Production for the globally-known brand Angry Birds will be taking off in Vancouver as it makes its way to the big screen.
Rovio Entertainment has selected Sony Pictures Imageworks in Vancouver as its primary animation house for the production of the upcoming Angry Birds movie. The film is based on Rovio’s beloved game—that has given people a source of entertainment and yet another reason to procrastinate.
The film is set to be released July 1, 2016 and will be distributed worldwide by Sony Pictures Imageworks. “Angry Birds is a worldwide phenomenon, and its creators want its movie adaptation done right,” said Premier Christy Clark. “And to do it right, Rovio and Sony Pictures Imageworks have shown their faith in Vancouver – and that will lead to more opportunities and more jobs.”
Sony Pictures Imageworks was first established in 2010 in the Yaletown area and has since amassed a flock of computer-generated (CG) animation and effects talent in Vancouver.
“The Angry Birds movie will allow Sony Pictures Imageworks to employ more artists in Vancouver on a single film than we’ve had on any of our previous CG features,” said Randy Lake, executive vice-president and general manager, Digital Production Services. “British Columbia is rich with animation and effects talent, and we look forward to further enhancing the production staff in our Vancouver facility.”
Angry Birds has quickly become one of the biggest entertainment brands—launching in 2009 with the original mobile app—that still remains the number one paid app of all time. With over two billion downloads, Angry Birds has exploded in to the entertainment scene and become an internationally recognized phenomenon.
Although a weekly animated TV series of the brand has already been created, the upcoming movie marks Rovio’s first feature film.
“It was very important for Rovio to find the perfect partner – in style, talent and location – to bring the Angry Birds movie to life, and Sony Pictures Imageworks in Vancouver made that decision easy,” said Mikael Hed, CEO of Rovio Entertainment.
Written by: Meagan Gill