Jack Black’s untitled animated film pitch is being acquired preemptively by Illumination Entertainment, Chris Meledandri’s Universal-based family film unit, according to Variety.

The untitled pitch is centered in the world of cryptozoology, which is the search for legendary creatures whose existence has never actually been confirmed, like the Loch Ness Monster or Bigfoot.

Pitch was made by scribe Jason Micallef, with Black in the room. Black will produce with partner Ben Cooley through their Electric Dynamite banner, along with Meledandri. Black is only aboard as producer and will not provide a voice in the film. It is Black’s first animation project as producer, but he and Cooley are producers on the Black starrer “Gulliver’s Travels” and the docu “Branson.” Black’s previous producing credits include “Nacho Libre” and “Tenacious D In the Pick of Destiny.”

He is separately reprising for the “Kung Fu Panda” sequel and lent his voice to “Shark Tale” and the first installment of “Ice Age.”

Micallef previously wrote “Butter,” a script that made the Black List, and has Jennifer Garner attached with Michael De Luca producing. Micallef,and Underground Films’ Josh McGuire, most recently rewrote “The King of Kong” for New Line.

Illumination’s first major animation release is “Despicable Me,” which Universal releases July 9. Steve Carell provides the lead voice, and Jason Segel, Danny McBride, Julie Andrews and Russell Brand also voice characters.

Story by:Richard Verrier

Never bashful about his company’s prospects, DreamWorks Animation SKG Chief Executive Jeffrey Katzenberg told analysts and investors that next year would be the “biggest in the company’s history.”

Speaking at a conference at the company’s Glendale headquarters, Katzenberg touted eight upcoming computer-animated movies, including three scheduled for release next year.

The studio is gearing up for a massive marketing campaign — complete with a Winter Olympics promotion — for “How to Train Your Dragon,”  which is based on the book by Cressida Cowell and scheduled to be released March 26.  Next up is the fourth installment in the Shrek franchise, “Shrek Forever After,” on May 21, followed by ”Megamind,” a superhero story starring Tina Fey and Brad Pitt, on Nov. 5

“We couldn’t be more excited about the lineup of films here,” said Katzenberg, adding that the films will  get a significant boost from 3-D screenings, which command higher ticket prices. Based on a ticket premium of $3.50, the studio estimates 3-D viewings will contribute net revenue of $30 million to $40 million per film. North America has about 3,500 3-D screens, but that number is expected to grow substantially next year as theaters secure financing to pay for the digital conversion of theaters.

Katzenberg and other company executives stressed that the company’s growth would come not only from the box office but also from its various non-theatrical businesses, including three new TV series based on its franchise characters, the upcoming nationwide tour of “Shrek the Musical” Broadway show, and a Universal Studios theme park opening in Singapore next year that will feature attractions from DreamWorks movies.

TV specials and series, including the successful “Penguins of Madagascar” TV series on Nickelodeon, which is now distributed in 60 foreign territories, will contribute $40 million to $60 million in revenue next year, said Ann Daly, chief operating officer for DreamWorks Animation.

“Our TV business will be a substantial driver of growth for the years to come,” Daly said.

Investors apparently liked what they heard.  The company’s share price jumped 10%, closing at $37.96, today. Theyre up 68% from a year ago.

Photo: Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriends Toothless, an injured Night Fury dragon, in DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon,” to be released March 26. Credit: DreamWorks Animation SKG