Warner Bros and Elisabeth Murdoch’s Locksmith Animation Team in Multi-Picture Deal

Brian Welk

Warner Bros. Pictures has entered into a multi-film deal with Locksmith Animation, the UK-based feature animation studio co-founded by Elisabeth Murdoch. The partnership was announced Thursday by Toby Emmerich, chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures Group and Courtenay Valenti, president production and development at Warner Bros. Pictures along with Locksmith’s Co-CEO’s Sarah Smith and Julie Lockhart.

The deal covers the development and production of family animated features for worldwide theatrical distribution by Warner Bros. Locksmith will collaborate closely with Allison Abbate, EVP of Warner Animation Group, to add a fresh to complement the studio’s current animated projects. Locksmith previously had a deal with Disney.

“In recent years, animation has become a tremendously important part of our slate, and this deal with Locksmith dovetails perfectly with our forward-going plans,” Emmerich and Valenti said in a statement. “We love Sarah and Julie’s sensibilities and work, and look forward to working with them to create titles that will enchant today’s audiences and become classics for future generations of animation lovers.”

Also Read: New 'Looney Tunes' and Hanna-Barbera Animated Series 'Jellystone' to Debut on HBO Max

“We’re absolutely delighted to become part of the Warner Bros. family with this partnership,” Smith and Lockhart said in a joint statement. “The studio has not only a revered legacy in animation, but an outstanding record in bringing contemporary family classics to global audiences. We look forward to working with its visionary leadership team to bring our unique voice and brand to worldwide audiences.”

Locksmith’s first feature, “Ron’s Gone Wrong,” is currently in production in London and will be released by Walt Disney Studios. Locksmith Animation was founded in 2014 by Smith, Lockhart and Murdoch.

Warner Animation Group’s upcoming animated slate includes “SCOOB” in May 2020, “Tom & Jerry” in April 2021 and “Space Jam 2” in July 2021.

Read original story Warner Bros and Elisabeth Murdoch’s Locksmith Animation Team in Multi-Picture Deal At TheWrap