures Animation is a division of the Sony Pictures Motion Pictures Group.

Website: http://www.sonypicturesanimation.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SONYPicturesAnimation

Twitter: http://twitter.com/sonyanimation

Tumblr: http://sonyanimation.tumblr.com/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/SonyAnimation

Teaser for THE EMOJI MOVIE

They say that emojis could become the one language that all humans understand. If so, then watching The Emoji Movie is one step towards bringing all of humanity closer together. Here's the teaser trailer:

"In the movie, Gene, an emoji born with multiple expressions, teams up with his handy best friend Hi-5 and the notorious codebreaker Jailbreak on an epic adventure through the apps on a teenager's phone. Apps featured in the film include Candy Crush Saga, Dropbox, Instagram, Just Dance®, Spotify, Twitter, and YouTube. Popular apps Crackle, Facebook, Shazam, Snapchat, and Twitch also appear in the movie."

Full Trailer for Smurfs: The Lost Village

SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE (April 7, 2017)

In this fully animated, all-new take on the Smurfs, a mysterious map sets Smurfette and her best friends Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty on an exciting and thrilling race through the Forbidden Forest filled with magical creatures to find a mysterious lost village before the evil wizard Gargamel does. Embarking on a rollercoaster journey full of action and danger, the Smurfs are on a course that leads to the discovery of the biggest secret in Smurf history! 

Official Site

New Movie Stills

Directed by:  Kelly Asbury

Written by: Stacey Harman and Pamela Ribon

Based on the Characters and Works of: Peyo

Produced by: Jordan Kerner, Mary Ellen Bauder Andrews

Cast: Demi Lovato (Smurfette)

Rainn Wilson (Gargamel)

Joe Manganiello (Hefty Smurf)

Jack McBrayer (Clumsy Smurf)

Danny Pudi (Brainy Smurf)

with Mandy Patinkin (Papa Smurf)

This film is not yet rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.  For future rating information, please visit www.filmratings.com.  Credits not final

SMURF, and all Smurfs characters: ©Peyo. All Rights Reserved. "Smurf" and "The Smurfs" are registered trademarks of STUDIO PEYO.

SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE Trailer and Teaser Poster

---

Info from the studio:

In this fully animated, all-new take on the Smurfs, a mysterious map sets Smurfette and her best friends Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty on an exciting and thrilling race through the Forbidden Forest filled with magical creatures to find a mysterious lost village before the evil wizard Gargamel does.  Embarking on a rollercoaster journey full of action and danger, the Smurfs are on a course that leads to the discovery of the biggest secret in Smurf history! 

• Directed by: Kelly Asbury
• Written by: Stacey Harman and Pamela Ribon
• Based on the Characters and Works of Peyo
• Produced by:  Jordan Kerner
• Co-Producer: Mary Ellen Bauder Andrews

Cast:

• Demi Lovato (Smurfette)
• Rainn Wilson (Gargamel)
• Joe Manganiello (Hefty)
• Jack McBrayer (Clumsy)
• Danny Pudi (Brainy)
• with Mandy Patinkin (Papa Smurf)

This film is not yet rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.  For future rating information, please visit www.filmratings.com.  Credits not final

SMURF, and all Smurfs characters: ©Peyo. All Rights Reserved. "Smurf" and "The Smurfs" are registered trademarks of STUDIO PEYO.

Teaser trailer will be posted tomorrow.

Surf's Up 2 Press Release & Trailer

From Sony Pictures Association:

Sony Pictures Association and WWE Studios debuted today the brand new trailer for SURF'S UP 2: WAVEMANIA, the animated sequel to SURF'S UP, the 2007 Oscar animated comedy about surfing penguins.

Cody Maverick, hungry for a new challenge, convinces an infamous big wave riding crew known as The Hang 5, voiced by WWE Superstars John Cena®, The Undertaker®, Triple H®, WWE Diva Paige™ and Mr. McMahon®, to let him join them on their journey to a mysterious surf spot known as The Trenches, where, legend has it, they'll find the biggest waves in the world. Cody soon discovers that the life he left behind might be more heroic than what any death-defying wave has to offer.

Genndy Tartakovsky's protégé Henry Yu (story artist on Sym-Bionic Titan and both Hotel Transylvania feature films) makes his directorial debut with this project, which is produced by Michelle Wong (production manager on Hotel Transylvania 2) and features computer animation from Rainmaker Entertainment Inc. Abdul Williams (Lottery Ticket) is writing the screenplay.

SURF'S UP 2: WAVEMANIA will be released by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment in early 2017.

Emoji Audition

"In celebration of World Emoji Day (editor's note: which was actually yesterday), Sony Pictures Animation tweeted today T.J. Miller's casting audition video for the lead part of Gene in EMOJIMOVIE: EXPRESS YOURSELF coming to theaters in August 2017:"

"EMOJIMOVIE: EXPRESS YOURSELF reveals the Secret World inside your phone. It’s a world where Emojis come alive (when they’re not being texted) and journey through Apps, each one its own wild and fun world, to get to their ultimate destination: The Cloud. It’s the App-venture of a lifetime!"

"The animated comedy is directed by Anthony Leondis and produced by Michelle Raimo Kouyate."

Sony Pictures Animation 2017/18 Slate

Sony Pictures Animation Announces 2017 & 2018 Slate

Projects Include EMOJIMOVIE: EXPRESS YOURSELF, Faith-Based Film

THE STAR, HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3, Animated SPIDER-MAN

and GHOSTBUSTERS Animated TV Series

Culver City, CA, June 20, 2016 – In a move signaling an expansion of its output and increased year-round production across multiple platforms, Sony Pictures Animation announced today its slate through 2018 which includes five theatrical features, three television series and one direct-to-video movie.

Kristine Belson, President of Sony Pictures Animation, says, “We are meaningfully stepping up our level of production, while creating an environment that fosters the best talent. Our goal is to enlarge our presence in the animation landscape with a uniquely diverse slate, and our strategy to get there is to let artists drive the movies creatively.”

Tom Rothman, Chairman of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, adds, “I could not be more proud of the way Kristine Belson has rebuilt Sony Pictures Animation into the boldest home for animation in the industry.”

Sony Pictures Animation’s slate includes a diverse mix of originals and franchises, some previously announced, each with its own unique style and tone, underscoring the Studio’s pledge to develop projects aimed both inside and outside of the Sony Pictures Animation family brand intended for traditional, as well as online, distribution platforms.

THEATRICAL FEATURES

·        SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE—a fully-animated comedy that delivers a fresh new take on the famous blue creatures and marks a return to the tone and style of the beloved comic book creations of Peyo—hits theaters April 7, 2017. The feature is directed by Kelly Asbury (SHREK 2, GNOMEO & JULIET), produced by Jordan Kerner (THE SMURFS 1 & 2, CHARLOTTE’S WEB), co-produced by Mary Ellen Bauder Andrews (HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA) and written by Stacey Harman and Pamela Ribon, based on the characters and works of Peyo. The voice cast includes Demi Lovato as Smurfette, Jack McBrayer as Clumsy, Joe Manganiello as Hefty, Danny Pudi as Brainy, and Rainn Wilson as Gargamel, with Mandy Patinkin as Papa.

·        EMOJIMOVIE: EXPRESS YOURSELF will offer a surprising and comic take on the secret world of our phones and the beloved characters that have become daily necessities in global interpersonal communication. The feature, targeting an August 2017 theatrical release, is directed by Anthony Leondis, produced by Michelle Raimo Kouyate, and written by Anthony Leondis & Eric Siegel.

·        THE STAR (working title) is scheduled for a December 8, 2017 theatrical release. The computer-animated feature is directed by Oscar nominee Timothy Reckart (HEAD OVER HEELS); executive produced by DeVon Franklin, Lisa Henson, and Brian Henson; co-produced by Jenni Magee Cook; and written by Carlos Kotkin and Simon Moore. In The Star, a small but brave donkey and his animal friends become the unsung heroes of the greatest story ever told, the first Christmas. Sony Pictures Animation produces in association with The Jim Henson Company.

·        HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3—the follow-up to Sony Pictures Animation’s highest grossing film in the U.S. and the biggest opening ever for a domestic September release —is scheduled to hit theaters September 21, 2018. Director Genndy Tartakovsky (DEXTER’S LABORATORY, STAR WARS: CLONE WARS), who returns to helm this brand new adventure, says, “I thought I was done exploring the world of HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA after the first two films, but while I was away from the franchise finishing my TV show SAMURAI JACK, an idea sparked that I got really excited about and made it irresistible to return and helm myself this third adventure.” Michelle Murdocca is back producing, with Adam Sandler executive producing, and Michael McCullers (AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME, BOSS BABY) writing the screenplay. Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez and Andy Samberg will be returning as the voices of Dracula, his vampire daughter Mavis, and her human husband Johnny.

·        From Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, the geniuses behind THE LEGO MOVIE, comes an animated SPIDER-MAN feature slated for theatrical release December 21, 2018. The film is being written by Phil Lord. Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord & Christopher Miller are producing; Craig Sost is co-producing. Bob Persichetti (head of story on PUSS IN BOOTS and THE LITTLE PRINCE) is directing.

ANIMATED SERIES

·        A brand new animated television series, GHOSTBUSTERS: ECTO FORCE, will further expand the Ghostbusters cinematic universe and focus on a new generation of Ghostbusters in the year 2050 who capture ghosts around the world with help from local teams—and some very cool gear! The younger-skewing Sony Pictures Animation project is being creatively spearheaded by Ivan Reitman and his production company Ghost Corps. GHOSTBUSTERS: ECTO FORCE is eyeing an early 2018 debut.

·        HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: THE TELEVISION SERIES is targeted for a 2017 airdate. The animated television series, produced in partnership with Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, will focus on the teenage years of Mavis, Dracula’s daughter, and her friends. It will be airing on the Disney Channel worldwide.

·        CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS is slated for its television series incarnation airdate in 2017. The 2D animated small-screen series, produced in partnership with DHX Media and commissioned by TELETOON in Canada, will expand on the adventures of the computer-animated feature films and will air on Cartoon Network in the U.S. and Turner channels across EMEA, APAC and Latin American markets.

DIRECT-TO-VIDEO

·        SURF’S UP 2: WAVEMANIA will debut on home entertainment in the Spring of 2017. Directed by Henry Yu and produced by Michelle Wong, the follow-up to the 2007 Oscar nominee will hit the shores in time for the 10-year anniversary of the franchise. The project is in partnership with WWE Studios (NYSE:WWE) and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The voice cast includes WWE Superstars John Cena^®, The Undertaker^®, Triple H^®, Diva Paige™ and Mr. McMahon^® as an an infamous big wave riding crew of penguins known as The Hang 5 which Cody Maverick convinces to let him join on their journey to a mysterious surf spot where legend has it they’ll find the biggest waves in the world.

Senior Vice Presidents of Development Michael Lachance (EMOJIMOVIE: EXPRESS YOURSELF, GHOSTBUSTERS: ECTO FORCE), Jenny Marchick (THE STAR, HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3) and Mike Moon (untitled animated SPIDER-MAN) are in charge of creatively spearheading the Sony Pictures Animation slate.

Surf's Up Catches a New Wave

SONY PICTURES ANIMATION AND WWE^® STUDIOS CATCH A WAVE TOGETHER IN SURF’S UP 2: WAVEMANIA

LOS ANGELES, CA. – March 1, 2016 – Sony Pictures Animation and WWE Studios (NYSE: WWE) announced today an animated sequel to Surf’s Up, the 2007 Academy Award^® nominated action-comedy about surfing penguins. The companies are co-financing and producing the movie which is expected to release in 2017, in time for the original films’ 10^th anniversary.  Surf’s Up 2: WaveMania will be distributed by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment with WWE Studios providing marketing support by leveraging its extensive multi-platform reach.

Cody Maverick, hungry for a new challenge, convinces an infamous big wave riding crew known as The Hang 5, voiced by WWE Superstars John Cena^®, The Undertaker^®, Triple H^®, WWE Diva Paige™ and Mr. McMahon^®, to let him join them on their journey to a mysterious surf spot known as The Trenches, where legend has it, they’ll find the biggest waves in the world. Cody soon discovers that the life he left behind might be more heroic than what any death-defying wave has to offer.  Genndy Tartakovsky’s protégé Henry Yu (story artist on Sym-Bionic Titan and both Hotel Transylvania feature films) makes his directorial debut with this project, which is produced by Michelle Wong (production manager on Hotel Transylvania 2) and features computer animation from Rainmaker Entertainment Inc.  Abdul Williams (Lottery Ticket) is writing the screenplay.

“We are thrilled to be working with Sony Pictures Animation to bring Cody Maverick back to audiences for more adventures, paired with our WWE Superstars in what promises to be a fun animated film for the entire family,” said Michael Luisi, WWE Studios President.

“WWE has a proven track record with family audiences, and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with them and dive back into the fun world of our surfing penguins,” adds Kristine Belson, President, Sony Pictures Animation.

SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE New Still & Cast

New Smurfs In The Village!

Sony Pictures Animation Announces Additional Cast For
SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE

Culver City, CA, February 12, 2016 - Sony Pictures Animation today announced the addition of three new cast for the lineup of talent in the next Smurf adventure Smurfs: The Lost Village, hitting theaters March 31, 2017.

Joining the already announced Demi Lovato as Smurfette, Rainn Wilson as Gargamel and Mandy Patinkin as Papa Smurf will be: triple Emmy nominee Jack McBrayer (30 Rock, Wreck-It Ralph) as the sweet, awkward and honest-to-a-fault Clumsy, who's forever trying his best and missing the mark; Danny Pudi (Community) as book smart and geek proud Brainy, who's long on knowledge, but short on inter-Smurf-onal skills; and Joe Manganiello (True Blood, Magic Mike) as the strong and super-positive Hefty, a loyal dynamo struggling with his hero complex.

The newest entry in the Columbia Pictures movie franchise that has grossed more than $900 million globally, Smurfs: The Lost Village is set for a worldwide release on March 31, 2017. The fully-animated return to the tone and style of the beloved comic book creations of Peyo is directed by Kelly Asbury (Shrek 2, Gnomeo & Juliet), produced by Jordan Kerner (Charlotte's Web, The Smurfs), co-produced by Mary Ellen Bauder (Hotel Transylvania), and executive produced by Raja Gosnell and Ben Waisbren.

It seems to Smurfette that everyone else in the Village has a purpose - Papa Smurf (leading), Baker Smurf (baking), even Grouchy Smurf (grouching) - except for her. So what's the only girl in the village to do? Go in search of hers, of course! When she accidentally crosses paths with a mysterious creature that takes off into the Enchanted Forest, she follows, and sets off into the uncharted and strictly forbidden woods. Joined by her brothers Brainy, Hefty and Clumsy - and with the evil wizard Gargamel shadowing their every step - Team Smurf undertakes a wild journey full of action, danger and discovery, setting them on a course that leads to the biggest mystery in Smurf history!

Based on the characters and works of PEYO.

SMURF, and all Smurfs characters: ©Peyo. All Rights Reserved. "Smurf" and "The Smurfs" are registered trademarks of STUDIO PEYO.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ANIMATION

Sony Pictures Animation produces a variety of animated and family entertainment for audiences around the world. The studio is following its worldwide comedy hits-the record-breaking monster comedies Hotel Transylvania and Hotel Transylvania 2, the hybrid live action/animated blockbusters The Smurfs and The Smurfs 2, and the mouth-watering Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs movies-with the fully animated reboot Smurfs: The Lost Village in March 2017; the inspirational story The Lamb in December 2017;and an animated Spider-Man feature from the minds of directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord in Summer 2018. The studio, in conjunction with Aardman Animations, has produced two critically acclaimed feature films: the CG-animated family comedy Arthur Christmas; and the Academy Award®-nominated stop-frame animated high-seas adventure, The Pirates! Band of Misfits. In 2007, Surf's Up also received an Academy Award® nomination for Best Animated Feature Film. The division—whose first feature film Open Season led to a very successful movie franchise, including the upcoming Open Season: Scared Silly in Spring 2016—turned 10 in 2012. Sony Pictures Animation is a division of the Sony Pictures Motion Pictures Group.

• Website: http://www.sonypicturesanimation.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SONYPicturesAnimation
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/sonyanimation
• Tumblr: http://sonyanimation.tumblr.com/
• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/SonyAnimation

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT:

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.

ABOUT THE SMURFS:

The story of the Smurfs - a property created by Peyo - started in 1958 with the creation of comic books which were later brought to both the big and small screen. Over the years, the little blue characters haven't just limited themselves to the page and the screen. They have inspired records and CDs that have sold millions of copies, entire collections of figurines and toys, and many more products. In all, more than 3,000 derived products have been produced and leading brands and companies have spread their messages worldwide with the help of the Smurfs. A multitude of new projects appear regularly, thus making the success of the Smurfs planetary!

ABOUT LAFIG BELIUM S.A.:

Lafig Belgium is the owner of the rights to produce audio-visual works based on the Smurf universe and of the Smurf worldwide licensing rights (together with IMPS). Lafig Belgium is controlled by the heirs of Pierre Culliford, better known under his pseudonym Peyo, the author/creator of the Smurfs. For 50 years, the Culliford family has controlled the Smurf characters and all licenses worldwide.

Angry Birds & Open Season Trailers

Directed by Clay Kaytis doing a little non-Disney work; maybe they'll make a videogame based on this:

And a trailer for Sony Pictures Animation's upcoming OPEN SEASON: SCARED SILLY coming to DVD, Blu-ray and Digital HD on March 8:

Happy Holidays from Sony Pictures Animation

Get Angry This Holiday Season