The film Next Gen was acquired for a reported $30 million at the Cannes Film Festival yesterday. The animated film stars the voices of Charlyne Yi, Jason Sudeikis, David Cross, Michael Pena and Constance Wu.  It is directed by Kevin Adams and Joe Ksander.  The film was written by ScreenCraft Fellow Ryan W. Smith, alongside directors Adams & Ksander, with story-by credit going to Wang Nima. The animated feature film centers on two friends who form a close bond in a world populated by robots. The news broke via exclusive announcement by Deadline.

This acquisition deal for Ryan's film Next Gen marks Netflix's first at Cannes this year. Netflix has been in the news lately after pulling all of its films at the world's most glamorous film festival after Thierry Fremaux, director of the Cannes Film Festival, refused to screen any Netflix films in competition due to pressure from French exhibitors.

Ryan W. Smith won the 2017 ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship and attended the 1-week program in Los Angeles, receiving meetings at top Hollywood studios and mentorship with 3 Academy Award-winning screenwriters. Ryan said of his ScreenCraft Fellowship experience:

The ScreenCraft Fellowship experience has been incredible! Each step of the way, John and Cameron have not only met, but far surpassed my expectations. They have opened a whole slew of doors for me, and introduced me to many wonderful, talented people. I would say that I’ve benefited most from the ScreenCraft team sharing their industry knowledge and vast network of relationships.

Want to read about more of ScreenCraft's winners' successes? Read more ScreenCraft Success Stories here.