Sony Snaps Up Aardman

BBC: Gromit animators sign Sony deal
Last Updated: Monday, 2 April 2007, 12:21 GMT 13:21 UK

Wallace and Gromit creator Aardman Animations has agreed a three-year deal with Sony Pictures.

The Bristol-based company had been looking for a new Hollywood partner after its association with US studio Dreamworks came to an end in January.

"We couldn't be more excited about working with the entire Aardman team," said Sony co-chairman Amy Pascal.

Aardman co-founder David Sproxton said: "We are delighted to find a partner in Sony that shares our vision."

Oscar success

"We are all very excited by the potential and have a number of projects we are keen to bring to fruition with this new relationship," Sproxton added.

Last year's Open Season, featuring Billy Connolly as the leader of a group of squirrels, was the first release from Sony Pictures' animation arm.

Back in January it was reported the five-film deal between Aardman and Dreamworks had ended after two movies underperformed.

Losses were reported for their last two films, Flushed Away and Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.

However, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit went on to win the Oscar for best animated feature - one of four Academy Awards which creator Nick Park has won since 1991.