American film company picks up rights to Russian ‘Kikoriki’ movies

The Kikoriki series was launched in 2003 as an animated Russian television series.

The Kikoriki series was launched in 2003 as an animated Russian television series.

kinopoisk.ru
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Los Angeles-based entertainment company has picked up North American distribution rights to two “Kikoriki” animated films, known in Russia as “Smeshariki”.

Shout! Factory has obtained theatrical, digital, broadcast, VOD and home entertainment rights to latest animated movie Legend of the Golden Dragon and the 2011 film Kikoriki: Team Invincible.

"The sharp, action-packed scripts were adapted by Hollywood animation veterans, and their comic sensibility is right on target for North American audiences," Jordan Fields, Vice President of Acquisitions at Shout! Factory, said to The Hollywood Reporter.

He also stated that these films “are highly entertaining comedies with truly nutty characters, clever storytelling, gentle satire and rich animation."

Diana Yurinova, Vice President of International Sales for the films’ Russian production company Riki-Group, has confirmed the deal. She added that the company is currently in production for the next feature of the franchise, which will be on screens in 2018.

The Kikoriki series was launched in 2003 as an animated Russian television series. The series is in its 11th season, with 206 episodes produced. According to Yurinova, the franchise is gaining popularity with audiences abroad. Kikoriki is currently broadcast in 60 countries, including the U.S., Germany and the UK.

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