Viva Pictures Unveils Theatrical Release Plan for 26 Animated Family Films in Advance of AFM

Viva Pictures is courting exhibitors with a promise to release 26 animated family films next year in an effort to fill in the gaps between studio releases.

Viva Pictures is vowing to offer exhibitors flexible booking terms to run the films on weekdays during morning and afternoon time slots, leaving the more lucrative evening and weekend slots for the big-draw studio films. Victor Elizalde, co-founder and CEO of Viva Pictures, unveiled the plan in advance of the American Film Market gathering that runs Nov. 10-15 in Century City.

“Habits are formed in childhood, and Animation Celebration gives families a reason to come back to the theater every two weeks,” said Elizalde, co-founder and CEO of Viva Pictures. “The studios deliver the big event films, but families need a reason to return in between. Our exhibitor partners understand the value of family audiences, and this program gives them a reason to fill those seats regularly.”

Formed in 2011, Viva Pictures acquires animation projects from around the world as well as producing original fare. The company’s 2027 slate begins Jan. 8 with “Cloud Girl,” which screened at this year’s Annecy animation festival. The film’s voice cast includes Hugh Laurie. Other titles scheduled for release this year include “Flamingo Flamenco,” “Pirate Mo,” “Unstable,” “Zac Power,” “The Boonie Bears” and “On the Edge.”

Viva aims to partner with exhibitors to develop loyalty programs and other marketing efforts to bring young families to theaters on a regular basis. The slate is billed as Viva Pictures’ “Animation Celebration.”

Viva plans to promote the ambitious theatrical release program at AFM with its Nov. 11 premiere party for “Space Cadet,” which is due out in theaters on Nov. 13. The film is directed by scratch DJ Kid Koala has released five solo albums and toured with Radiohead, the Beastie Boys and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band and, at present, with Gorillaz.