Apple Enters the Film Industry with Acquisition of Two Family-Focused Movies

Making a push into the film industry, Apple’s video division has acquired rights to two family-focused movies to become the latest technology firm to take on Hollywood, Bloomberg is reporting. Apple execs Zack Van Amburg and Jamie Erlicht have got a budget of at least $1 billion to spend, although it remains unknown whether these movies will get a theatrical release.

Elephant

According to the publication, Apple has closed a deal for the rights to “Wolfwalkers” an animated film by Oscar-nominated studio Cartoon Saloon. Director Tomm Moore, who was Oscar-nominated for “The Secret of Kells” and “Song of the Sea”, also confirmed the acquisition of “Wolfwalkers” on Twitter.

The iPhone maker has also acquired the global distribution rights to the documentary feature “The Elephant Queen” at the Toronto International Film Festival.

“Wolfwalkers” is set in a time when wolves are seen as demonic. A young apprentice hunter comes to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last pack of wolves. But when she saves a native girl, their friendship leads her to discover the Wolfwalkers and transform her into the very thing her father is out to destroy.

“The Elephant Queen,” which had its world premiere in Toronto on Saturday, tells the story of an elephant matriarch who will do everything in her power to protect her family when they are forced to leave their waterhole.

“The Elephant Queen” is narrated by Chiwetel Ejiofor who was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in “12 Years a Slave”.

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