The Kung Fu Panda franchise is awaiting the release of its fourth film, which has come a long way from its concept of an anthropomorphic animal learning kung fu. Starring Jack Black as Po, Kung Fu Panda 4 sees many familiar characters such as Master Shifu, Tai Lung, and Kai, while introducing new villains such as The Chameleon.
The first film was known for its bizarre concept of a Panda learning kung fu and was one of the most anticipated films of 2008. The film was one of the commercially successful films by DreamWorks Animation, earning over $631 million. While a simplistic comedy with action, the concept of Kung Fu Panda was reportedly inspired by the iconic film Kung Fu Hustle.
When Was Kung Fu Panda Developed? A still from Kung Fu Panda
The Jack Black starrer Kung Fu Panda was one of the most beloved animated franchises in the world. The...
The first film was known for its bizarre concept of a Panda learning kung fu and was one of the most anticipated films of 2008. The film was one of the commercially successful films by DreamWorks Animation, earning over $631 million. While a simplistic comedy with action, the concept of Kung Fu Panda was reportedly inspired by the iconic film Kung Fu Hustle.
When Was Kung Fu Panda Developed? A still from Kung Fu Panda
The Jack Black starrer Kung Fu Panda was one of the most beloved animated franchises in the world. The...
- 3/6/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
In today’s film news roundup, “I Won’t Be Home for Christmas” is in the works, the NFL has made a documentary about female team owners and D Street Pictures has signed Kenny Gage and Devon Downs to direct the dance feature “Move.”
Holiday Project
Miramax has acquired film rights to Lauren Iungerich’s holiday-themed screenplay “I Won’t Be Home for Christmas.”
Iungerich is set to direct, as well as produce, alongside Eli Roth and Roger Birnbaum under their newly-formed Arts District Entertainment; Jamie Dooner; and Miramax’s Bill Block. Jennie Frisbie, Michael Besman and Miramax’s Michael Lachance will executive produce. Production is slated for June and will be supervised by Lachance.
The film marks Iungerich’s feature film directorial debut. The story focuses on a 16-year-old woman who spurns her family to go skiing with her new boyfriend over the holidays. After he unceremoniously breaks up with her before the trip,...
Holiday Project
Miramax has acquired film rights to Lauren Iungerich’s holiday-themed screenplay “I Won’t Be Home for Christmas.”
Iungerich is set to direct, as well as produce, alongside Eli Roth and Roger Birnbaum under their newly-formed Arts District Entertainment; Jamie Dooner; and Miramax’s Bill Block. Jennie Frisbie, Michael Besman and Miramax’s Michael Lachance will executive produce. Production is slated for June and will be supervised by Lachance.
The film marks Iungerich’s feature film directorial debut. The story focuses on a 16-year-old woman who spurns her family to go skiing with her new boyfriend over the holidays. After he unceremoniously breaks up with her before the trip,...
- 3/26/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Miramax has secured the film rights to I Won’t Be Home For Christmas, a holiday film written by Lauren Iungerich, who is also set to direct the feature as her first directorial outing. Iungerich is best known as the creator behind MTV’s Awkward series, which ran for five seasons, and co-creator of Netflix’s coming-of-age comedy, On my Block, which will launch its second season this month.
Iungerich is producing I Won’t Be Home For Christmas alongside Eli Roth and Roger Birnbaum, under their new Arts District Entertainment banner, Jamie Dooner, and Miramax’s Bill Block.
The plot centers on sixteen-year-old Grace who is given the golden ticket to forgo having to spend the holidays with her crazy family and instead go skiing with her new boyfriend Tad. When Tad unceremoniously breaks up with her before the trip, Grace must return home humiliated with a broken heart...
Iungerich is producing I Won’t Be Home For Christmas alongside Eli Roth and Roger Birnbaum, under their new Arts District Entertainment banner, Jamie Dooner, and Miramax’s Bill Block.
The plot centers on sixteen-year-old Grace who is given the golden ticket to forgo having to spend the holidays with her crazy family and instead go skiing with her new boyfriend Tad. When Tad unceremoniously breaks up with her before the trip, Grace must return home humiliated with a broken heart...
- 3/25/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Fox Searchlight starts a shorts channel, Uma Thurman signs with ICM and Miramax signs animation exec Michael Lachance.
Searchlight Shorts
Fox Searchlight Pictures’ chairmen Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula have announced the launch of “Searchlight Shorts” as a collection of short films.
The shorts are available on Fox Searchlight’s YouTube channel and “Searchlight Shorts” Facebook page. The first film to be released on the Fox Searchlight social media channels is the recent best live action short Oscar winner “Skin,” in which a young boy has an innocent encounter with an African American man at a supermarket and his parents react to the exchange with racial violence.
Other short films to be featured include “Feathers” and “Birdie,” which were acquired in late 2018; “Lavender,” which made its premiere at Sundance earlier this year; and the recently acquired “Sew Torn.” Fox Searchlight plans to release a...
Searchlight Shorts
Fox Searchlight Pictures’ chairmen Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula have announced the launch of “Searchlight Shorts” as a collection of short films.
The shorts are available on Fox Searchlight’s YouTube channel and “Searchlight Shorts” Facebook page. The first film to be released on the Fox Searchlight social media channels is the recent best live action short Oscar winner “Skin,” in which a young boy has an innocent encounter with an African American man at a supermarket and his parents react to the exchange with racial violence.
Other short films to be featured include “Feathers” and “Birdie,” which were acquired in late 2018; “Lavender,” which made its premiere at Sundance earlier this year; and the recently acquired “Sew Torn.” Fox Searchlight plans to release a...
- 3/19/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Michael Lachance is joining Miramax as executive vp of its newly created Family & Animation division, it was announced today by Miramax CEO Bill Block. Lachance will head the creative direction of the division, overseen by chief operating officer and general counsel Bob Osher.
Most recently, Lachance was senior vp creative development at Sony Pictures Animation, where he was involved in the development of Hotel Transylvania, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 and the Smurfs franchise.
Before that, he was a senior development executive at DreamWorks Animation, where he had a hand in such films as Kung Fu ...
Most recently, Lachance was senior vp creative development at Sony Pictures Animation, where he was involved in the development of Hotel Transylvania, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 and the Smurfs franchise.
Before that, he was a senior development executive at DreamWorks Animation, where he had a hand in such films as Kung Fu ...
- 3/19/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Michael Lachance is joining Miramax as executive vp of its newly created Family & Animation division, it was announced today by Miramax CEO Bill Block. Lachance will head the creative direction of the division, overseen by chief operating officer and general counsel Bob Osher.
Most recently, Lachance was senior vp creative development at Sony Pictures Animation, where he was involved in the development of Hotel Transylvania, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 and the Smurfs franchise.
Before that, he was a senior development executive at DreamWorks Animation, where he had a hand in such films as Kung Fu ...
Most recently, Lachance was senior vp creative development at Sony Pictures Animation, where he was involved in the development of Hotel Transylvania, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 and the Smurfs franchise.
Before that, he was a senior development executive at DreamWorks Animation, where he had a hand in such films as Kung Fu ...
- 3/19/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Exclusive: Industry veteran Michael Lachance has joined Miramax as Evp of its newly created Family & Animation division. He will oversee the creative direction of the unit, reporting to COO and general counsel Bob Osher.
Lachance had been Svp Creative Development at Sony Pictures Animation, where he developed such hits as Hotel Transylvania and its sequel, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 and the Smurfs franchise.
Lachance has more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Before his stint at Sony, Lachance was a senior development executive at DreamWorks Animation, where he conceived the original idea for Kung Fu Panda. He also spearheaded the development of such animated hits as Madagascar, Shark Tale, Monsters vs. Aliens, Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third.
“We are very fortunate to have Mike join us and we look forward to his creative leadership to expand the Miramax content offering,” said Miramax CEO Bill Block,...
Lachance had been Svp Creative Development at Sony Pictures Animation, where he developed such hits as Hotel Transylvania and its sequel, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 and the Smurfs franchise.
Lachance has more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Before his stint at Sony, Lachance was a senior development executive at DreamWorks Animation, where he conceived the original idea for Kung Fu Panda. He also spearheaded the development of such animated hits as Madagascar, Shark Tale, Monsters vs. Aliens, Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third.
“We are very fortunate to have Mike join us and we look forward to his creative leadership to expand the Miramax content offering,” said Miramax CEO Bill Block,...
- 3/18/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Studio developed Hotel Transylvania, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2, The Smurfs.
In a coup for Miramax, the company has hired Michael Lachance as executive vice-president of its newly created family & animation division.
Lachance, a studio executive and writer with more than 20 years of experience who most recently served as senior vice-president of creative development at Sony Pictures Animation (Spa), will oversee the creative direction of the division under Bob Osher.
During his tenure at Spa, Lachance developed the global animated hits Hotel Transylvania and its sequel, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2 and The Smurfs franchise.
“We are...
In a coup for Miramax, the company has hired Michael Lachance as executive vice-president of its newly created family & animation division.
Lachance, a studio executive and writer with more than 20 years of experience who most recently served as senior vice-president of creative development at Sony Pictures Animation (Spa), will oversee the creative direction of the division under Bob Osher.
During his tenure at Spa, Lachance developed the global animated hits Hotel Transylvania and its sequel, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2 and The Smurfs franchise.
“We are...
- 3/18/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
In a move signaling an expansion of its output and increased year-round production across multiple platforms, Sony Pictures Animation announced today its slate through 2018 which includes five theatrical features, three television series and one direct-to-video movie.
Kristine Belson, President of Sony Pictures Animation, says:
"We are meaningfully stepping up our level of production, while creating an environment that fosters the best talent. Our goal is to enlarge our presence in the animation landscape with a uniquely diverse slate, and our strategy to get there is to let artists drive the movies creatively."
Tom Rothman, Chairman of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, adds:
"I could not be more proud of the way Kristine Belson has rebuilt Sony Pictures Animation into the boldest home for animation in the industry."
Sony Pictures Animation's slate includes a diverse mix of originals and franchises, some previously announced, each with its own unique style and tone,...
Kristine Belson, President of Sony Pictures Animation, says:
"We are meaningfully stepping up our level of production, while creating an environment that fosters the best talent. Our goal is to enlarge our presence in the animation landscape with a uniquely diverse slate, and our strategy to get there is to let artists drive the movies creatively."
Tom Rothman, Chairman of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, adds:
"I could not be more proud of the way Kristine Belson has rebuilt Sony Pictures Animation into the boldest home for animation in the industry."
Sony Pictures Animation's slate includes a diverse mix of originals and franchises, some previously announced, each with its own unique style and tone,...
- 6/20/2016
- by Kellvin Chavez
- LRMonline.com
Sony Pictures Animation on Monday afternoon unveiled a blockbuster film and television slate through 2018 that made no secret of the properties the studio values most highly.
The multi-platform roster includes features of Spider-Man, Emojimovie and new instalments in the Hotel Transylvania and Smurfs franchises, as well as a TV outing for Ghostbusters.
Emojimovie: Express Yourself will open in August 2017 and explores the world of the characters beloved by cell phone users. Anthony Leondis directs from a screenplay he wrote with Eric Siegel. Michelle Raimo Kouyate produces.
Smurfs: The Lost Village is earmarked for April 7, 2017. Kelly Asbury directs from a screenplay by Stacey Harman and Pamela Ribon based on the characters and works of Peyo. Jordan Kerner produces and the voice cast includes Demi Lovato, Jack McBrayer, Joe Manganiello, Danny Pudi, Rainn Wilson and Mandy Patinkin.
Christmas story The Star (working title) is being made in association with The Jim Henson Company and set for December 8, 2017. Timothy Reckart directs...
The multi-platform roster includes features of Spider-Man, Emojimovie and new instalments in the Hotel Transylvania and Smurfs franchises, as well as a TV outing for Ghostbusters.
Emojimovie: Express Yourself will open in August 2017 and explores the world of the characters beloved by cell phone users. Anthony Leondis directs from a screenplay he wrote with Eric Siegel. Michelle Raimo Kouyate produces.
Smurfs: The Lost Village is earmarked for April 7, 2017. Kelly Asbury directs from a screenplay by Stacey Harman and Pamela Ribon based on the characters and works of Peyo. Jordan Kerner produces and the voice cast includes Demi Lovato, Jack McBrayer, Joe Manganiello, Danny Pudi, Rainn Wilson and Mandy Patinkin.
Christmas story The Star (working title) is being made in association with The Jim Henson Company and set for December 8, 2017. Timothy Reckart directs...
- 6/20/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
As if a new Ghostbusters reboot isn't enough, Sony is set on making the property into a big franchise, and they've revealed they're working with the original movie director on an animated feature film. Come inside to learn more.
We've known for a while now that Sony has been thinking of ways to develop Ghostbusters into it's own "universe" of films, kicking off with the all female reboot next year. There's been talking of another male lead team movie with Channing Tatum and Christ Pratt, but now we have word on another project; an animated movie. The Wrap broke the news:
In advance of Paul Feig‘s upcoming live-action reboot, Sony is expanding its planned “Ghostbusters” universe by putting an animated “Ghostbusters” movie into development at Sony Pictures Animation, TheWrap has learned.
The studio will soon begin hearing takes from writers, and insiders suggest that the story will be told...
We've known for a while now that Sony has been thinking of ways to develop Ghostbusters into it's own "universe" of films, kicking off with the all female reboot next year. There's been talking of another male lead team movie with Channing Tatum and Christ Pratt, but now we have word on another project; an animated movie. The Wrap broke the news:
In advance of Paul Feig‘s upcoming live-action reboot, Sony is expanding its planned “Ghostbusters” universe by putting an animated “Ghostbusters” movie into development at Sony Pictures Animation, TheWrap has learned.
The studio will soon begin hearing takes from writers, and insiders suggest that the story will be told...
- 10/2/2015
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Jordan Maison)
- Cinelinx
Sony definitely ain’t afraid of no ghosts! With Paul Feig’s all-female reboot currently shooting, it seems the studio is beginning to make plans to forge ahead with its Ghostbusters movie universe with a new animated feature.
According to The Wrap, the original film’s director Ivan Reitman is on board as producer, and writers are currently being looked at. No exact plot details are given, but the animated adventure is expected to follow a group of scientists dealing with a massive spook invasion in New York. The site also mentions that the story could be told from “a ghosts point of view”.
Is there a chance we could see Peter, Egon, Ray and Winston return? That was the team from the mega-successful 1986 Real Ghostbusters animated series, after all – but with Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones, and Kate McKinnon gearing up to bust some ghosts in next year’s reboot,...
According to The Wrap, the original film’s director Ivan Reitman is on board as producer, and writers are currently being looked at. No exact plot details are given, but the animated adventure is expected to follow a group of scientists dealing with a massive spook invasion in New York. The site also mentions that the story could be told from “a ghosts point of view”.
Is there a chance we could see Peter, Egon, Ray and Winston return? That was the team from the mega-successful 1986 Real Ghostbusters animated series, after all – but with Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones, and Kate McKinnon gearing up to bust some ghosts in next year’s reboot,...
- 10/2/2015
- by Mark Cassidy
- We Got This Covered
The Wrap reports that Sony plans to expand its burgeoning Ghostbusters universe will an animated movie, which will be produced by the original movies's director, Ivan Reitman, along with Spa president Kristine Belson and Michael Lachance. Feig's reboot will focus on an entirely new team, but it's not known whether this project will follow suit or not - In fact, there's always a possibility we'll see Ray, Egon, Winston and Peter return. The studio will soon begin looking for a writer, and insiders suggest that the "story will be told from a ghost’s point of view." Sony also has an animated Spider-Man film in the works with Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, so this suggests we might see even more animated takes on some of the studio's live-action franchises in the future.
- 10/2/2015
- ComicBookMovie.com
Sony Pictures Animation has announced that Jimmy Miller’s Mosaic, and Will Ferrell and Adam McKay’s Gary Sanchez Productions will produce Manimal, a live-action/animated feature film that takes the concept of the cult television drama of the same title – a crime-fighter who can transform into animals – and reinvents it as an action-comedy.
Original series co-creator Glen A. Larson will also produce. The feature is being written by Jay Martel & Ian Roberts. The project, which will be a live-action hybrid heavy in visual effects and animation, is being overseen by Sony Pictures Animation President of Production Michelle Raimo Kouyate and Svp Michael Lachance.
Mosaic’s past feature films include The Other Guys, Step Brothers, Bad Teacher, and Talladega Nights. Glen A. Larson previously created several popular television series including Battlestar Galactica, Knight Rider and Magnum, P.I. Gary Sanchez Productions’ credits include Step Brothers, The Other Guys, and Anchorman 2.
Original series co-creator Glen A. Larson will also produce. The feature is being written by Jay Martel & Ian Roberts. The project, which will be a live-action hybrid heavy in visual effects and animation, is being overseen by Sony Pictures Animation President of Production Michelle Raimo Kouyate and Svp Michael Lachance.
Mosaic’s past feature films include The Other Guys, Step Brothers, Bad Teacher, and Talladega Nights. Glen A. Larson previously created several popular television series including Battlestar Galactica, Knight Rider and Magnum, P.I. Gary Sanchez Productions’ credits include Step Brothers, The Other Guys, and Anchorman 2.
- 7/23/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Sony Pictures Animation (Spa) acquired movie rights to the cult favorite Dark Horse comic Chickenhare by Chris Grine. According to Variety, Sony Pictures Animation planned to make the 2006 comic, about the heroic half-chicken, half-rabbit named Chickenhare and his sidekick, a crab named Abe, into an animated feature. “Sony Pictures Animation is always looking for original characters, and Chickenhare is a true original,” said Spa president Michelle Raimo-Kouyate. “This story has everything we want in an animated film: broad comedy, heartfelt emotion, universal themes and a one-of-a-kind hero that audiences will love.” Grine also created 165 Bots with Stuff. Dark Horse president Mike Richardson and fellow Dark Horse colleague Michael Lachance signed on to executive produce the film.
- 7/20/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Sony Pictures Animation (Spa) acquired movie rights to the cult favorite Dark Horse comic Chickenhare by Chris Grine. According to Variety, Sony Pictures Animation planned to make the 2006 comic, about the heroic half-chicken, half-rabbit named Chickenhare and his sidekick, a crab named Abe, into an animated feature. “Sony Pictures Animation is always looking for original characters, and Chickenhare is a true original,” said Spa president Michelle Raimo-Kouyate. “This story has everything we want in an animated film: broad comedy, heartfelt emotion, universal themes and a one-of-a-kind hero that audiences will love.” Grine also created 165 Bots with Stuff. Dark Horse president Mike Richardson and fellow Dark Horse colleague Michael Lachance signed on to executive produce the film.
- 7/20/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Sony Pictures Animation (Spa) acquired movie rights to the cult favorite Dark Horse comic Chickenhare by Chris Grine. According to Variety, Sony Pictures Animation planned to make the 2006 comic, about the heroic half-chicken, half-rabbit named Chickenhare and his sidekick, a crab named Abe, into an animated feature. “Sony Pictures Animation is always looking for original characters, and Chickenhare is a true original,” said Spa president Michelle Raimo-Kouyate. “This story has everything we want in an animated film: broad comedy, heartfelt emotion, universal themes and a one-of-a-kind hero that audiences will love.” Grine also created 165 Bots with Stuff. Dark Horse president Mike Richardson and fellow Dark Horse colleague Michael Lachance signed on to executive produce the film.
- 7/20/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
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