From Variety
Relativity, Reel FX team on ‘Turkeys’ toon
Company will shop Owen Wilson-Woody Harrelson pic at American Film Market
Relativity Media has signed on to finance and produce the animated comedy “Turkeys” with Reel FX.
Relativity will distribute the pic domestically, while output partners in countries including China, England and Australia will unspool the pic internationally. Pic marks the first toon that Relativity will bring to the AFM, where it will unveil the project to its output partners and shop to territories including France, Italy, Japan, Korea, Benelux and Scandinavia.
Owen Wilson and Woody Harrelson star as the lead voice talents in the film, which Relativity has slated for a 2014 release. “Horton Hears a Who!” helmer Jimmy Hayward will direct.
“Clerks” producer Scott Mosier will producer with scribes Craig Mazin, John Strauss and David I. Stern.
Stern and Strauss wrote the original script, with Maxin rewriting.
Story centers on two rival turkeys who team up to travel back in time to the first Thanksgiving, where they try to get themselves off the menu for good.
Reel FX, which develops and produces toons and live-action films, has been slowly building its slate with more diverse projects. Its current slate includes the Guillermo del Toro-produced “Day of the Dead” as well as “Beasts of Burden,” with Strange Weather Films’ Aron Warner and Andrew Adamson producing.
Financial terms of the agreement between Relativity and Reel FX were not disclosed. Companies had been working on a deal for the film for several months.
“This agreement is a culmination of years of friendship and a continued desire to collaborate between Relativity and Reel FX,” said Relativity CEO Ryan Kavanaugh in a statement. “We are delighted to broaden our film release slate to include ‘Turkeys,’ which features an exciting roster of voice talent, a powerhouse creative team and an original witty storyline.”
Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com