Spielberg looking for 'Tintin' backing

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. director Steven Spielberg and New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson are trying to get Sony Pictures to help finance and distribute their "Tintin" franchise.

The pair is planning a trilogy of motion-capture films based on the Belgian comic strip's intrepid young reporter character. Spielberg is to direct the first installment, which is due out in theaters in 2010, while Jackson is to helm the second and third films.

The Hollywood Reporter said Sony is in talks with Paramount Pictures, where the films are set up, to help finance the pictures in exchange for international distribution rights. As part of the proposed pact, Paramount reportedly would retain distribution of the films in North America, as well as several other English-speaking territories.

Paramount is said to have offered to finance the whole project, but the director-producers didn't like the terms of the deal.

The entertainment industry trade newspaper said Spielberg's representatives declined to comment on its report.