Sony Pictures has’ The Mitchells vs. The Machines’, an original animated family film by producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, sold to Netflix.
At one point, Sony changed the name from “The Mitchells vs. The Machines” to “Connected,” but it returned to its original title. Sony planned to release the movie theater before Netflix acquired worldwide rights. The deal, which excluded China, was allegedly hammered for more than $ 100 million. None of the companies have confirmed the production budget, but the price tags for animated films usually range between $ 50 million and $ 100 million.
Mike Rianda co-wrote and directed the film with Jeff Rowe. “The Mitchells vs. The Machines ”is about the struggle of an everyday family to get along with each other while technology is emerging around the world. The film focuses on Katie (voiced by Abbi Jacobson), a creative type who is accepted into her dream film school. Before she started university, her father (Danny McBride) decided that this was the last time she would drive to school. But if they pull the plug on the road, technology threatens their journey – and the earth. The cast also features Maya Rudolph, Eric Andre, Olivia Colman and Doug the Pug. Will Allegra and Louis Koo CEO Tin Lok produced the film.
Rianda calls the film a very personal film about my very strange family. ‘
“I’m so excited that everyone at Netflix has creatively synced with us and is just as excited about the film as we are,” he said. “Not only because it’s an original story with a creative visual style that we’re very proud of, but also so I can prove to my friends that this five – year journey was not an extensive mistake on my part.”
Lord and Miller, whose film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” won the Oscar for best animation, previously worked with Netflix on the one-season adult animated series “Hoops” starring Jake Johnson.
“We are overwhelmed by the enthusiasm that Netflix has expressed for this film with this acquisition and thank you to everyone at Sony for making a great picture with us and finding a great way to bring it to the public,” said Lord and Miller in a statement. ‘We are really proud of the film we all made together, and we understand that our subscription fees are released as a permanent part of the agreement? We are not lawyers, but that sounds right to us. ”
Netflix was an active buyer during the pandemic and gained international studio films such as Aaron Sorkin’s “The Trial of the Chicago 7”, Paramount’s “SpongeBob: Sponge on the Run” internationally and another Sony animated title “Wish Dragon”. In recent years, the streamer has made a concerted effort to stimulate child and family programming.
“We want Netflix to be the place for families to enjoy stories together,” said Melissa Cobb, VP of Original Animation. ‘And although we know that no two families are alike, we think the Mitchells will immediately find themselves with yours. It is an honor to bring this amazing special film to members around the world with Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Mike Rianda. ”