Hong Kong-based sales firm Autumn Sun has acquisition worldwide rights to Chinese family-oriented animated film “I am T-Rex,” directed by Shang Ming and Si Lin, produced by Beijing Create Dream.
“I am T-Rex” follows a young T-Rex named Didi in her coming of age journey after the death of powerful father T-Rex Rog, who is killed by a rival dino gang. She must learn the ways of the T-Rex and claim the crown again with the help of her uncle and a very caring friend.
Autumn Sun’s move comes on the eve of the American Film Market and shortly before the film gets a theatrical re-release in China.
The film had theatrical run in November last year in China, grossing some $4.5 million. It will now enjoy a second run starting Nov. 4.
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It is one of the first movies to take advantage of a new policy in China known as “Cinema Line Theatrical Distribution” model announced in June this year.
This enables cinema chains to directly acquire titles from producers on flexible commercial terms. Cinema chains can make use of this scheme to tailor programs to their specific local audiences and cinemas.
This is intended to increase the choice of films available in China and provide a degree of counter-programming at times when Chinese screens are often dominated by wide-release blockbusters that are hatched for holiday seasons.
Niu Lintao, the writer and producer of “I am T-Rex,” received multiple re-release offers, with cinema chains looking for content to appeal to a family audience base. “The movie’s unique genre and good family message and values made some cinema chains want to release it again,” comments Niu.
The film was acquired by Well Go USA for North America. Autumn Sun recently completed the first sales on this film to distributors in Japan and Spain. It is now launching the rights at this week’s American Film Market in Samta Monica.
