Toon Boom, Guru pact on tech

Two Toronto animation powerhouses are combining their R&D forces to improve an industry-leading software  package. Toon Boom, a Canadian manufacturer of animation software, and Guru Studio, a Toronto-based animation studio, have inked a collaboration agreement that will see engineers from both companies combine to develop new software for Toon Boom Harmony.  The agreement evolved out of Guru’s use of Harmony on its series Ever After High, for which it developed several custom modules. “The custom tools we’ve been able to implement in Harmony have freed our artists and allowed them to focus their skills on strong posing, design and subtle facial acting,” said Chris Fourney, Senior 2D Software Architect at Guru Studio, in a statement on the deal. The two companies will work together to incorpate the features into the next edition of Harmony.

Lionsgate

Lionsgate has acquired the rights to the Magic Tree House book series, and is developing a series of live-action film to be released on the company’s Summit Entertainment label. The 54-volume book series is written by American author Mary Pope Osborne. More than 130 million copies of the books have sold worldwide and translated into 35 languages. The book series follows the adventures of siblings Jack and Annie after they find a mysterious tree house and discover a collection of books that take them back in time. Pope Osborne will executive produce the upcoming movie with her husband Will Osborne. The first film will be based on Book 29 of the series, Christmas in Camelot. Eric Brown and Rose Schwartz of Franklin, Weinrib, Rudell & Vassallo negotiated the deal on behalf Mary Pope Osborne and the screenwriters, while Lionsgate SVP business and legal affairs Bonnie Stylides represented the studio.

Distribution360

Distribution360 has sold more than 260 episodes of content to broadcasters and digital platforms across North America. Among the deals was a sale to NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment’s 24-hour U.S. preschool network Sprout of Ya Ya & Zouck. The series is produced by Montreal-based indie ToonDraw Productions in Montreal, in association with Société Radio-Canada and YOOPA. Read more about the deals here.

Thunderbird

Thunderbird has acquired the format rights to Israel-based producer and distributor Armoza Formats’ cop drama Street Justice. The Vancouver-based producer will develop and adapt the series for North American markets in collaboration with Armoza Formats. Read more about the deal here.

IMAX

Discovery Communications has inked an agreement with IMAX Corporation that will see up to 10 documentaries produced through IMAX’s $50 million Original Film Fund landing on the Discovery Channel following their theatrical release. Read more about the deal here.