UK-based sales firm Timeless Films is debuting the second and third Rock Dog animated films to buyers at next week’s online European Film Market (EFM, March 1-5). 

Both films were produced back-to-back at Splash Entertainment in Los Angeles, in association with Huayi Brothers Pictures and HB Wink Animation, and presented by Lionsgate. Timeless has worldwide sales rights.

It will screen the finished version of Rock Dog 2: Rock Around The Park to buyers, and will provide first images for Rock Dog 3: Battle The Beat, which is due for completion in April.

Screen can reveal an exclusive first look at Rock Dog 2 above.

Lionsgate will release the titles in the US with Huayi Brothers handling distribution in China, both later this year.

Rock Dog 2 is directed by Mark Baldo and written by Toy Story writer Alec Sokolow. It takes place one year after the first film, and sees canine protagonist Bodi and his band True Blue leaving Snow Mountain to tour with pop sensation Lil’ Foxy.

The third title, written and directed by Anthony Bell and Rob Muir, sees Bodi join the judging panel of a music talent contest, where he introduces an all-girl pop group to the teachings of his idol Angus Scattergood (voiced by Eddie Izzard).

The first Rock Dog title featured a voice cast including Luke Wilson, Izzard, J.K. Simmons, Kenan Thompson, Mae Whitman, Jorge Garcia, Mae Whitman and Sam Elliott. It debuted at China’s Shanghai Film Festival in 2016, going on to play the BFI London Film Festival and grossing $9.4m on its 2017 US release.

Ben Dalton 
Screen Daily