KRU Studios, KL & Crest Animation to co-produce 3D feature, 'Ribbit'

KRU Studios has recently announced its collaboration with Crest Animation Studios on the co-production of its 3D animated feature film entitled "Ribbit". "Ribbit", with a production budget estimated at US$25 million, will be directed by Chuck Powers who has had more than three decades of experience both as a voice talent and a director in animation productions. KRU holds the distribution rights for the film in the South East Asian regions and Crest has the rights for Indian Sub Continent. The production of the feature has already commenced and is majorly taking place at Crest Animation.

Speaking to AnimationXpress Asia Pacific Norman Abdul Halim, Executive President of KRU Studios and Executive Producer of "Ribbit" states, "Under this co production KRU's scope of work includes Directing, Script Development, Character Design, Voice Directing & Dubbing, Storyboard & Animatics, Music Score, Visual Effects, Foley & Sound Effects, Audio Mixing and Conforming & Color Grading. While Crest will undertake most parts of production. KRU will also produce small parts of the animation and MDeC will provide rendering facilities."

Set amongst the breathtaking backdrop of the Amazon rainforest, "Ribbit" tells the tale of a frog named Ribbit with an identity crisis. Unlike frogs, he hates hopping and has a strong aversion to water. Feeling a misfit, he is full of questions about his life… and so together with his best friend, a flying squirrel; he embarks on a soul-searching journey in search of the truth and his rightful place in this world.

Norman further added, "This collaboration marks KRU Studios' maiden voyage into the full feature animation arena... a natural progression following our expertise in CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) and special effects. Filled with colourful characters and witty dialogue, "Ribbit" is feature film that is set to entertain audiences of all ages around the globe."

AK Madhavan, CEO of Crest said "Crest is thrilled to be part of this exciting project as we believe that "Ribbit" is a unique one-of-a-kind venture and will redefine the boundaries of animation to come out of Asia. We are honoured to be partnering with KRU Studios who have proven themselves to be an innovative and progressive company."

Crest Animation Studios Ltd is a full-service studio specializing in the development and production of digital animated properties for theatrical, television, home entertainment and interactive distribution for the global entertainment industry. It is the undisputed leader in the Indian animation industry, and one of the leading CGI animation studios in the world. Crest has recently announced the release of their first film with Lionsgate entitled "Alpha & Omega" and are also currently in production of their second film with Lionsgate called "Norm of the North".

Norman added, "KRU Studios would also like to express its gratitude towards the Multimedia Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (MDeC), whose MAC3 Co-Production Fund Scheme will help defray its production cost. The availability of this fund will assist KRU Studios to create a world class animation feature film, "Ribbit". In addition KRU Studios will also be using MDeC's rendering facility for the rendering process."