11 February 2025 – LA-based production studio and distributor Viva Pictures has entered into a strategic alliance with Kazoo Films, Cantilever Media’s newly launched distribution company. The non-exclusive agreement will see both companies jointly acquiring animated feature films for family audiences, with Viva Pictures handling distribution in the US and Kazoo taking UK rights.
Selected films will be acquired on a case-by-case basis, with the two companies collaborating on marketing and promotional efforts to maximise reach in both territories.
The first film they will collaborate on is on the Clive Barker inspired, Night of the Zoopocalpyse, directed by Rodrigo Perez-Castro and Richard Curtis which Viva Pictures has acquired for the US and Kazoo has picked up for the UK. The two companies will be sharing assets and marketing materials for the film which Viva Pictures is releasing on March 7 and Kazoo will release in the Autumn around Halloween. Night of the Zoopocalypse was produced by Steven Hoban’s Copperheart Entertainment.
Viva Pictures has a strong history releasing kids and family movies in the US, both theatrically and on all the major digital streaming platforms including Hulu, Peacock, and Amazon Prime. Its current portfolio includes the upcoming release of Night of the Zoopocalypse in theaters March 7, along with HITPIG! and The Amazing Maurice, produced by Kazoo Film’s parent company Cantilever Media.
The multi-award-winning The Amazing Maurice, which has grossed over $24 million at the box office worldwide, is one of Viva Pictures’ most successful launches of a European movie in the US, releasing in over 1,700 screens across the country. The two companies will be working together again on The Amazing Maurice 2, with Viva Pictures handling sales for the upcoming film in the US.
Victor Elizalde, CEO of Viva Pictures added: “Our alliance with Kazoo Films marks an exciting step forward for Viva Pictures as we expand our reach into the UK. By combining Kazoo’s deep market expertise with our established success in the US, we can strategically acquire and champion animated films that resonate with broad family audiences. We’ve already seen the impact of our collaboration on The Amazing Maurice, and this partnership allows us to build on that momentum, delivering more high-quality, engaging stories worldwide. We couldn’t be more excited that what began as casual discussion over breakfast at Kidscreen, is now coming to fruition exactly one year later.”
Andrew Baker CEO of Kazoo Films said: “Having identified a gap in the market for a film distribution company that focuses solely on animated feature films in the UK, we are excited to be entering this strategic agreement with Viva Pictures, which has an incredible track record and reputation as a distributor in the US. Together we can identify films which will work on both sides of the Atlantic and we can pool resources to ensure the best possible marketing and promotion in both territories. We already have a hugely successful relationship with Viva for the incredible work they did on Maurice and we are looking forward to working together on upcoming films.”
About Viva Pictures
Viva Pictures is a leading film production studio and distributor dedicated to delivering world-class family entertainment to global audiences. With a diverse portfolio of animated films and original films in production, Viva Pictures strives to captivate and engage viewers, fostering a love for storytelling and cinema for all ages. Recent successes include The Amazing Maurice, which Viva debuted at the Sundance Film Festival before its wide theatrical release, as well as HITPIG, which played on over 2,000 screens nationwide. Upcoming releases include Night of the Zoopocalypse, hitting theaters on March 7. In addition, Viva Pictures has an interest in the 2D/3D animation studio 3Doubles Producciones and continues to develop a slate of new productions. Viva Pictures also owns Kidsflix, a kid-safe, parent-friendly FAST channel and destination to stream free movies and TV series. Kidsflix is available on iTunes, Google Play, Roku, and major TV brands worldwide.
For more information, visit vivafilmco.com.
About Cantilever Media
Cantilever Media’s most successful film to date is the award-winning The Amazing Maurice, a family animated feature it developed and produced for Sky Cinema based on the award-winning book The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents by Sir Terry Pratchett. Written by Terry Rossio (Shrek, Aladdin) and co-produced with Ulysses Productions in Germany, the film features an all-star UK cast, including Hugh Laurie, Emilia Clarke, David Thewlis, Himesh Patel, Gemma Arterton, Hugh Bonneville, Ariyon Bakare, and David Tennant. The film has won several awards, including a British Animation Award and accolades at Cartoons On the Bay. It was longlisted for both the BAFTA Film Awards and the Academy Awards, shortlisted at the European Film Awards, and premiered in the USA at the Sundance Film Festival.
Building on this success, Cantilever Media is developing The Amazing Maurice 2 and has several exciting projects in production, including the animated feature Bollywoof, being sold internationally by Embankment Films.
About Kazoo Films
Kazoo Films is a UK-based distribution company focused exclusively on animated feature films. Wholly owned by Cantilever Media, Kazoo aims to bring high-quality, independent animated films to UK & Irish audiences through theatrical releases, streaming platforms, and home entertainment.
Supported by the UK Global Screen Fund, Kazoo plans to release up to four films annually, including both Cantilever productions and collaborations with international producers and sales agents.
