Variety [paid subscription required], via Dark Horizons, reports that CritterPix Studios and Regency Enterprises are developing their first computer-generated animated feature, based on the bestselling kids book Ollie the Otter, by Kelly Alan Williamson. The story focuses on a courageous sea otter who leads a group of domesticated sea park friends to open water to save his family from perishing at the hands of a rogue and vain killer whale.

The trade also reports that Miramax has received the North and South American distribution rights to Pathe Pictures Intl.’s animated feature Sprung! The Magic Roundabout. In post-production and set to be completed in January, Sprung! The Magic Roundabout is based on the vintage U.K. puppet TV series of the same name.