National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is teaming up with Open Road Films, RedroverCo., Ltd. and ToonBox Entertainment for the release of The Nut Job, opening in theaters nationwide on January 17. As the education partner for the new animated film, NWF is providing resources to help kids, parents, teachers and animal enthusiasts of all ages celebrate some of our most clever, acrobatic backyard inhabitants on January 21 for National Squirrel Appreciation Day.
In animated 3D, The Nut Job is an action-packed comedy that follows Surly (voiced by Will Arnett), a mischievous squirrel, who must plan a heist to get into his town’s biggest nut shop so that his park pals can gather enough food to survive winter. With his sidekick, Buddy, he assembles a ragtag crew to help him get inside and takes them on a fun-filled adventure.
“National Wildlife Federation is the perfect education partner for this film,” says Will Arnett. “I am glad to be part of a project that shows how wonderful these sometimes unappreciated animals can be.”
“Having just made a film in which I play a squirrel, I’m very partial to them, and am delighted to hear that the National Wildlife Federation is celebrating National Squirrel Appreciation Day, encouraging us to celebrate backyard wildlife every day,” says Katherine Heigl.
“We hope the lessons of working together and sharing that Surly learns will encourage kids, families and wildlife enthusiasts of all ages to help us plant trees<http://www.shopnwf.org/Trees-for-Wildlife/index.cat> to provide homes and food for squirrels and other wildlife through NWF’s Trees for Wildlife program,” says Carey Stanton, NWF’s senior director for education.
At www.nwf.org TheNutJob, there are other ways to celebrate National Squirrel Appreciation Day and show your love for squirrels:
• Show your love for squirrels and also encourage people to take action on behalf of wildlife by entering the NWF sweepstakes<http://www.nwf.org/TheNutJob> for a private hometown screening for up to 100 friends to see The Nut Job. The sweepstakes deadline is 11:59 p.m. EST on January 22, 2014.
- Download the official The Nut Job poster.
- Tweet your pics of squirrels using the hashtag: #squirrelday.
- See the NWF App, Squirrel vs. Bird Feeder.
- Play Squirrel Seek in Activity Finder, NWF’s database of activities to help connect families with nature.
About the film:
The Nut Job is based on the 2005 award-winning comedy short film Surly Squirrel by animation veteran Lepeniotis, The Nut Job marks the Canadian-based ToonBox’s first feature film with Korean partner Redrover, in association with Gulfstream Pictures, which is handling U.S. sales. Fully financed by Redrover and its partners. An all-star cast of Katherine Heigl, Will Arnett, Brendan Fraser, Stephen Lang, Sarah Gadon and comedian Jeff Dunham, have all lent their voices for the animated comedy feature. For Facebook: http://www.fb.com/TheNutJobMovie and Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheNutJobMovie.
About National Wildlife Federation:
National Wildlife Federation is America’s largest conservation organization, inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future.
About Open Road Films:
Founded in 2011 by AMC Entertainment Inc. (AMC) and Regal Entertainment Group (Regal), the two largest theatrical exhibition and entertainment companies in the United States, Open Road Films is a dynamic, acquisition-based domestic theatrical distribution company.
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