Viva Pictures is preparing a 26-film animated family slate for next year, aiming to help cinemas maintain regular family programming between major studio releases. The company is presenting the plan ahead of the American Film Market, scheduled for Nov. 10-15 in Century City.
The distributor says it will offer flexible booking terms that allow exhibitors to screen the films on weekdays, particularly during morning and afternoon sessions. This would leave evening and weekend slots available for larger studio titles while giving theaters additional opportunities to attract family audiences.
Victor Elizalde, Viva Pictures’ co-founder and CEO, said the program is intended to encourage families to return to theaters regularly. The slate, called “Animation Celebration,” will be supported by loyalty programs and other marketing initiatives developed with exhibition partners.
Founded in 2011, Viva Pictures acquires animation projects internationally and also produces original films. Its 2027 release schedule begins Jan. 8 with “Cloud Girl,” which screened at this year’s Annecy animation festival and features Hugh Laurie among its voice cast.
Other titles listed for the slate include “Flamingo Flamenco,” “Pirate Mo,” “Unstable,” “Zac Power,” “The Boonie Bears” and “On the Edge.”
Viva Pictures will promote the program at AFM with a Nov. 11 premiere party for “Space Cadet,” which is scheduled to open in theaters on Nov. 13. The film is directed by Kid Koala, the scratch DJ who has released five solo albums and toured with Radiohead, the Beastie Boys, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Gorillaz.
Sources: Variety.