MUMBAI: After a long period of restructuring, stress and graduation, Crest Animation Studios is readying to open the global theatrical gates to its first co-production film project in October.

Christened Alpha and Omega, the 3D animated stereoscopic film directed by Anthony Bell and Ben Gluck from the Crest Animation Studios-Lionsgate stable, is expected to release across 2,200 screens worldwide.

The movie is part of the three-film deal between Crest Animation Studios and Lionsgate that was signed in 2005.

For Alpha and Omega, Crest Animation is handling the production process of the movie and will also take care of the project‘s distribution and marketing in India.

In a bid to exploit the licensing and merchandising (L&M) opportunities from the film, Lionsgate has tied up with publishing house Scholastic for launching a variety of books based on the movie.

As part of the film‘s marketing and promotion initiative, the film‘s trailers will be released in spring followed by various promotional activities beginning September till November.

Alpha and Omega has been produced through the special purpose vehicle (SPV) route, thereby helping in derisking Crest Animation.

Meanwhile, the two companies have also announced the co-production of their next film, Norm Of The North, that is due for release in October 2010.

Said Lionsgate Family Entertainment EVP, USA Ken Katsumoto, "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."

Norm of the North is written by Steven and Daniel Altiere. Katsumoto will oversee the production for Lionsgate while Crest Animation production president Richard Rich will oversee for Crest.

The third offspring from Crest and Lionsgate is in the early development stage.

Shares of Crest closed Thursday at Rs 69.70 on the BSE, up 4.03 per cent from the previous close.