The Acting NSW Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner today announced the new animated feature film based on the popular children's construction toy LEGO will be produced in NSW.

Warner Bros. has contracted Academy Award-winning Sydney studio Animal Logic to make the  comedy at Fox Studios, where Stoner made the announcement today together with Animal Logic CEO Zareh Nalbandian.

Stoner congratulated Animal Logic for beating strong international competition from the US and Canada to secure the major production.
"The production of LEGO will see up to $48 million spent in NSW," he said. "This will include commitments to industry research, development and training. The film will employ over 200 people during its peak."

Directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, their 3D animated comedy Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009) grossed $239 million worldwide.

Nalbandian said LEGO was further testament to the fact that Sydney is established as one of the world’s great digital animation centres.

"Not only will the securing of LEGO enable Animal Logic to retain staff through an ongoing work schedule but it will also place Sydney in a strong position to secure further work should sequels be planned later," he said.

LEGO is due for release in 2014 with Warner Bros. both producing and distributing the film internationally.