LAIKA, the company that most recently brought us The Boxtrolls, has announced that they plan to continue partnering with the studio Focus Features for three more projects. Focus Features CEO Peter Schlessel and LAIKA President and CEO Travis Knight made the announcement today.
LAIKA is known for creating incredibly intricate and engrossing stop motion films including Coraline in 2009 and ParaNorman in 2012. Coraline earned Golden Globe, BAFTA, Critics’ Choice, and Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature Film; and was named one of the year’s 10 Best Films by the American Film Institute (AFI) with an AFI Award. ParaNorman was cited as best animated feature film by more critics’ groups than any other 2012 animated feature as well as earning a BAFTA, Critics’ Choice and an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature Film.
The Boxtrolls opened last weekend with an impressive 17.3 million gross, marking it the biggest debut yet for a LAIKA movie.
Schlessel commented on the partnership renewal,
“I am very pleased to continue our relationship with our friends at LAIKA. Travis and his company have elevated the art of animated films and we are proud to be part of their success.”
Knight added,
“Focus and LAIKA are kindred spirits. Over eight years and three films we’ve forged an incredible bond over a shared love for, and commitment to, bold, distinctive, and enduring stories. Peter and his superlative team have created a welcoming home for original voices and enriching, challenging filmmaking. They’re the bravest studio in the world. We look forward to many ongoing cinematic adventures with our Focus/Universal family. The best is yet to come.”
There is no word on what the next three movies will be or what the time line will entail.