By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)
Shout! Factory and Planeta Inform Film Distribution will soon be distributing the Russian-made computer animated film, Quackerz (Крякнутые каникулы) throughout North America. Directed and co-written by Victor Lakisov and produced by Rome Animation & Film Studio and A-VFX Studio, this comedy will get a strategic rollout across major entertainment distribution platforms and in packaged media in 2016 through Shout’s kids & family entertainment imprint, Shout! Factory Kids.
“We are looking forward to theatrical release of Quackerz in the domestic market as well as in the international territories. We’re extremely grateful to Shout Factory’s team for introducing our film to the US and Canada audience. I hope this partnership will become fruitful and long-lasting,” said Ruben Atoyan, Executive Producer of Rome Animation Studio.
“Quackerz brings exceptional animation to a spirited, comic adventure story. What’s not to love about ducks trying to save the world? It’s a visually inventive and family friendly film that will delight children and parents.” said Jordan Fields, Vice President of Acquisitions at Shout! Factory.
This movie sounds like it should be made by Chinese producers because the story is set in China, but instead, the tale is very universal. Longway is the son of a Mandarin duck emperor and a next generation Sun Duck, who possesses the fantastical power to control the energy of the Sun. But he knows nothing of his power. The emperor strives to protect Longway from world dangers by keeping him ignorant of his birthright. However, fate cannot be so easily averted when the evil witch discovers Longway’s secret power. He and his newfound friend Erica, the charming daughter of mallards’ chief, must unite all the ducks and defeat the daunting witch, who seeks to destroy the Sun.
In the American version, this film will feature the voice talents of Robbie Daymond (Nickelodeon’s Get Blake!), Michael Gross (Family Ties), Enn Reitel (The Adventures of Tintin, 2011), Alanna Ubach (Meet the Fockers) and Andrea Becker (Storage Wars: New York).
No dates were announced at the time of press, but it’s a safe bet it will appear by Quarter 3 for the Summer season, when everyone wants to soak up some sun or escape the heat with some quality entertainment by the pool. Some children may cry fowl if it shows up later than that.
