Lions Gate Family Entertainment will co-finance Larry Kasanoff's 3-D toon "Foodfight!"
Budgeted in the neighborhood of $60 million, pic will be the first theatrical feature released through LGFE. Until recently, the division was known as Lions Gate Family Home Entertainment and focused on direct-to-DVD product.
Lions Gate will handle the pic's North American rights, with plans for a fall 2006 bow.
Now in production through Kasanoff's Threshold Animation Studios, "Foodfight!" takes place in a supermarket that comes to life after hours.
Hilary and Haylie Duff are among those voicing the pic.
Movie includes promotion-friendly characters such as Mr. Clean, Charlie the Tuna and Twinkie the Kid.
Kasanoff directs from a screenplay by Brent Friedman, Rebecca Swanson and Sean Derek, based on a story by Kasanoff and Joshua Wexler. Kasanoff and George Johnsen are producing.
Exec producers are Lions Gate Films Releasing president Tom Ortenberg and Wexler, with Gregory Cascante and Daniel Suh serving as co-executive producers.
Lions Gate Family Entertainment exec VP Ken Katsumoto will oversee the film for the studio.
Contact Dana Harris at
dana.harris@variety.com