Disney+’s new documentary series “Sketchbook” (now on Disney+) takes you inside the process of some of Disney’s most talented artists, watching them working and hearing their stories.
In some ways it’s not unlike the experience guests used to get at The Magic of Disney Animation that was a key part of Disney-mgm Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) in Florida. The attraction was the guest-facing extension of the Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida outpost, which was responsible for some of the animation in “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast” and all of the animation for “Mulan,” “Lilo & Stitch” and “Brother Bear.”
One of the animators responsible for the success of the Florida studio was Mark Henn, an extremely gifted Disney animator who on “Sketchbook” shows you how to animate Young Simba. After the Florida studio closed up shop in 2004, he returned to Burbank and...
In some ways it’s not unlike the experience guests used to get at The Magic of Disney Animation that was a key part of Disney-mgm Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) in Florida. The attraction was the guest-facing extension of the Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida outpost, which was responsible for some of the animation in “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast” and all of the animation for “Mulan,” “Lilo & Stitch” and “Brother Bear.”
One of the animators responsible for the success of the Florida studio was Mark Henn, an extremely gifted Disney animator who on “Sketchbook” shows you how to animate Young Simba. After the Florida studio closed up shop in 2004, he returned to Burbank and...
- 4/28/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
“Pearl Diver” by Norway’s Margrethe Danielsen has swept Spain’s 16th Animayo Gran Canaria Festival awards, making off with the International Grand Jury Prize as well as plaudits for best student short film, stop motion and comedy for adults.
“Pearl Diver” follows three odd couples: a hedgehog that falls in love with a balloon, two oysters anxious to meet; and an Arctic couple drifting apart.
The stop-motion animated short was produced at Volda University College and has already won a string of awards worldwide. Aside from scooping a cash prize of €3,000 and a trophy, “Pearl Diver” qualifies to compete for the Academy Award’s short list of qualifying animated shorts.
Italy’s “Where Night Falls” by Francesco Filippini nabbed the best 3D, best comedy for all ages and best screenplay awards. The short revolves around a boy and his grandmother as they set off on a shamanic journey to discover their roots.
“Pearl Diver” follows three odd couples: a hedgehog that falls in love with a balloon, two oysters anxious to meet; and an Arctic couple drifting apart.
The stop-motion animated short was produced at Volda University College and has already won a string of awards worldwide. Aside from scooping a cash prize of €3,000 and a trophy, “Pearl Diver” qualifies to compete for the Academy Award’s short list of qualifying animated shorts.
Italy’s “Where Night Falls” by Francesco Filippini nabbed the best 3D, best comedy for all ages and best screenplay awards. The short revolves around a boy and his grandmother as they set off on a shamanic journey to discover their roots.
- 6/7/2021
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Animayo Gran Canaria, Spain’s prominent Canary Islands-based animation festival, has expanded threefold as it divides its multiple activities into three sections: In-person over May 5-8; an avatar-based virtual event on May 13-15; and online from May 17 through October.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has been a blessing; it came as a shock at first but we found a creative solution,” said Damian Perea, founder-director of the festival, which also includes VFX and video gaming.
By deploying an avatar-based virtual event platform dubbed Roomkey (formerly Teooh) that enables professional and enterprise communities to sit and interact in the same digital space, Animayo Gran Canaria became the first animation festival in the world to go virtual last year. “We lured up to 45,000 participants in 2020 and expect to reach or surpass that tally in this edition,” Perea said. “Going virtual has been a blessing for mid-sized festivals as it has allowed us to expand...
“The Covid-19 pandemic has been a blessing; it came as a shock at first but we found a creative solution,” said Damian Perea, founder-director of the festival, which also includes VFX and video gaming.
By deploying an avatar-based virtual event platform dubbed Roomkey (formerly Teooh) that enables professional and enterprise communities to sit and interact in the same digital space, Animayo Gran Canaria became the first animation festival in the world to go virtual last year. “We lured up to 45,000 participants in 2020 and expect to reach or surpass that tally in this edition,” Perea said. “Going virtual has been a blessing for mid-sized festivals as it has allowed us to expand...
- 4/27/2021
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: UK outfit boards animation, readies production slate.
Moviehouse’s Cannes slate includes recent animation addition A Giant Adventure, which will feature the voices of John Goodman and Kelsey Grammar.
Goodman will play lumberjack Paul Bunyan who teams up with two adventurous kids to rescue a town from the developer’s evil clutches in this modern tale.
The deal was negotiated by Toonz Media Group CEO Kumar together with Moviehouse’ Managing Director, Mark Vennis and cements Moviehouse’s relationship with Toonz, which also produced upcoming Magnolia Us release The Hero Of Colour City, also sold by Moviehouse.
The film, which will be released in North America by Cinedigm, is produced in conjunction with U.S. animation company Exodus Film Group, whose principals, John Eraklis and Max Howard, will serve as producers together with Toonz’ CEO P. Jaya Kumar.
Simultaneously, Moviehouse is also developing a growing production slate, includingUK drama Grand Duet, about a classical...
Moviehouse’s Cannes slate includes recent animation addition A Giant Adventure, which will feature the voices of John Goodman and Kelsey Grammar.
Goodman will play lumberjack Paul Bunyan who teams up with two adventurous kids to rescue a town from the developer’s evil clutches in this modern tale.
The deal was negotiated by Toonz Media Group CEO Kumar together with Moviehouse’ Managing Director, Mark Vennis and cements Moviehouse’s relationship with Toonz, which also produced upcoming Magnolia Us release The Hero Of Colour City, also sold by Moviehouse.
The film, which will be released in North America by Cinedigm, is produced in conjunction with U.S. animation company Exodus Film Group, whose principals, John Eraklis and Max Howard, will serve as producers together with Toonz’ CEO P. Jaya Kumar.
Simultaneously, Moviehouse is also developing a growing production slate, includingUK drama Grand Duet, about a classical...
- 5/15/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Owen Wilson and Jessica Capshaw have joined the cast of The Hero of Color City, which Moviehouse is selling in Cannes.
Christina Ricci, Rosie Perez, Wayne Brady and Craig Ferguson were previously announced on the animation about crayons that come to life in a child’s bedroom at night.
Magnolia Pictures will be releasing the film day-and-dats theatrically and across digital platforms on October 3.
Frank Gladstone directs and the producers are John D Eraklis and Max Howard.
The actors have expressed their suport for the charity Crayon Collection, a global initiative that repurposes lightly used crayons to elementary schools and organisations that help children in need.
Wilson and Capshaw will also lend their voices to a PSA in support of the charity that will run at the end of the film and be used in select marketing and promotional initiatives.
Christina Ricci, Rosie Perez, Wayne Brady and Craig Ferguson were previously announced on the animation about crayons that come to life in a child’s bedroom at night.
Magnolia Pictures will be releasing the film day-and-dats theatrically and across digital platforms on October 3.
Frank Gladstone directs and the producers are John D Eraklis and Max Howard.
The actors have expressed their suport for the charity Crayon Collection, a global initiative that repurposes lightly used crayons to elementary schools and organisations that help children in need.
Wilson and Capshaw will also lend their voices to a PSA in support of the charity that will run at the end of the film and be used in select marketing and promotional initiatives.
- 5/12/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Owen Wilson and Jessica Capshaw have joined the cast of The Hero of Color City.
Christina Ricci, Rosie Perez, Wayne Brady and Craig Ferguson were previously announced on the animation about crayons that come alive in a child’s bedroom at night.
Magnolia Pictures will be releasing the film day-and-dats theatrically and across digital platforms on October 3.
Frank Gladstone directs and the producers are John D Eraklis and Max Howard.
The actors have expressed their suport for the charity Crayon Collection, a global initiative that repurposes lightly used crayons to elementary schools and organisations that help children in need.
Wilson and Capshaw will also lend their voices to a PSA in support of the charity that will run at the end of the film and be used in select marketing and promotional initiatives.
Christina Ricci, Rosie Perez, Wayne Brady and Craig Ferguson were previously announced on the animation about crayons that come alive in a child’s bedroom at night.
Magnolia Pictures will be releasing the film day-and-dats theatrically and across digital platforms on October 3.
Frank Gladstone directs and the producers are John D Eraklis and Max Howard.
The actors have expressed their suport for the charity Crayon Collection, a global initiative that repurposes lightly used crayons to elementary schools and organisations that help children in need.
Wilson and Capshaw will also lend their voices to a PSA in support of the charity that will run at the end of the film and be used in select marketing and promotional initiatives.
- 5/12/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The distributor has acquired North American rights to Exodus Film Group and Toonz Entertainment’s film featuring the voice talent of John Goodman, Kelsey Grammer and Jeff Foxworthy.
Tony Bancroft directed Bunyan And Babe: A Giant Adventure, a modern take on the folk story of legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan and his sidekick, Babe the Blue Ox.
The film follows the characters as they save a town from a menacing property developer.
Exodus’s John D Eraklis and Max Howard produced alongside Toonz Animation CEO P Jayakumar.
Cinedigm director of acquisitions Kristin Harris brokered the deal with Eraklis on behalf of the filmmakers.
Tony Bancroft directed Bunyan And Babe: A Giant Adventure, a modern take on the folk story of legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan and his sidekick, Babe the Blue Ox.
The film follows the characters as they save a town from a menacing property developer.
Exodus’s John D Eraklis and Max Howard produced alongside Toonz Animation CEO P Jayakumar.
Cinedigm director of acquisitions Kristin Harris brokered the deal with Eraklis on behalf of the filmmakers.
- 5/8/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to The Hero Of Color City and has pencilled in a 2014 release on the children’s story.
Christina Ricci, Rosie Perez, Wayne Brady and Craig Ferguson star in the animated feature about crayons that come to life. Frank Gladstone directed and John D Eraklis and Max Howard produced.
“The Hero Of Color City boasts a talented cast of celebrity voices, and promises to be a delightful film for young children that will inspire their imaginations,” said Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles.
“We are delighted to work with Eamonn and his incredible team at Magnolia on this wonderful film,” said Eraklis.
Christina Ricci, Rosie Perez, Wayne Brady and Craig Ferguson star in the animated feature about crayons that come to life. Frank Gladstone directed and John D Eraklis and Max Howard produced.
“The Hero Of Color City boasts a talented cast of celebrity voices, and promises to be a delightful film for young children that will inspire their imaginations,” said Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles.
“We are delighted to work with Eamonn and his incredible team at Magnolia on this wonderful film,” said Eraklis.
- 7/31/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
After just conquering the world of tennis (again) by winning her fifth Wimbledon title, Serena Williams is hoping to conquer the world of animation. Williams is partnering with Exodus Film Group, the makers of the 2008 animated feature Igor, on the tennis-themed animated project WimbleToad. Photos: Wimbledon 2012 Star Gazing: Dustin Hoffman, J.K. Rowling, Patrick Stewart Flock to Tennis Matches Williams will executive produce WimbleToad and also voice a role. She and Exodus Film Group principles John Eraklis, Joe Martin Jr. and Max Howard have created Amphibian Productions for the venture. Steve Bevilacqua is writing the screenplay based
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- 7/11/2012
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lion King producer to turn tale of the German cow who bolted from farm and evaded capture by hunters into animation
Yvonne the German cow evaded helicopters, dodged guns and even shunned her calf and best friend for a life on the run.
Now the tale of the runaway, who captivated the country last year when she bolted from her farm to escape slaughter and roamed free in the Bavarian countryside for three months, will provide fodder for a Hollywood animated film.
Cow on the Run will be produced by a Munich-based film company, Papa Löwe, and the film producer Max Howard, whose previous credits include Walt Disney's The Lion King.
Michael Aufhauser, founder of the Gut Aiderbichl animal sanctuary in southern Germany, which now looks after Yvonne, said the film – due to open in 2014 – was going to be very romantic. "Yvonne even falls in love," he said.
Yvonne broke...
Yvonne the German cow evaded helicopters, dodged guns and even shunned her calf and best friend for a life on the run.
Now the tale of the runaway, who captivated the country last year when she bolted from her farm to escape slaughter and roamed free in the Bavarian countryside for three months, will provide fodder for a Hollywood animated film.
Cow on the Run will be produced by a Munich-based film company, Papa Löwe, and the film producer Max Howard, whose previous credits include Walt Disney's The Lion King.
Michael Aufhauser, founder of the Gut Aiderbichl animal sanctuary in southern Germany, which now looks after Yvonne, said the film – due to open in 2014 – was going to be very romantic. "Yvonne even falls in love," he said.
Yvonne broke...
- 4/14/2012
- The Guardian - Film News
Yes, we do have the headline correct. I’m here to tell you, as Variety reports, that the tale of the runaway cow Yvonne is in fact making its way to the big screen. However odd this adventure may be, animation producer Max Howard, Munich’s Papa Loewe Filmproduktion, Torsten Poeck of Clou Partnerts, and Kirsty Peart are finding it necessary to get Yvonne’s story to the masses — in an animated form, of course, with the appropriately titled Cow on the Run.
After reading various internet postings on this particular cow, she does seem to be somewhat of a celebrity. (She even has her own Wikipedia page.) Yvonne was raised on an Austrian farm before she busted through an electric fence last May; the “irate cow” managed to run away from captors for upwards of three months, “outwitting expert trackers equipped with a helicopter and heat-seeking equipment.” She was...
After reading various internet postings on this particular cow, she does seem to be somewhat of a celebrity. (She even has her own Wikipedia page.) Yvonne was raised on an Austrian farm before she busted through an electric fence last May; the “irate cow” managed to run away from captors for upwards of three months, “outwitting expert trackers equipped with a helicopter and heat-seeking equipment.” She was...
- 2/12/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Ajay Devgn starrer, Toonpur Ka Superhero director, Kireet Khurana has been approached by the International Animation Consulting Group (Iacg), to be part of their advisory board.World Renowned animators like William Bill Denis, Max Howard and Frank Lunn are few members who are part of Iacg. Iacg that provides first-hand knowledge on how to develop, produce and distribute animated content for feature films and television. They are now looking forward to service India since Animation is one of the fastest emerging trends in Indian Film ...
- 11/20/2010
- BusinessofCinema
International Animation Consulting Group (Iacg) has approached Indian filmmaker Kireet Khurana to be part of their advisory board. Kireet has directed an animation plus live action film, Toonpur Ka Superhero starring Ajay Devgn and Kajol that is slated to release on Dec 24 this year. World Renowned animators like William Bill Denis, Max Howard and Frank Lunn are few members who are part of Iacg. Iacg that provides first-hand knowledge on how to develop, produce and distribute animated content for feature films and television have made their presence felt in West. They are now looking forward to service India since Animation is one of the fastest emerging trends in Indian Film Industry. Kireet has been offered a very prestige position in the advisory panel at Iacg with 15 top professionals in animation filmmaking from all over the world. Kireet is the Creative Head and Director at Climb Media. Kireet's father Mr. Bhim...
- 11/20/2010
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
International Animation Consulting Group (Iacg) has approached Indian filmmaker Kireet Khurana to be part of their advisory board. Kireet has directed an animation plus live action film, Toonpur Ka Superhero starring Ajay Devgn and Kajol that is slated to release on Dec 24 this year. World Renowned animators like William Bill Denis, Max Howard and Frank Lunn are few members who are part of Iacg. Iacg that provides first-hand knowledge on how to develop, produce and distribute animated content for feature films and television have made their presence felt in West. They are now looking forward to service India since Animation is one of the fastest emerging trends in Indian Film Industry. Kireet has been offered a very prestige position in the advisory panel at Iacg with 15 top professionals in animation filmmaking from all over the world. Kireet is the Creative Head and Director at Climb Media. Kireet's father Mr. Bhim...
- 11/20/2010
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
'Toonpur Ka Superhero' director Kireet Khurana has been approached by the International Animation Consulting Group (Iacg) to be part of their advisory board.'The group is very pleased to add Kireet to its advisory board. I've known and admired Kireet for the past dozen years. He has the rare combination of creative talent, daring, character and knowledge that personifies the spirit of the International Animation Consulting Group,' said international animator William Bill Denis, who is part of Iacg, in a statement.Max Howard and Frank Lunn are other members of Iacg that provides first-hand knowledge on how to develop, produce and distribute animated content for feature films and television.Now Iacg is looking forward to India since animation is one of the fastest emerging trends in Indian Film Industry and hence approached Khurana.Before 'Toonpur Ka Superhero', Khurana had directed short films, animation series and...
- 11/20/2010
- Filmicafe
International Animation Day celebrations are back with a bang! Organized by Asifa India, the India leg of International Animation Day (Iad) is scheduled for 31st October at Ncpa in Mumbai. Apart from Mumbai, the organizers have planned to take the festival to other cities as well including Hyderabad, Pune, Bengaluru and Indore. Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Saraswati Balgam, President, Asifa India, shared, "This year, we have some really interesting sessions lined up along with a power packed set of speakers, master classes, creative activities with a lot fun and frolic filled in it," To brief about some of the session, the list include: 'Creating an effective story and how to pitch it by Max Howard'; 'Acting for animators by Ed Hooks'; 'Making of Alpha and Omega by Crest Animation' and 'Shelley's Eye Candy', amongst several other interesting sessions. "In addition to the sessions, we would also have interactive acting and drawing sessions,...
- 10/19/2010
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
Blue Collar comedian Jeff Foxworthy ("Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?") will lend his voice to the role of Babe the Blue Ox in MGM and Exodus Group's "Bunyan & Babe." Eddie Griffin was thought to play this role. The animated family adventure comedy is directed by Tony Bancroft and Jim Rygiel. Julia Wall wrote the screenplay from the original story and screenplay by Michael A. Nickles. Also cast is Kelsey Grammer. John Eraklis and Max Howard are producing.
- 9/3/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Jeff Foxworthy will be an ox.
The comedian will voice the role of Babe the Blue Ox in "Bunyan & Babe," the animated feature from MGM and Exodus Film Group.
The pic puts a modern twist on the classic folk tale of Paul Bunyan and his sidekick Babe, with the pair embarking on a mission to save a town from a rapacious real estate developer. John Goodman is set to voice Bunyan, and Kelsey Grammer is the developer.
Tony Bancroft and Jim Rygiel are directing the pic, with Exodus execs John Eraklis and Max Howard producing. MGM acquired the project this year and will look to release it in 2011.
The CAA- and Parallel Entertainment-repped Foxworthy, known for his populist brand of stand-up comedy, has had voice roles in 2006's "The Fox and the Hound 2" and other pics. He hosts the Fox quiz show "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?...
The comedian will voice the role of Babe the Blue Ox in "Bunyan & Babe," the animated feature from MGM and Exodus Film Group.
The pic puts a modern twist on the classic folk tale of Paul Bunyan and his sidekick Babe, with the pair embarking on a mission to save a town from a rapacious real estate developer. John Goodman is set to voice Bunyan, and Kelsey Grammer is the developer.
Tony Bancroft and Jim Rygiel are directing the pic, with Exodus execs John Eraklis and Max Howard producing. MGM acquired the project this year and will look to release it in 2011.
The CAA- and Parallel Entertainment-repped Foxworthy, known for his populist brand of stand-up comedy, has had voice roles in 2006's "The Fox and the Hound 2" and other pics. He hosts the Fox quiz show "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?...
- 9/2/2009
- by By Steven Zeitchik
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The CGI-animated Igor, telling a monster story from the point of view of the mad scientist’s erstwhile assistant, may have done poorly at the box office, with just under $20 million earned to date, but should make for fun winter viewing when MGM releases it on DVD January 20.
Igor features a stellar ensemble voice cast including Golden Globe nominee John Cusack (Being John Malkovich, High Fidelity), Academy Award nominee John Cleese (Shrek The Third, A Fish Called Wanda), Golden Globe nominee Steve Buscemi (Fargo, The Big Lebowski), Sean Hayes (The Bucket List, Will & Grace), Emmy Award winner Jay Leno (Ice Age 2: The Meltdown), Jennifer Coolidge (American Pie, Joey), Christian Slater, Emmy Award nominee Molly Shannon (Kath And Kim), Emmy Award winner Eddie Izzard (The Riches) and Arsenio Hall.
Synopsis
This hilarious animated twist on the classic monster movie is must-see family fun! Determined to prove he can create his own diabolical invention,...
Igor features a stellar ensemble voice cast including Golden Globe nominee John Cusack (Being John Malkovich, High Fidelity), Academy Award nominee John Cleese (Shrek The Third, A Fish Called Wanda), Golden Globe nominee Steve Buscemi (Fargo, The Big Lebowski), Sean Hayes (The Bucket List, Will & Grace), Emmy Award winner Jay Leno (Ice Age 2: The Meltdown), Jennifer Coolidge (American Pie, Joey), Christian Slater, Emmy Award nominee Molly Shannon (Kath And Kim), Emmy Award winner Eddie Izzard (The Riches) and Arsenio Hall.
Synopsis
This hilarious animated twist on the classic monster movie is must-see family fun! Determined to prove he can create his own diabolical invention,...
- 11/28/2008
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
It didn’t do any kind of business to speak of at the box office, so I guess it’s not surprising that MGM isn’t dumping a lot of effort into the DVD release of Igor. MGM announced today that the disc will be out on January 20th and won’t have a helluva lot on it.
Extras on the standard DVD will be a few deleted scenes, bloopers and a featurette called “Be an Igor”. The Blu-ray release, out the same day, will also come with commentary by director Tony Leondis and producer Max Howard, as well as an alternate opening.
Weird. You’d think a movie about an independent-minded lab assistant, a bunny that just won’t die and the voices of John Cusack, John Cleese and Steve Buscemi would’ve been enough to make this one a hit. Just goes to show how fickle even our own fanbase can be!
Extras on the standard DVD will be a few deleted scenes, bloopers and a featurette called “Be an Igor”. The Blu-ray release, out the same day, will also come with commentary by director Tony Leondis and producer Max Howard, as well as an alternate opening.
Weird. You’d think a movie about an independent-minded lab assistant, a bunny that just won’t die and the voices of John Cusack, John Cleese and Steve Buscemi would’ve been enough to make this one a hit. Just goes to show how fickle even our own fanbase can be!
- 11/20/2008
- by Johnny Butane
- DreadCentral.com
NEW YORK -- The first CG-animated film in the Weinstein Co. and Exodus Film Group's multi-picture, co-production pact will be the aquatic family comedy, Navy Seals.
In a story concept developed at Exodus and based on true Marine heroes, an elite group of U.S. Navy dolphins are captured. Their one chance at freedom depends on the help of a group of misfit seals.
The comedy-filled adventure is set to be scripted by Justin Eick. Exodus CEO John D. Eraklis will produce the feature and president Max Howard will executive produce. TWC production exec Eric Robinson is overseeing the project on behalf of his studio.
The TWC/Exodus pact, unveiled in May, has its roots in TWC's 2006 acquisition of worldwide distribution rights to Exodus' first CG-animated film Igor. Under the new pact, TWC and Exodus will develop, produce and finance animated features, DVDs and TV series, which TWC will distribute.
In a story concept developed at Exodus and based on true Marine heroes, an elite group of U.S. Navy dolphins are captured. Their one chance at freedom depends on the help of a group of misfit seals.
The comedy-filled adventure is set to be scripted by Justin Eick. Exodus CEO John D. Eraklis will produce the feature and president Max Howard will executive produce. TWC production exec Eric Robinson is overseeing the project on behalf of his studio.
The TWC/Exodus pact, unveiled in May, has its roots in TWC's 2006 acquisition of worldwide distribution rights to Exodus' first CG-animated film Igor. Under the new pact, TWC and Exodus will develop, produce and finance animated features, DVDs and TV series, which TWC will distribute.
- 9/20/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
John Cusack and Sean Hayes have joined the voice cast of Exodus Film Group's CG-animated feature comedy Igor. The Weinstein Co. will distribute the film, which is being directed by Tony Leondis.
Cusack, who replaces Christian Slater on the project, will voice the title character of Igor, a gifted scientist who is born with a hunch on his back and is forced to serve a cruel scientist named Dr. Glickenstein. Hayes is playing Brian the Brain, a brain in a jar who is one of Igor's sidekicks and inventions.
The voice cast includes Jeremy Piven, Jay Leno, Jennifer Coolidge, Molly Shannon, Steve Buscemi and John Cleese.
Chris McKenna wrote the screenplay. Exodus' CEO John D. Eraklis is producing along with Exodus president Max Howard.
The film is set for an Oct. 24, 2008, release.
Cusack next will appear in the Weinstein Co.'s Grace Is Gone and Dimension's 1408. Hayes is best known for playing Jack on Will & Grace. He previously provided his voice for The Cat in the Hat and Cats & Dogs.
Both are repped by WMA.
Cusack, who replaces Christian Slater on the project, will voice the title character of Igor, a gifted scientist who is born with a hunch on his back and is forced to serve a cruel scientist named Dr. Glickenstein. Hayes is playing Brian the Brain, a brain in a jar who is one of Igor's sidekicks and inventions.
The voice cast includes Jeremy Piven, Jay Leno, Jennifer Coolidge, Molly Shannon, Steve Buscemi and John Cleese.
Chris McKenna wrote the screenplay. Exodus' CEO John D. Eraklis is producing along with Exodus president Max Howard.
The film is set for an Oct. 24, 2008, release.
Cusack next will appear in the Weinstein Co.'s Grace Is Gone and Dimension's 1408. Hayes is best known for playing Jack on Will & Grace. He previously provided his voice for The Cat in the Hat and Cats & Dogs.
Both are repped by WMA.
- 3/28/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Max Howard has been named president of Exodus Film Group, Exodus CEO John Eraklis said Wednesday.
Howard has held posts as president of Warner Bros. Feature Animation and senior vp at Disney Feature Animation.
"Max is one of the most talented and experienced animation executives in the business today," Eraklis said. "His track record of building outstanding animation teams worldwide is unparalleled."
During his 12 years at Disney, Howard collaborated on such films as Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas and The Lion King. At Warners, he oversaw The Iron Giant and Space Jam. More recently, he was an executive producer on DreamWorks Animation's Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.
Exodus is working on the CG-animated feature Igor, set for fall 2008 release by the Weinstein Co.
Igor, with a voice cast that includes Christian Slater, Jeremy Piven, Jay Leno, Jennifer Coolidge, Molly Shannon, Steve Buscemi and John Cleese, is a comic version of the classic monster tale about an evil scientist and his lab assistant. Tony Leondis is directing the screenplay by Chris McKenna.
Howard has held posts as president of Warner Bros. Feature Animation and senior vp at Disney Feature Animation.
"Max is one of the most talented and experienced animation executives in the business today," Eraklis said. "His track record of building outstanding animation teams worldwide is unparalleled."
During his 12 years at Disney, Howard collaborated on such films as Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas and The Lion King. At Warners, he oversaw The Iron Giant and Space Jam. More recently, he was an executive producer on DreamWorks Animation's Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.
Exodus is working on the CG-animated feature Igor, set for fall 2008 release by the Weinstein Co.
Igor, with a voice cast that includes Christian Slater, Jeremy Piven, Jay Leno, Jennifer Coolidge, Molly Shannon, Steve Buscemi and John Cleese, is a comic version of the classic monster tale about an evil scientist and his lab assistant. Tony Leondis is directing the screenplay by Chris McKenna.
Variety reports that Christian Slater, John Cleese and Steve Buscemi have signed on to join Jay Leno in lending their voices to Exodus Film Group and the Weinstein Co.'s upcoming animated feature Igor. The CGI comedy centers on a hunchbacked assistant to a mad scientist with dreams of winning the Evil Science Fair. Production is underway on the Chris McKenna-penned project produced by John D.Eraklis and Max Howard....
- 7/20/2006
- IMDbPro News
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