The Weinstein Company has picked up rights to the CG-animated pitch EscapeFrom Planet Earth from Hoodwinked creators by Tony Leech and CoryEdwards.

Leech will direct and Preston Stutzman of Blue Yonder Films will produce alongwith Jonathan Shestack, Brian Inerfeld and Gregory R Little of animation studioMainframe Entertainment.

Escape From Planet Earth centres on a motley crew of aliens who break out ofArea 51 led by a plucky extra-terrestrial who attempts to lead his friends intoouter space.

"Escape From Planet Earth is an outstanding addition to the family filmswe have in the works," Harvey Weinstein said. "This magical pitch from thefantastic team of filmmakers we worked with on Hoodwinked is sure to captureand speak to a broad audience."

"We love this movie and plan to have a lot of fun helping Tony and Corybring it to life with Mainframe's animation talent," Little said.

"I love how passionate the Weinsteins are about making great films, and Icouldn't ask for better partners than Jon Shestack and Mainframe to bring whatI think is a fun, heartwarming adventure to the screen," Leech added.

Michael Cole, co-president of production for The Weinstein Company, and EricRobinson, director of production, will oversee the project for the company.

Mainframe will animate the project at its Vancouver studio.

Cole and TWC's executive vice president of business and legal affairs BarryLittman negotiated the deal on behalf of TWC with Brian Inerfeld and attorneyAdam Kaller of Behr, Abramson & Kaller.