Cinesite to deliver CGI animation for new Nickelodeon/Paramount ‘Smurfs’ feature film
Skwigly
(Image courtesy of Cinesite)
Cinesite has been awarded animation work for the upcoming Smurf feature film, which is the first project from the new creative partnership between Paramount Animation, Nickelodeon Animation, LAFIG Belgium and IMPS, the company that owns the Smurfs brand. Production is under way with top talent being recruited by Cinesite Vancouver; artists & technicians can apply for opportunities at Cinesite.com.careers
The film, which is set for a February 2025 release, is written by the South Park writer Pam Brady, directed by Chris Miller (Puss n Boots and Shrek the third) and produced by Ryan Harris (Lego Batman movie). Cinesite’s crew is led by Barbara Zelinski (Producer) and Chris Kazmier (VFX Supervisor), under the direction of Head Of Production Tamara Boutcher.
Untitled Smurfs Animated Film is the latest animation feature to start production at Cinesite. It marks the studio’s second CG-animated theatrical production for Nickelodeon & Paramount after Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, a CG-animated film directed by Jeff Rowe slated for an Aug. 4, 2023, release. The animation studio remains in production on Aniventure’s upcoming films Hitpig based on characters from Pulitzer Prize-winner Berkeley Breathed’s Pete & Pickles, Animal Farm an animated adaptation of George Orwell’s classic novella directed by Andy Serkis as well as the animated series Iwaju for Disney+.
We are thrilled to be reteaming with such a stellar team of animators at Cinesite. Throughout development we’ve been impressed by the creativity and quality shown, together our teams will deliver a Smurf-tastic film that families will enjoy for years to come.
-Mark Bakshi (EVP, Paramount Pictures Animation)
Our team is excited to leverage their technical skills and artistic talent to bring the iconic Smurfs to the screen. We’re delighted that Nickelodeon & Paramount have showed continued trust in the quality of our work. And we’re incredibly excited to continue this collaboration and bolster our crew with the incredible budding animation talent that is out there globally.
-Brad Wald (Cinesite’s Group Chief Operating Officer – Animation)
The Smurfs have been a pop culture phenomenon for decades. The property is based on characters and stories created by Belgian artist Pierre Culliford, known as Peyo.