Viva Pictures Takes North America On Chinese 3D Animation ‘Deep Sea’

Written by: Matt Grobar

EXCLUSIVE: Indie animation distributor Viva Pictures has acquired North American rights to Deep Sea, a 3D animated feature that world premiered out of Berlin earlier this year. Written and directed by Tian Xiaopeng (Monkey King: Hero Is Back), the $80M Mandarin-language title is now slated for an exclusive release in select theaters nationwide November 24th.

Marking a departure from Viva’s general kids-and-family focus, Deep Sea tells the story of a young girl named Shenxiu, who is unexpectedly swept into the sea during a family cruise and stumbles upon a mysterious restaurant under the waves. There, she meets the scheming head chef, Nanhe, and his ragtag crew of adorable otters and sarcastic walruses. They join forces to save the restaurant and reunite Shenxiu with her long-lost mother in a kaleidoscopic, dreamlike world of swirling color and dazzling views.

Also previously playing such prestigious festivals as Tribeca, Annecy, Fantasia and Sitges, among many others, the film will be featured at the Denver Film Festival and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards later this year. Pic’s producers are Yi Qiao (Ne Zha), Wang Jing (Legend of Deification), and Wei Yunyun (Ne Zha).

“Viva Pictures is honored to join forces once more with Mr. Tian Xiaopeng following our successful release of his movie, Monkey King: Hero Is Back, in 2015,” said Viva Pictures President, Victor Elizalde. “DEEP SEA represents a pivotal juncture at Viva, as we embrace a renewed commitment to championing cinematic artistry characterized by breathtaking visuals and enthralling story telling. DEEP SEA is a truly unique cinematic experience that belongs on the big screen, continuing our ongoing dedication to theatrical releases.”

Viva Pictures is coming off of the animated feature The Amazing Maurice, which it brought to Sundance, and subsequently, to 2,000 North American theaters earlier this year. Other animated and live-action titles for which the company has led production and distribution include Rally Road Racers starring J.K. Simmons and Jimmy O. Yang; 100% Wolf starring Jane Lynch, Samara Weaving, and Loren Gray; and an adaptation of R.L. Stine’s Zombie Town starring Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, and Madi Monroe.

Elizalde negotiated the deal for Viva Pictures, with Clément Magar at Fortissimo Films on behalf of the filmmakers.