“Child’s Play” is the first pic in Canana’s new genre franchise.
Marking its entry into English-language production, Mexican production-distrib Canana is launching a genre franchise directed by Russia's enigmatic Makinov.
The first film in the franchise, "Child's Play," is in post-production. "Play" stars Vinissa Shaw ("Two Lovers") and Ebon Moss ("Damages") as a husband and his pregnant wife who travel to Mexico for some quiet, only to be attacked by maniacal children.
Canana is developing an actioner and a thriller with Makinov, said Canana producer Pablo Cruz.
The mysterious Makinov is described by Canana as a Russian-American who has lived in Mexico. On set, he wears a mask and a heavy worker jacket called a Makinov.
"Through anonymity I can do anything, tackle any genre and not be afraid to fail," Makinov is quoted as saying.
Televisa has all Mexican rights and will release "Play" in Mexico via distrib arm Videocine.
Having repped Gerardo Naranjo's Canana-produced "Miss Bala," Fox Intl. Prods. will handle worldwide sales outside Mexico on "Child's Play," introducing it to buyers at the European Film Market.
Canana is run by actor-helmers Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna and producer Pablo Cruz. "Genre allows you a freedom that you don't get when you are telling a story of a country in poverty or the mountain life of two kids," Cruz told Variety.
He added: "Also, it's fun, and we need to build stronger brands, make movies with international appeal which don't always define us as a Mexican production company."
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