DreamWorks Preps for New Films

DreamWorks Animation has signed a publishing partner in the U.K. for its next film Turbo and announced the newest addition to its slate–a musical set in Australia.

In a deal brokered by Bulldog Licensing, DreamWorks has tapped Igloo Books to create a range of children's books and activity sets in the U.K. based on Turbo, which is scheduled for release in October.

The books will hit shelves in August and will include a variety of interactive formats including pop-up, soundboard, mega sound, touch-and-feel, puppet and activity sets.

"We are delighted to be working with Igloo on this comprehensive range of Turbo novelty books,” says Rob Corney, director of licensing, Bulldog Licensing. “DreamWorks Animation's Turbo is one of the most anticipated family movies of 2013, and this exciting range offers something fun and unique for young fans of the movie."

DreamWorks also announced plans for its newest film–currently titled Larrikins–a new musical project set in the Australian outback. 

Larrikins, which is Australian slang for mischievous youth, will be all-animal comedy written by Harry Cripps (Supernova) and produced by Christina Steinberg (Rise of the Guardians, National Treasure). Award-winning composer, comedian, actor and writer Tim Minchin is joining DreamWorks for the project, as well.

"Our whole team is incredibly excited about this project," says Bill Damaschke, chief creative officer, DreamWorks. "We've been looking to work with the immensely talented Tim Minchin on something for a while, and there is no doubt that this project is a perfect fit. He and Harry Cripps will be a fantastic team."

Larrikins tells the story of an uptight bilby (a desert-dwelling marsupial) who has lived a sheltered life in the safety of his family burrow.  When he ventures out and becomes privy to a dangerous secret, he finds himself launched on a musical adventure across the mystical and untamed Australian outback.