(30 June 2007 9:00 pm)

MUMBAI: The Weinstein Company (TWC), The Gotham Group, and the Chungcheongnam-do government of South Korea have joined forces as part of an extensive strategic relationship to produce, and distribute animated feature films.

As part of this relationship, TWC has also entered into a multi-year first look deal with The Gotham Group a management firm representing animation and family entertainment talent and content.

The projects produced by the venture will be based on work from The Gotham Group's clients, in addition to outside sources. The Weinstein Company, the Media Center of Chungcheongnam-do, and The Gotham Group will serve as producers on all films in the venture.

The animated features will be principally co-produced in the Chungcheongnam-do Province of South Korea, including at the state-of-the-art animation facilities at The Media Center of Chungcheongnam-do. TWC will handle worldwide distribution on all titles produced pursuant to this relationship, with the Chungcheongnam-do government of South Korea providing support in certain Asian markets.

TWC co-chairmen Harvey and Bob Weinstein says, "This is an innovative and exciting deal to be a part of and we are glad to be working with some of the best animators and animation companies in the business. The beauty of animated film is that it speaks to all audiences around the world and transcends language, age and cultural barriers."

Chungcheongnam-do chief manager of media center Hee Sup Kim said, "Korea and its animation production companies have been at the center of the television animation business for years but have outsourced jobs only to this point. Now we want to extend further to the animated theatrical film business by being co-producer with prominent partners in the US. Ensuring our access to the best content and talent from the East and West, as well as the best marketing and distribution will provide a solid foundation to make Chungcheongnam-do's animation studios a world class source of animated content."

Clemensen Capital CEO, Mariel Clemensen says, "We believe this deal is a milestone for Korean animation studios. We are thrilled to extend our expertise to support cross-border feature animation through this partnership with The Gotham Group, The Weinstein Company, and the Chungcheongnam-do government."