Animated film has roots in Arkansas

Vivian Schilling and Forest Whitaker

There’s a new stop-motion animated feature film opening in Little Rock next Friday, September 21 at The Regal McCain Mall Stadium 12.  It’s called “Toys in the Attic.”  The movie was written, produced and directed by Fayetteville resident, Vivian Schilling, who also portrays one of the lead voices in the film.  The other cast members include stars such as FOREST WHITAKER, JOAN CUSACK and CARY ELWES.

The movie is being released by Hannover House,  which is also based in Fayetteville.  Next Friday, it opens with a special event screening in Little Rock sponsored by Regal Cinemas, Hannover House and The Arkansas Film Commission. 

Movie Trailer:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM4enqA0H4w&feature=youtu.be

Website:  www.toysfilm.com

Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/toysintheatticfilm

The film has received great reviews from the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Arkansas Democrat Gazette and other major newspapers.  The film will be a regular, one week engagement at The McCain Mall through September 20^th.  The event takes place at 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 21, 2012 at Regal McCain Mall Stadium 12, 3929 McCain Blvd., North Little Rock, AR  72116.

Hannover House is proud to announce the nationwide launch of Toys in the Attic, a stop-motion animated feature film originally produced in the Czech language. The English language version, starring Forest Whitaker and Joan Cusack, will open in key markets on September 7, 2012 including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago with national expansion through October.

The award-winning film, directed by legendary Czech animator Jiri Barta and adapted by Vivian Schilling, is expected to be the highest grossing theatrical release in the company’s history.  It’s also the first digital-only theatrical release for Hannover House.

“Toys in the Attic is by far one of the most unique films ever made,” says Eric Parkinson, CEO of Hannover House.  “Jiri Barta and his team of artists and animators worked for more than three years on the visuals of this amazing film.  The dimension and scope of their achievement is stunning, and their attention to detail is unsurpassed.”

The film is about the magical world of toys and knick-knacks stored in the attic of a home in Prague.  Buttercup, a beautiful doll, is suddenly kidnapped by the ruler of the Land of Evil.  In a battle to save her, friendship and good come to light.

Toys in the Attic has been called “An animation masterpiece” by Anima Basuari.  The Czech language version has won several film festival awards including the grand prize at the New York International Children’s Film Festival.  “The English language version will be far more audience-friendly,” predicts Parkinson.  “We believe it has multi-million dollar box office potential.”

  

About The Characters:  Toys in the Attic features the voice talent of Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker as “Teddy,” along with Joan Cusack as “Madam Curie,” Cary Elwes as “Sir Handsome” and Vivian Schilling as “Buttercup,” the lovely little doll who is kidnapped. 

About The Film:  Toys in the Attic was produced in Prague, Czech Republic under the direction of renowned animation master Jiri Barta, whose team meticulously manipulated the toys one frame at a time during a tedious three year production shoot.  Vivian Schilling, who performs the lead role of Buttercup, was engaged to pen the English-language adaptation as well as oversee and direct all aspects of the U.S. production.

About Hannover House:  Hannover House is an independent studio founded in 1993.  It began handling theatrical releases in 2005, concentrating primarily on limited release openings with films such as “Twelve,” “Cook County,” and “All’s Faire in Love.”  Hannover House is a full-service media company operating in the North American marketplace.  It is known for its success in placing DVD titles within mass merchandisers and key chain stores. It is one of the leading, independent distributors of DVDs in the U.S.

For more information on Toys in the Attic, as well as the trailer, broadcast clips, photos and print material, please visit: www.toysfilm.com.