MUMBAI: Essential Entertainment has signed with Gigapix Studios for five G and PG-rated live-action children‘s films through its subsidiary Recess Films.

The company‘s president of worldwide distribution, John Fremes will handle international sales on the slate while Anchor Bay has entered into a first-look deal to handle US distribution on the slate.

Under the deal, Anchor Bay will distribute across theatrical, home entertainment and television platforms with a commitment from Gigapix to fund a minimum P&A outlay of $6 million and 600 screens per film.

Depending on how well titles test in advance screenings, each release may go up to $20m P&A spend and 2,000 screens.

Gigapix will produce the five live-action films ranging from $8 to 10 million each and a single $20m CG-animated film over the next three years. Financial consultant Dominic Ianno played an integral role in structuring the distribution relationships and will serve as executive producer on the slate.

Gigapix said it expected to announce the next two live-action titles and the animated project within weeks.