Michelle Trachtenberg

Toonz Animation India, a leading animation studio, has signed a contract with Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) and Commotion Pictures to produce an animated feature film titled "Dragonlance", which is based on Hasbro’s popular "Dungeons and Dragons" property.

"Dragonlance" will awe audiences with voice talents belonging to Keifer Sutherland (’24’); Lucy Lawless (’Xena: Warrior Princess’); Michael Rosenbaum (’Smallville’); and Michelle Trachtenberg (’Buffy the Vampire Slayer’).

To be produced by Commotion Pictures’ veteran producer, Steve Sabler, and Ex- Paramount Pictures’ Marketing President, Arthur Cohen, Toonz will distribute the film in theatres in India. Internationally, including - in the US, the film will be distributed on DVD by Paramount Home Entertainment.

Commenting on the deal, P Jayakumar, CEO of Toonz Animation India, said, "We are thrilled to have entered into an agreement with accomplished producers like Steve Stabler and Arthur Cohen. This is an incredible opportunity to create an exciting film with global appeal and iconic characters."

Adding to it, Ellen Pittleman, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Acquisitions and DVD Premieres for Paramount Home Entertainment, said, "We’re very excited to bring the wildly popular world of Dungeons and Dragons to the screen. We are confident that Commotion Pictures and Toonz will do the property justice to the delight of fans around the world."

"Dragonlance" is based on the first novel in the popular Dragonlance fantasy franchise; namely, ’Dragons of Autumn Twilight’.

As is in the world of Dungeons and Dragons, the Gods continually fight for control over this beautiful swords- and sorcery- land, but in the end, it is the mortals, through their heroic deeds, who get to decide its fate.

The film starts with Tanis Half-Elven meeting old friends, Flint Gireforge (a grumpy dwarven warrior), Tasslehoff Burrfoot (a tiny and inquisitive rogue), Raislin Majere (the dark, mysterious human wizard), and Sturm Brightblad (valiant human knight).

Eventually, the companions are thrown into a conflict over a legendary Blue Crystal Staff, wielded by the Barbarian Princess, ’Goldmoon’.