Swedish author Sven Nordqvist’s children’s book series “Pettson and Findus” is getting the live-action treatment.
Thomas Springer and Helmut G. Weber’s Cologne-based Tradewind Pictures and Iranian-born helmer Ali Samadi Ahadi, whose animated documentary “The Green Wave” is set to unspool in Sundance, are partnering on a planned trilogy. Springer is also penning the script.
The story revolves around how Pettson, a lonely, grumpy old farmer, meets his only friend, Findus, a talking tomcat.
The pair have appeared in animated films and a TV series but this will be their live-action debut — although Findus will be computer animated.
The project is backed by regional subsidies Filmstiftung NRW and Mitteldeutsche Medienfoerderung (MDM), as well as the EU’s Media Program.
The producers are in negotiations with possible TV and distribution partners.
