Slinky to spring into starring role
H2V kid division toy brand moves into TV and film
Montreal-based H2V Entertainment has partnered with James Industries, the Hollidaysburg, Pa.-based manufacturer of the Slinky, to produce two animated features, each budgeted at $10 million, and an animated TV series based on the 58-year-old toy.
Toons will be financed in partnership with U.K. Film Services. DoubleTake Prods., which works on developing kids' books and toys into media properties, crafted the Slinky movie concept.
First pic, "The Magic Quilt," will be based on characters in the Slinky Pets line, which are Slinky springs dressed up in animal outfits. Production is due to begin in February for a fall 2005 delivery. H2V plans to secure a theatrical release before a homevid bow.
According to the announcement, " 'The Magic Quilt' takes family audiences into a land of enchantment and adventure" as the cast of Slinky toys "follows a trail on the mysterious Magic Quilt."
"This is a great way to kick off our kids division at H2V Entertainment," said H2V topper Henrique Vera-Villanueva. "We all share the common goal of extending this evergreen toy into the imaginative worlds of animated film and television."
Al Lowenheim, DoubleTake prexy, said: "Slinky is magical, very special and a true part of our culture -- everyone grew up with Slinky. We will give birth to a brand-new family of Slinky characters and stories, bringing the animated world of Slinky adventures -- and the Slinky magic -- to the next generation."
Slinky Dog was a character in Pixar/Disney's "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2." Other pics featuring Slinky toys have been "Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls," "Demolition Man" and "Hairspray."
