Canana launches genre pic franchise

Marking its entry into British-language production, Mexican production-distrib Canana is starting a genre franchise directed by Russia's enigmatic Makinov. The very first film within the franchise, "Child's Play," is within publish-production. "Play" stars Vinissa Shaw ("Two Enthusiasts") and Ebon Moss ("Damages") like a husband and the pregnant wife who visit Mexico for many quiet, simply to be assaulted by maniacal children.Canana is developing an actioner along with a thriller with Makinov, stated Canana producer Pablo Cruz.The mysterious Makinov is referred to by Canana like a Russian-American that has resided in Mexico. On set, he wears a mask along with a heavy worker jacket known as a Makinov."Through anonymity I'm able to do anything whatsoever, tackle any genre and never hesitate to fail," Makinov is cited as saying.Televisa has all Mexican privileges and can release "Play" in Mexico via distrib arm Videocine.Getting repped Gerardo Naranjo's Canana-created "Miss Bala," Fox Intl. Prods. will handle worldwide sales outdoors Mexico on "Child's Play," presenting it to purchasers in the European Film Market. Canana operates by actor-helmers Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna and producer Pablo Cruz. "Genre enables a freedom you don't get when you're telling a tale of the country in poverty or even the mountain existence of two kids," Cruz told Variety.He added: "Also, it's fun, and we have to build more powerful brands, make movies with worldwide appeal which don't always define us like a Mexican production company." Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com