MUMBAI: Lionsgate will partner with Crest Animation Studios to co-produce the stereoscopic 3D animated family feature Norm of the North as the second film in their three-picture deal. Lionsgate will distribute in North America.

Norm of the North is written by Steven and Daniel Altiere. Delivery is anticipated for the first quarter of 2012. Katsumoto will oversee the production for Lionsgate; Crest Animation President of Production Richard Rich will oversee for Crest.

The first film in the Lionsgate/Crest partnership is the upcoming CGI animated family feature Alpha and Omega, featuring the voices of Justin Long, Hayden Panetierre, Christina Ricci, Danny Glover, Dennis Hopper and Larry Miller. Directed by Anthony Bell and Ben Gluck, Alpha and Omega is expected to premiere in October 2010.

Lionsgate president of motion picture production Mike Paseornek and Lionsgate executive vice president of family entertainment Ken Katsumoto said, "Our partnership with Crest has gotten off to a terrific start with Alpha and Omega, and Norm of the North is an ideal follow-up. In its range of characters, locations and narrative, Norm of the North offers a bounty of riches for family audiences."

Crest Animation Productions CEO Noah Fogelson added, "We are delighted to be producing Norm of the North with our friends at Lionsgate. This is a wonderful story, full of humor and heart, and stereoscopic 3D technology will bring it vividly to life."