Laika is Here to Stay, Will Keep Making Films

What’s the best thing about having your animation studio run by one of the world’s richest men? You get to make as many animated movies as you damn please.

Last Friday Laika announced that they will work with Focus Features on the distribution of their next three films. The studio’s first three films—Coraline (2009), ParaNorman (2012), and the just-released Boxtrolls—have each performed respectably at the box office, especially for stop motion features.

As with the first set of films, Focus will handle U.S. distribution and Universal Pictures International will take care of foreign markets.

“Focus and LAIKA are kindred spirits,” says Laika president and CEO Travis “Chilly Tee” Knight. “Over eight years and three films we’ve forged an incredible bond over a shared love for, and commitment to, bold, distinctive, and enduring stories. Peter [Schlessel, Focus CEO] and his superlative team have created a welcoming home for original voices and enriching, challenging filmmaking. They’re the bravest studio in the world.”