The Weinstein Company bought the rights to SantApprentice (also known as Santa's Apprentice), a 2D animated movie produced by French company Gaumont's toon production arm Alphanim. The film tells the story of a young orphan who is chosen to replace Santa when he retires.
Here below a first look at the film:
(Click on the picture to enlarge.)
Plot:
"Santa doesn't want to retire, but rules are rules and he must train someone to replace him. The lucky winner, to be chosen from among millions of children, must be named Nicholas, be an orphan and have a pure heart. On the other side of the planet, there is a little boy who is a perfect match, but his lack of self-confidence and fear of heights make him a poor contestant. Will Santa agree to step down, and help his apprentice take his place?"
The film has already been released in 2010 in France (and Australia too?), but it has yet to hit theaters in the US. The official US release date of SantApprentice is currently set for December 6, 2013.
:)