Simon Cowell is producing an animated film.

The 'X Factor' judge and TV producer is branching out into movies and claims that he has already sold an idea for a cartoon caper - which he has been working on for 10 years - to a movie studio.

He told the Daily Star newspaper: "I have an animation movie I have just sold. It's my concept. It's an idea I had 10 years ago and the first studio I've gone to wants it.

"Making an animation is something I've always, always, wanted to do because I love cartoons. We only did the deal a few weeks ago so I'm not allowed to say any more."

Despite remaining tight-lipped, it's thought the music and TV mogul - who has previously declared his love for family fare such as 'The Flinstones' and 'Mr. Popper's Penguins' - may lend his voice to the project in an acting role too.

A source said: "He wants to feature in some way. He also wants the biggest Hollywood A-listers to do the voiceovers. Don't be surprised if one or two familiar faces from his reality shows appear, too."

Cowell is also set to produce two upcoming films - Morgan Spurlock's One Direction documentary 'This Is Us', and a biopic on 'Britain's Got Talent' winner Paul Potts starring James Corden.

He said: "I am definitely looking to make more movies. We've already started with the Paul Potts film and One Direction movie but expect more."