Wide theatrical releases planned for 3QU Media’s CG-animated features produced at Cinesite’s Montreal studio.
'Gnome Alone'
LOS ANGELES -- Moving to build out its release slate, newly-minted theatrical film distribution company Smith Global Media has added two animated family movies to its burgeoning slate, acquiring distribution rights to Gnome Alone and Charming. Both films were financed and produced by 3QU Media in association with SC Films International and created in Cinesite’s Montreal studio. Both films were produced by John H. Williams (Shrek) and were executive produced by 3QU Media’s Henry Skelsey, Jon Christianson and Jeremy Ross. The announcement was made today by Harry Smith, Founder and CEO of Smith Global Media.
Charming, set for a wide theatrical release in Q2 2018, boasts a stellar A-list voice cast that includes Demi Lovato (Smurfs: The Lost Village, Camp Rock 3), Wilmer Valderrama (That 70’s Show, NCIS), Ashley Tisdale (Phineas and Ferb, High School Musical), top recording artists Sia and Avril Lavigne, Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), John Cleese (Monty Python and the Holy Grail) and singer-songwriter G.E.M. The film was written and directed by Ross Venokur and produced by John H. Williams (Shrek, Shrek 2). Valderrama’s WV Enterprises also produced and Demi Lovato served as Executive Music Producer for the film. Sia wrote two original songs- one performed by her, the other performed by Demi Lovato with Wilmer Valderrama. The score was written by Tom Howe and produced by acclaimed composer Harry Gregson-Williams.
The film is an irreverent animated comedy about a young Prince (Wilmer Valderrama) with an irresistible appeal and one kick-ass maiden who wants him only for his money. Cursed as a child, every woman Prince Felipe Charming meets falls in love with him, leaving a trail of lovesick ladies and scorned lovers to wreak vengeful havoc on the Kingdom. In order to beat the curse before his 21st birthday, Prince Charming will embark on an epic journey. Accompanied by a strong-willed thief named Lenore, the prince must achieve three feats of heroism that will reveal which princess is his one true love. Now it’s a race against time. But Charming will discover that it’s not actually whom you run the gauntlet for, but rather whom you run it with.
The adventure comedy feature Gnome Alone, set for wide theatrical release in Q4 2017, is directed by Peter Lepeniotis (The Nut Job) and stars Becky G (Power Rangers, Empire), Josh Peck (Grandfathered, Danny Collins), Olivia Holt (Kickin’ It) and George Lopez (Rio, The Smurfs). Patrick Stump of the acclaimed band Fall Out Boy performed multiple voice-over roles, composed the score and has written an original song to be performed by Becky G.
When Chloe (voiced by Becky G) discovers that her new home’s garden gnomes are not what they seem, she must decide between the pursuit of a desired high school life and banding with the gnomes to fight against the Troggs, menacing little monsters who have invaded the house through a portal from another world.
Michael Schwartz and Zina Zaflow wrote the screenplay based on a screen story by Rob Moreland and a story by Micah Herman & Kyle Newman. Gnome Alone was produced by John H. Williams and shepherded through production by 3QU’s head creative, Danielle Sterling.
Said Harry Smith, “It is a huge coup for Smith Global Media to acquire two highly commercial films of this caliber. ‘Charming’ features an all-star cast who will also lend their musical talent to this reimagined tale of three familiar fairy tale princesses. ‘Gnome Alone’ has an amazing mix of humor and excitement that will appeal to a wide family audience.”
Smith added, “This dual acquisition enhances our company’s position in the marketplace and illustrates our desire to be the home for the most acclaimed independent films worldwide. ‘Charming’ and ‘Gnome Alone’ are both terrific family comedies that will appeal to the masses and be supported with a significant level of marketing and advertising. This acquisition further exemplifies our commitment to aggressively growing our theatrical release slate for 2017 and 2018.”
Hillary Arlene Jones, Smith Global Media’s Head of Legal and Business Affairs, negotiated the acquisition of Charming and Gnome Alone on behalf of the distributor. UTA handled negotiations on behalf of 3QU Media.
The acquisitions come on the heels of Smith Global Media closing a multi-year home entertainment distribution agreement for its releases with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE). Including both digital and physical distribution worldwide, SPHE will also handle the subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) and television distribution.
Source: Smith Global Media
Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.
