Belleville Rendez-Vous director Sylvain Chomet has confirmed plans to set up his own animation company, Studio Django, in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The first two productions announced by Studio Django are 2D project Barbacoa and an unnamed 3D project in collaboration with Miramax division Dimension Films. Dimension chairman Bob Weinstein flew the Chomets and their creative and producing team to New York at the end of last week to clinch the deal. It is Dimension first foray into animated feature films.

Both films will be written, produced and directed by the Oscar nominated Chomet, who will run the company with his wife and producing partner Sally Chomet.

Barbacoa, is set during the 1871 Paris Commune and follows the fortunes of a group of escaped zoo animals. It has attracted first stage funding from Scottish Screen and development will start at once.

The 2D feature will be produced by Studio Django in association with 4-Way Pictures whose Mark Cousins has become a producing partner with the Chomets.

The 3D film with Dimension will begin pre-production in Edinburgh in the summer. Sally Chomet and Mark Cousins will oversee its production in Scotland with Andrew Rona and Brad Weston, co-presidents of Dimension doing the same in the U.S.

Chomet commented: "We couldn't wish for two more perfect projects to launch our studio in Edinburgh. They are very different both in technique and target audience and will provide Studio Django with the ideal bait to attract the best talent from around the world, as well as discourage existing Scottish talent from migrating to seek work elsewhere."