Alfred Molinaand Jeff Daniels have signed on to voice the two lead characters in DonkeyXote, the first 3Danimated feature from Spain's Filmax.

Production isalready underway at Filmax's Bren Studios in Galicia, Spain, on the $25mEnglish language adaptation of Miguel De Cervantes' classic 17th century taleabout a self-styled knight errant who roams the countryside performingchivalrous deeds.

Molina andDaniels are voicing the roles of Quixote and Panza respectively and report forduty in early September at Filmax's new Los Angeles offices, which are beingrun by Daniel Bort and will also coordinate casting efforts.

Italy's Lumiq isco-producing Donley Xote, which is directed by Josep Pozo and tells the story from theperspective of one of the donkeys that accompanies the men on their adventure.

Julio Fernandezis producing and Paco Rodriguez serves as executive producer.

Filmax ishandling worldwide rights and plans an October 2006 release. As yet no USdistributor has been attached. A Spanish-language version of the story is alsobeing planned with different actors.

Filmax aims to make makes between six and nine featureseach year in the $5m-$15m range, including one animated title. The Los Angelesoffice was set up to gain a foothold in North America and foster strongercontacts with production partners and distributors.

The company ispreparing a hand-drawn animated project called Nocturna, the story of an orphan boy whobefriends a huge cat.