Culture 3 min read By Morgan Griffin
‘Guardians of the Video Game’ Lands Finecut for International Sales Ahead of Toronto Market
Korean sales agent Finecut has acquired international rights to the 3D animated feature “Guardians of the Video Game,” based on the Naver Webtoon with 345 million views, ahead of the inaugural TIFF Market.
Seoul-based sales agent Finecut has acquired international sales rights to “Guardians of the Video Game,” a 3D animated feature based on the Naver Webtoon of the same name, ahead of the inaugural Toronto International Film Festival market. The pickup positions the retro gaming adventure for a global launch as the industry gathers in Canada for the newly established TIFF Market.
The film is directed by Uhm Young-sik, a leading figure in Korean animation whose credits include “Running Man: Revengers” and the animation segment of a major franchise. The project adapts a Naver Webtoon by Gasfard that has amassed 345 million views, giving the feature a substantial built-in audience before its international rollout begins.
Finecut, known for handling Korean genre films and animated features across international territories, will introduce the title to buyers during the Toronto market. The acquisition underscores the growing international appetite for Korean animated content, particularly properties that have already proven their popularity in the digital comics space.
The webtoon’s massive readership provides a strong foundation for the film’s commercial prospects, as studios and sales agents increasingly look to adapt popular digital comics into animated features. The retro gaming theme taps into nostalgia-driven entertainment trends that have resonated with audiences worldwide in recent years.
“Guardians of the Video Game” joins a slate of Korean animated features that have found international distribution through Finecut, which has built a reputation for bringing Korean cinema to global audiences. The company’s involvement signals confidence in the project’s ability to travel beyond its home market.
The Toronto market, launched as part of the festival’s expanded industry programming, offers a key platform for international sales negotiations. Finecut’s decision to debut the title there reflects the market’s growing importance as a hub for film acquisitions and co-productions.
Naver Webtoon, the platform that originated the property, has become a significant source of intellectual property for film and television adaptations across Asia and beyond. The company has seen multiple webtoons adapted into successful series and features, with “Guardians of the Video Game” representing the latest example of this trend.
With the animation market continuing to expand globally, the film’s combination of a proven story, experienced director, and established sales agent positions it as a notable title to watch during the Toronto market. Buyers will have their first opportunity to screen the project and assess its potential for their territories.
