Norm of the North to Get Theatrical Release in China

LOS ANGELES: The animated feature film Norm of the North is slated for a theatrical release in China in April following Splash Entertainment’s pacts with Yang Yang Pictures Corporation and Chinawood Media Corp.

The Shanghai-based Yang Yang Pictures will serve as a major investor for the film release in China, while Chinawood will distribute Norm of the North throughout the country, including in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Norm of the North, which is distributed by Lionsgate, made its theatrical debut in the U.S. this month. The film follows the adventures of Norm, a fun-loving polar bear, and his three ragtag lemming pals, who are on a mission to save their Arctic home from a maniacal land developer.

“To date, Norm of the North has been sold to more than 70 countries around the world,” commented Mike Young, co-CEO of Splash Entertainment. “Now with Chinawood as a partner, along with Yang Yang Pictures as a major investor, we are confident that Norm of the North will continue to climb the box office with record numbers in China.”

“Opening only one week ago in U.S. theaters and garnering an A- CinemaScore with children under 18, we are pleased to offer this successful family film that provides a universal message to audiences around the world,” added Nicolas Atlan, co-CEO of Splash. “As the first feature film from Splash Entertainment, we believe that China offers a gateway to a vastly growing market within the film industry and we are excited about these new partnerships.”

“Splash Entertainment is a very well-known animation company around the world and we always want to work with a partner like this,” stated Yang Yang’s chairman, Han Tao. “We look forward to a long-term relationship in the future. In addition, Norm of the North is full of happiness animation. We have great confidence for its performance in China.”

Silhouette Media Group’s Silvio Astarita, who secured the deal, remarked: “Yang Yang was looking at an opportunity to get involved in Norm of the North thanks to Splash Entertainment and Lionsgate. Yang Yang and I are excited about partnering with Mike Young and Nicolas Atlan at Splash Entertainment to exploit this picture in China and build a solid, long-lasting franchise.”