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Viva Pictures to release Aniventure’s ‘Hitpig!’ in November

Vaseline August 16, 2024

Viva Pictures has signed a contract as US distributor of Big kiss! and the film will be released in theaters on November 1, 2024.

The film, based on characters first introduced in the children’s book Pete and pickles Through Bloom County creator Berkeley Breathed, comes from the British production company Aniventure, which previously completed the film Paws of Rage: The Legend of Hank And Riverdance: the animated adventure. Animation provider is Cinesite (The Addams Family 2, Iwájú, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem).

A new trailer for the film was also released today to coincide with the announcement:

Big kiss! is directed by two industry veterans: Cinzia Angelini, a feature film artist who also directed the independent short film Mijaand David Feiss, the creator of Cow & Chicken and director of Open season: scared to death. The film is produced by Adam Nagle and Dave Rosenbaum, who also wrote the screenplay with Tyler Werrin. Isabella Summers of Florence & the Machine provided the film’s music.
The official summary:

Hitpig is a clever bounty-hunting pig who captures escaped animals and returns them to their owners. His next job is his biggest yet: returning a dancing elephant named Pickles to a maniacal Vegas showman for a million dollars. The mission quickly escalates into a wild adventure around the world. When danger threatens, it’s up to Hitpig to save the day, but he can’t do it alone. He must realize that some things are more important than a paycheck and finds the greatest reward of all: friends.
The voice cast includes Jason Sudeikis as the eponymous bounty hunter Hitpig, Lilly Singh, Rainn Wilson, RuPaul, Flavor Flav, Hannah Gadsby, Anitta, Lorraine Ashbourne, Andy Serkis, Charlie Adler and Shelby Young.
Viva Pictures, which recently launched a two-for-one movie ticket deal for kids, has been ramping up the release of family CG films in the United States. This year, it has already been released in theaters Dragon Keeper And Epic tails, and will also release 200% Wolf And Scary girl in 2024. CEO of Viva Pictures Victor Elizalde said of this latest acquisition:

We’re excited to see indie animation continue its incredible growth trajectory at the theatrical level. With ‘Shit pig!’The witty humor, exciting adventures and moving story of friendship and self-discovery make the title a striking addition to our offering.
The commercial director of Aniventure and Big kiss! Executive producer Joe Della Rosa added in a statement:

Viva Pictures has proven to be one of the best and most efficient distributors of animated family films in the industry. They have continued to believe in the importance of the family movie experience, and we are excited to partner with them to Big kiss! to the big screen.