This Was Our Pact, the animated film based on the graphic novel by Ryan Andrews

Duncan Studio, Estuary Films and Nelvana are collaborating to produce the animated film This Was Our Pact (This was our deal), based on the best-selling and award-winning graphic novel by author Ryan Andrews. Will Collins, Golden Globes nominated writer wolfwalkers for Apple TV + and nominated for an Oscar for the film  The song of the sea (Song of the Sea), it will adapt the story to the screen.

Ken Duncan and his studio's original content division, Duncan Originals (launched in 2019), will partner with Estuary co-founders Dinklage and David Ginsberg, with development funding and additional support provided by Corus Entertainment. Additionally, Dinklage will voice one of the main characters, a mysterious and charismatic bear. Producers are also Rob Hollocks, Josh Feldman and Brad Saunders of Estuary.

Nominated for the Andrews' Eisner Award This was our deal The graphic novel was chosen by the editor of Booklist 2019, Best Book of the Year 2019 by Kirkus Reviews and Best Children's Book of the Year by Parents Magazine 2019. This Was Our Pact (This was our deal) is the second animated film, as part of the recent development partnership between Duncan Studio and Nelvana.

This Was Our Pact (This was our deal) It's a magical family adventure - it's the night of the annual Autumn Equinox Festival, when the city gathers to float paper lanterns along the river. Legend has it that after disappearing from view, the lanterns fly towards the Milky Way and turn into bright stars. But this year, Ben and his classmates are determined to find out where those lanterns really go. Thus they will find themselves on an extraordinary journey filled with wonderful new landscapes and strange characters with only two rules; nobody looks back and nobody goes home.

"This Was Our Pact is a fantastic tale full of twists, but at the center are the relationships between the characters and the development of their friendship. We are thrilled to capture the book's unique qualities, in visual style and storytelling - it is absolutely captivating and enchanting, ”Duncan said. "With Will Collins as our writer, we know this will be a film that will thrill many fans of the graphic novel and help Ryan Andrews' wonderful work uncover a new audience."

“I'm delighted to be part of the team in charge of adapting This Was Our Pact in an animated film, ”commented Collins, whose wolfwalkers has just been awarded a Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture - Animated. “Ryan Andrews has created a gem of a coming-of-age story that takes the reader on a journey through a unique, mysterious and beautiful place. I knew these guys from the start, I knew the joy and pain of their friendship, and I wanted that friendship to triumph with every turn of the page. It is a pleasure to collaborate with Ken Duncan and the talented teams of Duncan Studio, Estuary Films and Nelvana Studios to bring this story to life. ”

Peter Dinklage is represented by the CAA. Will Collins is presented by UTA. Ryan Andrews is represented by APA.