MUMBAI: Independent film studio Lionsgate will launch its multi-picture partnership with Crest Animation Productions with the CGI animated theatrical family film Alpha And Omega. Lionsgate and Crest are co-financing and co-producing the film which is scheduled for theatrical release in 2010.

The announcement was made by Lionsgate's executive VP of Lionsgate Family Entertainment Ken Katsumoto and Crest Animation Production CEO Noah Fogelson.

Lionsgate will distribute the film in North America and the UK. while Crest holds the distribution rights for India.

Mandate International will be launching international sales at the upcoming Cannes film festival for the rest of the world, excluding India.

Alpha and Omega is the story of two very different young wolves thrown together by circumstance, the film features rising young stars Justin Long Live FreeE Or Die Hard and Hayden Panettiere Heroes in the primary roles.

The film will also star Christina Ricci The Opposite Of Sex, Danny Glover Be KIND Rewind, Dennis Hopper Easy Rider and Larry Miller Bee Movie.

The film is directed by Anthony Bell and Ben Gluck. Chris Denk wrote the screenplay based on an original story by Steve Moore.

Katsumoto says, "We are very excited to be working with Crest, one of the world's finest CG animation producers. Everyone at Crest is passionate about creating high-quality animated family entertainment, and that commitment is reflected in Alpha And Omega. This is a classic journey film in the vein of Finding Nemo and The Lion King, filled with all manner of richly imagined particulars. And why not begin a partnership with a movie about wolves, one of Nature's most cohesive social units?"

Fogelson says, "We are thrilled to be in business with Lionsgate, a company that is continually innovating in terms of both production and marketing. We are looking forward to a fruitful collaboration and feel we are off to a great start with Alphs And Omega. We have a wonderfully talented cast and an outstanding team of filmmakers led by Anthony Bell and Ben Gluck, who truly understand the art and craft of animated storytelling."

The film is currently in production, with pre and post-production taking place in Los Angeles and key animation at Crest Animation Studios in India.