EXODUS FILM GROUP ANNOUNCES COMIC BOOK DEAL
WITH IDW PUBLISHING FOR CG-ANIMATED FILM "IGOR"
Los Angeles, CA (July 31, 2007)—Exodus Film Group announced today a comic book deal with IDW Publishing for Exodus' CG-animated feature film "Igor." Long known for its exciting array of titles, including popular licenses "Transformers," "24," and "CSI," IDW publishes some of today's most innovative and ground-breaking comic books. The publishing program for "Igor" will include a series of full color prequel titles leading up to another series of books taking fans through the film and beyond. These will be followed by a full-color paperback, collecting each miniseries.
"Our newest licensing partner, IDW, has a long standing record of adapting and creating terrific comic books based on entertainment properties," said Bruce Auerbach, Exodus President of Consumer Products. "We're looking forward to their creative execution on the visually rich film we are producing."
"IDW has built a name for itself by producing good horror comics and good licensed comics," said IDW's Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Chris Ryall. "The chance to combine the two in the form of a clever and fun idea like 'Igor' is a perfect convergence of genres and will also appeal to younger readers."
"Igor" is a playfully irreverent comedy that brings a new twist to the classic monster genre. In a world filled with Mad Scientists and Evil Inventions, one talented evil scientist's hunch-backed lab assistant has big dreams of becoming a Mad Scientist himself and winning the annual Evil Science Fair. The stellar voice cast includes Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, Jennifer Coolidge, John Cusack, Arsenio Hall, Sean Hayes, Eddie Izzard, Jay Leno, Molly Shannon, and Christian Slater. The Weinstein Company is handling worldwide distribution for the film, which is set for a wide theatrical release on October 24, 2008.
Recent "Igor" consumer products deals include a master license for toys and collectables with Corgi International and a major publishing deal with award-winning global leader Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division. Corgi will release a wide range of products including action figures, play sets, electronic role-play games, pocket money toys, vinyl figures, plush, statues, busts and other associated products. Simon & Schuster plans seven "Igor" books, which will be published under their Simon Scribbles and Simon Spotlight imprints.
Award-winning animation writer, Tony Leondis, is directing the screenplay by Chris McKenna. Exodus CEO John D. Eraklis is producing with Exodus President Max Howard executive producing and Jean-Luc De Fanti producing on behalf of Exodus Productions in Paris. Eric Robinson, Vice President of Production and Development, is overseeing on behalf of The Weinstein Company.
ABOUT EXODUS FILM GROUP
Exodus Film Group is an independent production company which has taken pioneering steps in the animation field by creating one of the first private equity animation film funds. Exodus announced at last month's Cannes Film Festival a strategic alliance with The Weinstein Company to jointly develop, produce and finance a multi-picture slate of CG-animated feature films, DVDs, and television series, with TWC distributing worldwide. Los Angeles, California-based Exodus recently opened an additional office in New York City and has its European operations based in Paris, France. In addition to "Igor," Exodus' CG-animation slate includes "The Hero of Color City," which is in pre-production and will be distributed in North America by Magnolia Pictures, and "Bunyan & Babe." www.ExodusFilmGroup.com
ABOUT IDW PUBLISHING
IDW PUBLISHING is a division of Idea and Design Works, LLC, a revolutionary creative service company with a wide range of clients. Among their best-selling titles are Hasbro’s THE TRANSFORMERS; Fox's ANGEL, Konami's METAL GEAR SOLID, and FALLEN ANGEL. IDW's 30 DAYS OF NIGHT film is in development and will be released by Sony Pictures in October 2007. IDW has films in development at Dimension Films and Paramount Pictures, as well. More information about the company can be found at www.idwpublishing.com.
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