Fully Animated Film To Be Produced By Happy Madison and Hasbro
CULVER CITY, Calif., June 11, 2012 – TONKA, the Hasbro brand that for 65
years has stood for its line of toy trucks for children, will bring its
TONKA toughness to the big screen in a fully animated motion picture to
be produced by Sony Pictures Animation, Hasbro and Happy Madison
Productions. The announcement was made today by Bob Osher, president,
Sony Pictures Digital Productions, Michelle Raimo-Kouyate, president of
Production for Sony Pictures Animation and Brian Goldner, president and
CEO of Hasbro. The film will also be produced and developed by Goldner
and Hasbro's senior vice president and managing director of motion
pictures, Bennett Schneir and will be written by Fred Wolf.
The new TONKA project strengthens the growing ties between Sony Pictures
and Hasbro, following the announcements that Sony Pictures is
developing motion pictures based on Hasbro's RISK and CANDY LAND
brands. CANDY LAND is also a Happy Madison project.
Commenting on the announcement, Osher said, "In its 65 years, TONKA has
become more than a toy or a brand – TONKA trucks are a rite of passage
for kids all around the world. Time spent with these toys creates
memories that last a lifetime as kids are inspired to play using the
boundaries of their imagination. We look forward to creating a family
friendly motion picture that brings the TONKA experience to life."
Raimo-Kouyate added, "Fred and our friends at Happy Madison and Hasbro
have a truly inventive take on what it means to be 'TONKA tough' that
will translate the multi-generational appeal of this world-renowned
brand into a fun animated adventure for the whole family."
"We're thrilled to be working with Bob, Michelle, and the amazing team
of artists and storytellers at Sony Pictures Animation," said Schneir.
"Together with Happy Madison, we're excited to bring TONKA trucks to
life in a terrific story for audiences around the world."
One of the most recognized brands in Hasbro's portfolio, TONKA has been
the bestselling toy truck globally since 1947. Giving children
real-life, relatable experiences, TONKA trucks help kids learn the
confidence to get the job done.
Sony Pictures Animation produces a variety of animated entertainment for
audiences around the world. The studio is following its worldwide
comedy hits-the 2011 hybrid live action/animated family blockbuster, "The Smurfs (3D) "and the 2009 mouth-watering "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (3D) "with the family comedy "Hotel Transylvania (3D)" in September 2012 and "The Smurfs 2 (3D)" in July 2013. Sony Pictures Animation, in conjunction
with Aardman Animations, has produced two feature films: the
critically acclaimed, CG-animated family comedy "Arthur Christmas (3D)"; and the stop-frame animated high-seas adventure,"The Pirates! Band of Misfits (3D)".