Short 'Chubbchubbs' is going long for Sony
Pic still looking for helmer, likely to see release in 2005
Duo most recently penned "Smart and Smarter" for New Line Cinema.
Original "Chubbchubbs" was a product of Sony's Imageworks division, and helmed by animation supervisor Eric Armstrong, who handled the animation duties on Sony's "Stuart Little 2" and on Warner Bros.' "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." However, Sony Animation co-toppers Sandra Rabins and Penny Finkleman Cox said no decisions had been made about a helmer as yet.
Story follows an intergalactic janitor-turned-singer who's unwittingly befriended the most dangerous race of cute-but-lethal critters ever known. Loyal but fierce, they are called upon to save the universe from a sinister plan.
The film won't be ready for release until 2005 at the earliest, but a second short is being readied for release in front of Sony movies for next summer. On Monday, Sony Pictures consumer products division announced the launch of a licensing program for ChubbChubbs, announcing toymaker Toy Play LLC as its master toy licensee.
Scribe duo were repped in the deal by the Jim Preminger Agency.
