The Hon Andrew Stoner MP Acting Premier of NSW Minister for Trade and Investment Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services MEDIA RELEASE Wednesday 16 November 2011 ® LEGO FILM TO BE PRODUCED IN SYDNEY Acting NSW Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner has announced NSW will be the production base for a new animated feature film based on the popular children’s construction toy LEGO®. Warner Bros. has contracted Academy Award-winning Sydney animation studio Animal Logic to make the family entertainment comedy at Fox Studios Australia, where Mr Stoner made the announcement today alongside Animal Logic CEO Zareh Nalbandian. The NSW Government has helped secure the production for the State’s film industry with assistance from NSW Trade & Investment’s State Investment Attraction Scheme. “Congratulations to Animal Logic for beating strong international competition from the US and Canada to secure this major animated film production,” Mr Stoner said. “The production of LEGO will see up to $48 million spent in NSW, which will include commitments to industry research, development and training. “The film will employ over 200 people during its peak. “The LEGO film will be based on the popular children’s LEGO building blocks and include licensed LEGO characters. “Originally designed in the 1940’s in Denmark, LEGO has achieved international appeal and this film is sure to be a hit with children around the world,” Mr Stoner said. “The film’s directors will be Phil Lord and Chris Miller, who co-directed the 3D animated comedy Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009) which grossed $239 million worldwide. “LEGO will be an innovative film incorporating the latest animation and photo-real techniques which will demonstrate the strength of NSW creative technology skills and enhance the international reputation of Sydney as a film location. “Not only will the securing of LEGO enable Animal Logic to retain staff through an ongoing work schedule but it will also place Sydney in a strong position to secure further work should sequels be planned later. Mr Nalbandian said “LEGO is further testament that Sydney is now established as one of the world’s great digital animation centres. “With LEGO, Animal Logic continues to develop and produce ground breaking digital entertainment and to build a talent base that’s second to none anywhere in the world.” Steve Papazian, President of Worldwide Physical Production for Warner Bros. Pictures, said “I want to extend my appreciation to the NSW Government for its continued support.” “We look forward to building upon our valued relationship.” LEGO is due for release in 2014 with Warner Bros. both producing and distributing the film internationally. The LEGO film is being written and directed by Lord and Miller, with Chris McKay serving as co-director. Dan Lin and Roy Lee are producing. LEGO Company’s Jill Wilfert will executive produce and Lin Pictures’ Seanne Winslow will co-produce. LEGO and its logo are trademarks of The LEGO Group. © 2011 The LEGO Group. MEDIA: Office of the Acting NSW Premier 9228 5209 .