Adkins takes Spain's 'Moon' to U.S.

Latin American rights also secured

By JOHN HOPEWELL

'Black to the Moon'

MADRID — U.S. and Latin American rights to Spanish animation feature “Black to the Moon” have been inked by L.A.-based entertainment exec Rose Adkins, who’s based out of FarCor Studios.

The all-rights deal is the latest thumbs-up for one of the most talked-up projects from the Basque Country’s nascent anime scene.

“Moon” production shingle Baleuko, which also produces a kids’ magazine for Basque pubcaster ETB, won a Spanish Academy Goya award for toon pic “Megasonikoak” in 1997 and was nominated in 2002 for “Anje La leyenda del Pirineo.”

But “Moon” is by far its most ambitious project yet, in co-production with France’s Art Mell. Budgeted at Euros 4.5 million ($6.8 million), the 3-D feature is a kookie family comedy, turning on Coco, a sheep who’s convinced she must have been born on the moon.

She travels there with her farm animal friends, falls in love and attempts to uncover a heavily guarded NASA secret.

Francis Nielsen directs the whimsical drama. Austrian soprano Maria Vayo will sing the role of the cow.

Adkins’ boarding “Black” is a sign that the products of Europe’s animation industry are now appearing on the L.A. radar, at least that of its most cosmopolitan execs.

A former Universal Pictures exec, Adkins consulted on international relations for Argentine toon pic “Paturozito 2.”

Adkins aims, she said, is to score theatrical distribution in the U.S. and Latin America.

“So many great films come from Spain, Argentina, Germany, France and never make it to the U.S., because they are overshadowed by the giants. I hope to change that,” Adkins said.

“Moon” will be ready for delivery first quarter 2010.

A trailer will be shown to buyers at the San Sebastian Film Festival.