Hong Kong-based sales company Autumn Sun has acquired worldwide rights to the Chinese family-oriented animated film “I am T-Rex”, directed by Shang Ming and Si Lin and produced by Beijing Create Dream.
“I am T-Rex” follows a young T-Rex named Didi on her coming-of-age journey after the death of her powerful father, T-Rex Rog, who was killed by a rival dinosaur gang. She must learn the ways of the T-Rex and reclaim the crown 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 just before the film’s theatrical re-release in China.
The film opened in China in November last year and grossed around $4.5 million. It will now enjoy a second run from 4 November.
It is one of the first films to take advantage of a new policy in China known as the “Cinema Line Theatrical Distribution” model, announced in June this year.
This allows cinema chains to acquire titles directly from producers on flexible commercial terms. Cinema chains can use this scheme to tailor programmes to their specific local audiences and cinemas.
The aim is 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 big-budget blockbusters hatched for the holiday season.
Niu Lintao, the writer and producer of I am T-Rex, has received several offers to re-release the film as cinema chains look for content that appeals to a family audience. “The film’s unique genre and good family message and values made some theatre chains want to re-release it,” Niu said.
The film was acquired for North America by Well Go USA. Autumn Sun recently completed initial sales of the film to distributors in Japan and Spain. It is now launching the rights at the American Film Market in Santa Monica this week.
