London, May 20 (Ians) English comedian Ricky Gervais earned a staggering 1.41 million pounds ($1.75 million) or over Rs 10 crore from a single stand-up performance, making history as the world’s highest-grossing single gig by a British stand-up comedian.
After taking to the stage in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl on May 6 as part of his Armageddon tour, the British comedian joked that he would “retire” after how much money he made at the packed-out show, reports mirror.co.uk.
Needless to say, Ricky could actually retire if he wanted to, as he has seen a hugely successful career in the world of comedy, acting, writing and directing that has raked him in a whopping net worth of $160 million.
Ricky’s primary source of money has come from ‘The Office’ which he wrote, created and starred in from 2001 to 2003. The beloved series saw massive success and was adapted into the hugely popular American version...
After taking to the stage in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl on May 6 as part of his Armageddon tour, the British comedian joked that he would “retire” after how much money he made at the packed-out show, reports mirror.co.uk.
Needless to say, Ricky could actually retire if he wanted to, as he has seen a hugely successful career in the world of comedy, acting, writing and directing that has raked him in a whopping net worth of $160 million.
Ricky’s primary source of money has come from ‘The Office’ which he wrote, created and starred in from 2001 to 2003. The beloved series saw massive success and was adapted into the hugely popular American version...
- 5/20/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Interview Simon Brew 27 Jan 2014 - 06:15
We chat to Ricky Gervais on the set of Muppets Most Wanted to find out more about the film...
This interview contains a spoiler for a costume that Ricky Gervais wears in Muppets Most Wanted. Not a massive spoiler, but thought you'd want to know
It's March 2013, and we're having a pinch-yourself day. For we're on the set of Muppets Most Wanted (still simply known as Muppets II at this point), and have seen things that would have our younger selves pinching ourselves. We'll have, as a result, a lot more on the film for you in the weeks ahead.
Our starting point though is when we're bundled into a room with a bunch of other wide-eyed visitors from around Europe. Turns out the room belongs to one of the stars of the film, Ricky Gervais. And turns out too that he's wearing a lemur costume,...
We chat to Ricky Gervais on the set of Muppets Most Wanted to find out more about the film...
This interview contains a spoiler for a costume that Ricky Gervais wears in Muppets Most Wanted. Not a massive spoiler, but thought you'd want to know
It's March 2013, and we're having a pinch-yourself day. For we're on the set of Muppets Most Wanted (still simply known as Muppets II at this point), and have seen things that would have our younger selves pinching ourselves. We'll have, as a result, a lot more on the film for you in the weeks ahead.
Our starting point though is when we're bundled into a room with a bunch of other wide-eyed visitors from around Europe. Turns out the room belongs to one of the stars of the film, Ricky Gervais. And turns out too that he's wearing a lemur costume,...
- 1/27/2014
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Exclusive: Ricky Gervais has been set to reprise his role as Dr. McPhee in Night At The Museum 3, which Shawn Levy is directing from the script written by Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant and David Guion and Michael Handelman for Fox. Ben Stiller is reprising his lead role, and Gervais is back as his boss. Robin Williams also is returning as Teddy Roosevelt in a film Fox has slotted for Christmas 2014. Gervais next will be seen in Muppets Most Wanted and is developing an animated feature based on his book Flanimals for Illumination Entertainment and Universal. He’s repped by Wme and United Agents in the UK.
- 12/18/2013
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Deadline is claiming the exclusive that British comedian/actor Ricky Gervais has been set to reprise his role as Dr. McPhee, Ben Stiller's boss, in Night At The Museum 3 , a film that's already in production. He joins the previously announced Robin Williams as Teddy Roosevelt, with Shawn Levy once again directing from a screenplay by Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant ("Reno 911!"). The movie is planned for 20th Century Fox's Christmas slot for 2014. Gervais will also be seen next year in Disney's Muppets Most Wanted and he's developing his own animated feature based on his book "Flanimals" with Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures.
- 12/18/2013
- Comingsoon.net
Garth Ennis and Rob Steen started the children’s series Erf on Kickstarter last year. It would now appear that Dynamite (publisher of Ennis‘ most recent series The Boys) has decided to take Erf out of the primordial ooze on to the mass market.
To be released as a hardcover trade paperback this October, Dynamite.com posted the following description of the series on its solicitation page:
At the dawn of time, Erf and his three amphibious friends – Figwillop, Kwaaah, and the Booper – take their first nervous steps out of the ocean, the beginning of an adventure into the primordial world. As they explore the exciting new lands beyond the shore, they discover that the prehistoric jungle is home to the mighty and terrifying Colossux. What follows is an evolutionary tale of love and loyalty for readers of all ages!
Though children’s literature is nothing new for Steen, who...
To be released as a hardcover trade paperback this October, Dynamite.com posted the following description of the series on its solicitation page:
At the dawn of time, Erf and his three amphibious friends – Figwillop, Kwaaah, and the Booper – take their first nervous steps out of the ocean, the beginning of an adventure into the primordial world. As they explore the exciting new lands beyond the shore, they discover that the prehistoric jungle is home to the mighty and terrifying Colossux. What follows is an evolutionary tale of love and loyalty for readers of all ages!
Though children’s literature is nothing new for Steen, who...
- 8/14/2013
- by Josh Wright
- ScifiMafia
*Updated June 2012*
If you look around CoF you can find loads of Ricky Gervais related news. To save you some time I have put together the top stories we have on Gervais including great stories, links to videos, and more. It might take up most of your afternoon if you’re not careful. Visit Ricky’s blog for more! Keep it here for Ricky Gervais Week III for more!
Image via his blog.
In The Beginning…Ricky Gervais Ricky Gervais Week III: An Introduction My Favorite Blog, Obviously Ricky Gervais’ 80s Band, Seona Dancing Xfm & The Podfather Ricky Gervais’ Movie Reviews From His Xfm Radio Days Ricky Grervais’ The Office And Extras, Good Innit? Ricky Gervais Live Ricky Gervais In The Movies Gervias’ Flanimals Ricky Gervais Loves The Simpsons Ricky Gervais On TV, Present And Future My Favorite Blog, Obviously Ricky Gervais On Inside The Actor’s Studio Ricky Gervais...
If you look around CoF you can find loads of Ricky Gervais related news. To save you some time I have put together the top stories we have on Gervais including great stories, links to videos, and more. It might take up most of your afternoon if you’re not careful. Visit Ricky’s blog for more! Keep it here for Ricky Gervais Week III for more!
Image via his blog.
In The Beginning…Ricky Gervais Ricky Gervais Week III: An Introduction My Favorite Blog, Obviously Ricky Gervais’ 80s Band, Seona Dancing Xfm & The Podfather Ricky Gervais’ Movie Reviews From His Xfm Radio Days Ricky Grervais’ The Office And Extras, Good Innit? Ricky Gervais Live Ricky Gervais In The Movies Gervias’ Flanimals Ricky Gervais Loves The Simpsons Ricky Gervais On TV, Present And Future My Favorite Blog, Obviously Ricky Gervais On Inside The Actor’s Studio Ricky Gervais...
- 6/27/2012
- by Graham McMorrow
- City of Films
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Illumination Entertainment, the company behind “Despicable Me” and, more recently, the fluffy eco-fable “The Lorax,” will once again partner with Universal Pictures, this time on a live action/animated version of “Clifford the Big Red Dog.” Woof.
“Clifford the Big Red Dog” is based on a beloved children’s book about a giant (but incredibly good-tempered) canine that was written by American author Norman Bridwell and first published in 1963. The ‘Clifford’ story had been previously animated in the form of a British/American co-production that ran on PBS first in the late eighties and then again in the early aughts (Clifford was voiced by John Ritter up until the time of his death).
This new version of “Clifford the Big Red Dog” will be written by Matt Lopez, a screenwriter who has been responsible for a string of high-profile Disney flops, having worked on “Bedtime Stories,...
“Clifford the Big Red Dog” is based on a beloved children’s book about a giant (but incredibly good-tempered) canine that was written by American author Norman Bridwell and first published in 1963. The ‘Clifford’ story had been previously animated in the form of a British/American co-production that ran on PBS first in the late eighties and then again in the early aughts (Clifford was voiced by John Ritter up until the time of his death).
This new version of “Clifford the Big Red Dog” will be written by Matt Lopez, a screenwriter who has been responsible for a string of high-profile Disney flops, having worked on “Bedtime Stories,...
- 5/10/2012
- by Drew Taylor
- The Playlist
Garth Ennis has launched a children's project on Kickstarter. The writer is looking for funding on the website for Erf, a tale of evolution featuring four primordial creatures. Ennis is best known for his violent, sexually explicit and adult-oriented comics including Preacher and The Boys. He will team with Ricky Gervais's Flanimals collaborator Rob Steen on the book. "Erf is the story of four friends at the dawn of time; Figwillop, Kwaaah!, the Booper, and Erf himself, and their adventures in the primordial world of long ago," (more)...
- 2/8/2012
- by By Hugh Armitage
- Digital Spy
Seeing as he is best know for writing ultra violent and definitely not for young readers books, such as Preacher and The Boys, it is surprising to hear the name Garth Ennis and children’s book in the same sentence. But you will hear those two words together more and more, as the Belfast born writer gets ready to release his newest book: Erf.
As reported by Comic Book Resources, the book is being self funded by Ennis and illustrator Rob Steen through popular web portal Kickstarter. Steen is best known for his work on Ricky Gervais’ award winning picture book, Flanimals.
A publicity blurb for the pairs book reads as follows:
“Erf is the story of four friends at the dawn of time; Figwillop, Kwaaah!, the Booper, and Erf himself, and their adventures in the primordial world of long ago. The four take their first nervous steps out of...
As reported by Comic Book Resources, the book is being self funded by Ennis and illustrator Rob Steen through popular web portal Kickstarter. Steen is best known for his work on Ricky Gervais’ award winning picture book, Flanimals.
A publicity blurb for the pairs book reads as follows:
“Erf is the story of four friends at the dawn of time; Figwillop, Kwaaah!, the Booper, and Erf himself, and their adventures in the primordial world of long ago. The four take their first nervous steps out of...
- 2/8/2012
- by Tom White
- Obsessed with Film
The stars prepare to be roasted by host Ricky Gervais during Sunday's Golden Globes, and Gervais continues to hint about what he will do on Hollywood's big night.
During the Television Critics Association winter press tour panel for his new series, "Life's Too Short," Gervais revealed his plan, saying "I have specific targets, but targets is a word I wouldn't use -- [they're] subjects."
The actor continued, "I'm going to do a monologue about the year...
During the Television Critics Association winter press tour panel for his new series, "Life's Too Short," Gervais revealed his plan, saying "I have specific targets, but targets is a word I wouldn't use -- [they're] subjects."
The actor continued, "I'm going to do a monologue about the year...
- 1/14/2012
- Extra
Acerbic funnyman Ricky Gervais is gearing up to host the 2012 Golden Globes for the third time, and Hollywood is eagerly anticipating how he'll make fun of them!
"Extra" knows these three things about the show: 1) Gervais does not have to submit his material to producers beforehand; 2) He will be drinking beer; 3) He's going to tweet from backstage the whole night, completely uncensored.
Here are 10 fascinating facts about the British comedian!
Fun Facts about Ricky GervaisHappy...
"Extra" knows these three things about the show: 1) Gervais does not have to submit his material to producers beforehand; 2) He will be drinking beer; 3) He's going to tweet from backstage the whole night, completely uncensored.
Here are 10 fascinating facts about the British comedian!
Fun Facts about Ricky GervaisHappy...
- 1/12/2012
- Extra
In between eating, drinking, visiting folks, arguing with extremist fundamentalists on Twitter and plugging various shows and DVDs, (only the last one of these is absolutely necessary, the first few I do for fun) my main focus of the the last few days and the next few weeks has been the Golden Globes. I've written a few jokes, written and recorded the promos and done the press pics. Now I just have to pop up on a couple of chat shows and do press interviews. The problem is I think I've said everything there is to say about the ceremony really. But that won't get me off the hook. It all started for me in America at the Globes I guess. And now I've come full circle. This Will be my last turn as host. At least for a long time anyway.
It all started eight years ago.
A couple...
It all started eight years ago.
A couple...
- 12/29/2011
- by Ricky Gervais
- Aol TV.
In 10 years, the 'little fat bloke' from Reading has become a comedy god. But after the 'mong' row, and on the eve of his new TV show Life's Too Short, have we fallen out of love with Ricky Gervais? Plus Ricky Gervais: a prize clown – in pictures
Ricky Gervais was enjoying a relatively quiet time, promoting his new show, when I met him a few weeks ago at his office in Hampstead. We had a nice chat, he talked about comedy, explained in the abstract that causing offence isn't in and of itself a bad thing, then a few days later managed to offend everyone so violently that he wound up being lectured on morality by the front page of the Sun.
He had tossed out a reference to "mong" on Twitter and, when challenged, defended and aggressively reused it on the basis that the word had evolved from...
Ricky Gervais was enjoying a relatively quiet time, promoting his new show, when I met him a few weeks ago at his office in Hampstead. We had a nice chat, he talked about comedy, explained in the abstract that causing offence isn't in and of itself a bad thing, then a few days later managed to offend everyone so violently that he wound up being lectured on morality by the front page of the Sun.
He had tossed out a reference to "mong" on Twitter and, when challenged, defended and aggressively reused it on the basis that the word had evolved from...
- 11/5/2011
- by Emma Brockes
- The Guardian - Film News
Getty Ricky Gervais at the 68th annual Golden Globes
A couple of weeks after the final episode of “The Office” aired in the UK, I was flown to L.A. by the BBC, to attend The Golden Globe Awards.
I nearly didn’t go as I thought it was a long way to travel to lose. And I was quite sure that that was exactly what was going to happen. Arriving on Saturday 24th January, the day before the ceremony,...
A couple of weeks after the final episode of “The Office” aired in the UK, I was flown to L.A. by the BBC, to attend The Golden Globe Awards.
I nearly didn’t go as I thought it was a long way to travel to lose. And I was quite sure that that was exactly what was going to happen. Arriving on Saturday 24th January, the day before the ceremony,...
- 10/3/2011
- by Ricky Gervais
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
Ask Ricky Gervais, and he’ll tell you he started his podcast The Ricky Gervais Show so he and writing partner Stephen Merchant could hang with radio producer Karl Pilkington and hear his childlike views on life (and monkeys). Setting the world-record for number of downloads and launching an Emmy-winning HBO cartoon version? Just the cream. The Golden Globe host called EW recently to plug the animated adaptation’s Jan. 4 DVD release and ended up giving us the what’s what on holiday TV, awards ceremonies, his Christmas-inspired 20-pound weight loss, the show’s second season (premiering Jan. 14 on HBO), and his next series.
- 12/20/2010
- by Aubry D'Arminio
- EW.com - PopWatch
Ricky Gervais – Science
For a long time I have been a huge fan Mr. Gervais. The Office was a work of pure genius and I’m a massive fan of Extras, The Guardian podcasts and his book series, Flanimals. His output is unrivalled by many of the comedians out there at the moment and whether he is your cup of tea or not, you can’t argue with the fact that Ricky Gervais is doing something right. However, even though I’m a fan it pains me to say that Science just doesn’t quite cut it next to an impressive back catalogue of work and some fantastic stand-up shows.
Animals and Politics are two brilliant live shows that really entertained and cleverly kept up a strong pace and continually added to the theme of the show. Science on the other hand, and his previous tour Fame, both had a...
For a long time I have been a huge fan Mr. Gervais. The Office was a work of pure genius and I’m a massive fan of Extras, The Guardian podcasts and his book series, Flanimals. His output is unrivalled by many of the comedians out there at the moment and whether he is your cup of tea or not, you can’t argue with the fact that Ricky Gervais is doing something right. However, even though I’m a fan it pains me to say that Science just doesn’t quite cut it next to an impressive back catalogue of work and some fantastic stand-up shows.
Animals and Politics are two brilliant live shows that really entertained and cleverly kept up a strong pace and continually added to the theme of the show. Science on the other hand, and his previous tour Fame, both had a...
- 11/8/2010
- by Rob
- Nerdly
Ladies and gentlemen, for our next comic book movie destination, we will be leaving our home planet of Earth behind on a non-stop flight for "Pluto."
Universal Pictures and Chris Melandri's Illumination Entertainment are joining forces to adapt Naoki Urasawa's "Pluto" for the big screen, according to a report from Deadline. The Japanese manga adaptation is said to be a live-action and computer animated hybrid.
"With 'Pluto,' Naoki Urasawa has defined an imaginative world full of inventive action and adventure but it was his characters and heartfelt story that compelled me towards acquiring these rights," Meladandri said in a statement.
Illumination Entertainment is the same production company responsible for this past summer's "Despicable Me" starring the voices of Steve Carell and Jason Segel. The company's upcoming film slate includes "Hop" with Russell Brand, "Dr. Seuss' The Lorax," "Flanimals" from Ricky Gervais, a stop-motion animated version of "The Addams Family...
Universal Pictures and Chris Melandri's Illumination Entertainment are joining forces to adapt Naoki Urasawa's "Pluto" for the big screen, according to a report from Deadline. The Japanese manga adaptation is said to be a live-action and computer animated hybrid.
"With 'Pluto,' Naoki Urasawa has defined an imaginative world full of inventive action and adventure but it was his characters and heartfelt story that compelled me towards acquiring these rights," Meladandri said in a statement.
Illumination Entertainment is the same production company responsible for this past summer's "Despicable Me" starring the voices of Steve Carell and Jason Segel. The company's upcoming film slate includes "Hop" with Russell Brand, "Dr. Seuss' The Lorax," "Flanimals" from Ricky Gervais, a stop-motion animated version of "The Addams Family...
- 10/22/2010
- by Josh Wigler
- MTV Splash Page
Exclusive: Universal Pictures and Chris Meledandri's Illumination Entertainment are teaming with Tezuka Productions to turn the Japanese Manga Pluto into a live action/CG hybrid film. Pluto, which married a beloved Japanese cultural figure with the writer Naoki Urasawa and artist Takashi Nagasaki, has sold 8 million copies in Japan. The series updates characters from the Osamu Tezuka-created Astro Boy and sets the action in a world populated by giant robots and cybernetic citizens. Illumination, formed by former Fox Animation head Meledandri, came out of the gate this summer with a hit in Despicable Me. Meledandri follows with Hop, a live action/CG mix that bows April 2, 2011, with Russell Brand voicing the Easter Bunny. Right behind that is Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, the Ricky Gervais-created Flanimals, a new stop-motion version of The Addams Family with Tim Burton directing, and a sequel to Despicable Me, which has so...
- 10/20/2010
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Ricky Gervais is being sued for plagiarism over his bestselling children's book "Flanimals". The comic star, whose story is currently being made into an $80 million Hollywood film, is being sued by Norwich based freelance writer and artist John Savage. Mr. Savage has issued proceedings in the High Court claiming "Flanimals" is based on his book "Captain Pottie's Wildlife Encyclopedia".
In his court documents, Mr. Savage states "Flanimals" breaches the copyright in his book by being "broadly the same in content and character", and claims both books involve "a whimsical take on the animal kingdom through the use of drawings and text". Mr. Savage said, "The next stage is the High Court will be sent a copy of the writ to Mr. Gervais' lawyers and they have two weeks to decide whether to defend or accede to my request."
A spokeswoman for Gervais denied the claims and revealed the dispute has...
In his court documents, Mr. Savage states "Flanimals" breaches the copyright in his book by being "broadly the same in content and character", and claims both books involve "a whimsical take on the animal kingdom through the use of drawings and text". Mr. Savage said, "The next stage is the High Court will be sent a copy of the writ to Mr. Gervais' lawyers and they have two weeks to decide whether to defend or accede to my request."
A spokeswoman for Gervais denied the claims and revealed the dispute has...
- 8/12/2010
- by celebrity-mania.com
- Celebrity Mania
Funnyman Ricky Gervais has been accused of stealing the idea for his hit book "Flanimals" in a new legal spat. British writer/artist John Savage claims Gervais' "Flanimals", an animated series about imaginary animals, is based on his own "Captain Pottie's Wildlife Encyclopedia".
Savage, whose book was published in 2000 - four years before "Flanimals", is suing the star for infringing on his artistic and literary copyright. Savage tells the BBC: "The next stage is the High Court will be sent a copy of the writ to Mr. Gervais' lawyers and they have two weeks to decide whether to defend or accede to my request."
A spokesperson for the comedian has denied the allegations, insisting, "This story goes back several years, when John Savage first made contact with Ricky Gervais' representatives. At the time it was made clear that the concept and illustrations of Flanimals pre-existed John Savage's work.
Savage, whose book was published in 2000 - four years before "Flanimals", is suing the star for infringing on his artistic and literary copyright. Savage tells the BBC: "The next stage is the High Court will be sent a copy of the writ to Mr. Gervais' lawyers and they have two weeks to decide whether to defend or accede to my request."
A spokesperson for the comedian has denied the allegations, insisting, "This story goes back several years, when John Savage first made contact with Ricky Gervais' representatives. At the time it was made clear that the concept and illustrations of Flanimals pre-existed John Savage's work.
- 8/12/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Funnyman Ricky Gervais has been accused of stealing the idea for his hit book Flanimals in a new legal spat.
British writer/artist John Savage claims Gervais' Flanimals, an animated series about imaginary animals, is based on his own Captain Pottie's Wildlife Encyclopedia.
Savage, whose book was published in 2000 - four years before Flanimals, is suing the star for infringing on his artistic and literary copyright.
Savage tells the BBC: "The next stage is the High Court will be sent a copy of the writ to Mr. Gervais' lawyers and they have two weeks to decide whether to defend or accede to my request."
A spokesperson for the comedian has denied the allegations, insisting, "This story goes back several years, when John Savage first made contact with Ricky Gervais' representatives.
"At the time it was made clear that the concept and illustrations of Flanimals pre-existed John Savage's work.
"To date Ricky Gervais has not received any formal court proceedings from Mr Savage."
Gervais' Flanimals has been a best-seller, spawning three sequels. It is currently being adapted into a Hollywood movie, due for release next year.
British writer/artist John Savage claims Gervais' Flanimals, an animated series about imaginary animals, is based on his own Captain Pottie's Wildlife Encyclopedia.
Savage, whose book was published in 2000 - four years before Flanimals, is suing the star for infringing on his artistic and literary copyright.
Savage tells the BBC: "The next stage is the High Court will be sent a copy of the writ to Mr. Gervais' lawyers and they have two weeks to decide whether to defend or accede to my request."
A spokesperson for the comedian has denied the allegations, insisting, "This story goes back several years, when John Savage first made contact with Ricky Gervais' representatives.
"At the time it was made clear that the concept and illustrations of Flanimals pre-existed John Savage's work.
"To date Ricky Gervais has not received any formal court proceedings from Mr Savage."
Gervais' Flanimals has been a best-seller, spawning three sequels. It is currently being adapted into a Hollywood movie, due for release next year.
- 8/12/2010
- WENN
Ricky Gervais is being sued by an author who claims that the actor's book Flanimals is based on his work. John Savage has lodged a writ which alleges that the children's book, currently being made into a Hollywood film, "is broadly the same" as his 1998 novel Captain Pottie's Wildlife Encyclopaedia. According to Yahoo, the 44-year-old says that both books "involve a whimsical take on the animal kingdom through the use of drawings and text, which in the case of the latter (Flanimals) is a copy, in form and substance, of the former". Savage also said that he has "suffered (more)...
- 8/11/2010
- by By Clare Wiley
- Digital Spy
After scoring a major win with Despicable Me last weekend, Universal’s family film subsidiary Illumination Entertainment is already developing a sequel to the animated release.
The first feature for the new venture opened to $56.4 million (doubling studio expectations), and will cross the $100 million threshold today to become a certified hit for Universal.
Deadline reports Illumination is talking about Despicable Me 2 and two shorts based on the Minions, the lovable yellow assistants to Steve Carell’s Gru. Involved in the discussions are the original writers, Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, and Illumination founder Chris Meledandri, who previously led Fox’s Blue Sky Studios to produce the Ice Age trilogy, The Simpsons movie, and the Alvin and the Chipmunks films.
Illumination’s next release is the April 2011 debut of Hop, featuring Russell Brand as the Easter Bunny. They’re also working on an adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax for...
The first feature for the new venture opened to $56.4 million (doubling studio expectations), and will cross the $100 million threshold today to become a certified hit for Universal.
Deadline reports Illumination is talking about Despicable Me 2 and two shorts based on the Minions, the lovable yellow assistants to Steve Carell’s Gru. Involved in the discussions are the original writers, Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, and Illumination founder Chris Meledandri, who previously led Fox’s Blue Sky Studios to produce the Ice Age trilogy, The Simpsons movie, and the Alvin and the Chipmunks films.
Illumination’s next release is the April 2011 debut of Hop, featuring Russell Brand as the Easter Bunny. They’re also working on an adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax for...
- 7/17/2010
- by Jeff Leins
- newsinfilm.com
Morning Meme: Glsen Honors "Modern Family," Clay Aiken Gets Animated, and Bryan Safi's Oral Fixation
Plus Hawaii Five-0 brings the beefcake, John Barrowman hosts Strip Britannia 2010, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt talks about kissing Topher Grace.
Glsen will be the first national Glbt organization to honor Modern Family on October 8th at their Respect Awards in los Angeles. Glsen is currently accepting nominations for their Educator of the Year Award to be presented at the same ceremony.
I Write Like claims to analyze a writing sample and tell you which famous author your style is closest to. I gave it two samples, both from AfterElton.com back in the winter. The first time it came out as Dan Brown, and I thought I was going to have to smash my computer and retire. The second time came up James Joyce, and I can live with that. Who do you Write Like?
The new film, CN9, from the Wachowskis, has begun casting. If you recall, the movie is...
Glsen will be the first national Glbt organization to honor Modern Family on October 8th at their Respect Awards in los Angeles. Glsen is currently accepting nominations for their Educator of the Year Award to be presented at the same ceremony.
I Write Like claims to analyze a writing sample and tell you which famous author your style is closest to. I gave it two samples, both from AfterElton.com back in the winter. The first time it came out as Dan Brown, and I thought I was going to have to smash my computer and retire. The second time came up James Joyce, and I can live with that. Who do you Write Like?
The new film, CN9, from the Wachowskis, has begun casting. If you recall, the movie is...
- 7/15/2010
- by lostinmiami
- The Backlot
Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins and Tom Hiddleston in Thor
Photo: Paramount Pictures via the Los Angeles Times Will the Hulk be played again by Edward Norton? No. Joaquin Phoenix? Nope
It now appears the role will likely go to Mark Ruffalo as Deadline reports Ruffalo is "now in late-stage discussions between Marvel and his brand-new agency United Talent" to play the Hulk in Marvel's The Avengers to be directed by Joss Whedon. The film is already set for a May 4, 2012 release with production expected to begin sometime early next year.
This isn't the end of the superhero news, however, as the same Deadline report adds both Thor (May 6, 2011) and The First Avenger: Captain America (July 22, 2011) will be in 3D with Captain America's visual effects to be rendered in 3D and Thor undergoing more of a traditional 2D-to-3D conversion a la Alice in Wonderland and The Last Airbender. And speaking of Thor,...
Photo: Paramount Pictures via the Los Angeles Times Will the Hulk be played again by Edward Norton? No. Joaquin Phoenix? Nope
It now appears the role will likely go to Mark Ruffalo as Deadline reports Ruffalo is "now in late-stage discussions between Marvel and his brand-new agency United Talent" to play the Hulk in Marvel's The Avengers to be directed by Joss Whedon. The film is already set for a May 4, 2012 release with production expected to begin sometime early next year.
This isn't the end of the superhero news, however, as the same Deadline report adds both Thor (May 6, 2011) and The First Avenger: Captain America (July 22, 2011) will be in 3D with Captain America's visual effects to be rendered in 3D and Thor undergoing more of a traditional 2D-to-3D conversion a la Alice in Wonderland and The Last Airbender. And speaking of Thor,...
- 7/14/2010
- by Kevin Blumeyer
- Rope of Silicon
Well, this news should come as no surprise considering the past weekend’s box office results [1], but it appears audiences can look forward to another Despicable Me film at some point. Universal’s Illumination Studios scored a hit with its first feature over the weekend, doubling most analysts’ predictions with an impressive 56.4 million gross. The studio’s head honcho, Chris Meledandri, is in talks with writers Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio on the proposed sequel now. But, if you just can’t wait for the next film, you’re in luck. Illumination will be producing two short films featuring the minion characters from the film. While I’ll admit I haven’t seen Despicable Me yet, I’ve certainly been seeing a lot of these little guys plastered all over the place. They seem to possess the same kind of appeal as the penguins in Madagascar or Scrat in the Ice Age films.
- 7/14/2010
- by Aaron
- FilmJunk
"Despicable Me" made around $60 million over the weekend on just a $69 million budget. The film doubled Universal Pictures' predictions, which is why the studio has already greenlit a sequel. The animated film comes from a collaboration of Universal and Illumination, which is headed by former Fox Animation president Chris Meledandri. "There was a clarity and a unified vision behind this film," said Meledandri. "I started the company three years ago this spring, and I am confident that this was the fastest transition of any major studio CG movie from idea to release that has ever been done." The company is also making two short films featuring The Minions, the yellow thumb-shaped henchmen of Gru (Steve Carell) from "Despicable Me." The shorts may appear in front of the next Illumination film, which could be "Hop" with Russell Brand, "Dr Seuss' The Lorax," "Flanimals," or "Where's Waldo." Click here to read our "Despicable Me" review.
- 7/13/2010
- WorstPreviews.com
Illumination Entertainment's first feature Despicable Me earned 56.3 million domestically in its first weekend of release, nearly double what analysts had predicted. It seems like everyone got lured to the theater to catch a glimpse of those cute little yellow minions. Of course, a sequel is already in development. Mike Fleming reports that a sequel already in the works: "Despicable Me 2 talks are already underway among the studio, Chris Meledandri, and writers Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio." Also, the studio is already making two short films featuring the Minions. I'm guessing the shorts will be attached to future Illumination Entertainment releases like Hop and The Lorax, and Ricky Gervais' Flanimals. Illumination is also in the early stages of development on a Where's Waldo movie and a Tim Burton-helmed adaptation of The Addams Family, based on the original drawings from Charles Addams. But where do you go with a Despicable Me sequel?...
- 7/13/2010
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
Despicable Me, the debut animation release from Illumination Entertainment, opened in America this past weekend to a huge $56.4 million, surpassing all expectations.
With international releases set to build up over the next few months, not to mention the subsequent home entertainment sales, it could end up as one of the biggest sleeper hits of the year, with a box office total to match.
It’s unsurprising to hear, then, that discussions on Despicable Me 2 have since been initiated. According to Deadline, Chris Meledandri, along with writers Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, are hard at work on the sequel to this unexpected hit film.
Universal, I’m sure, will be chomping at the bit to build on this momentum with Despicable Me 2, and there’s news of two new shorts based on the yellow tic-tac shaped Minions. Riding this wave, there are plans afoot to develop Ricky Gervais’s Flanimals as...
With international releases set to build up over the next few months, not to mention the subsequent home entertainment sales, it could end up as one of the biggest sleeper hits of the year, with a box office total to match.
It’s unsurprising to hear, then, that discussions on Despicable Me 2 have since been initiated. According to Deadline, Chris Meledandri, along with writers Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, are hard at work on the sequel to this unexpected hit film.
Universal, I’m sure, will be chomping at the bit to build on this momentum with Despicable Me 2, and there’s news of two new shorts based on the yellow tic-tac shaped Minions. Riding this wave, there are plans afoot to develop Ricky Gervais’s Flanimals as...
- 7/13/2010
- by Guest
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
With "Despicable Me" scoring a bigger than expected $56.4 million opening over the weekend, Universal Pictures is moving full steam ahead on its family film venture Illumination Entertainment reports Deadline.
Talks are already underway for a sequel with Illumination head Chris Meledandri and writers Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio. Two short films are also in the works featuring The Minions, the yellow thumb-shaped henchmen of the film's main character, but their method of distribution has yet to be determined.
Also in development are a half dozen other projects with the previously announced "Hop", starring Russell Brand as the Easter Bunny, next off the rank with an April 2011 release already set.
That will be followed by an adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, the Ricky Gervais-created "Flanimals", Tim Burton's new interpretation of "The Addams Family", and a "Where’s Waldo" film. Further original ideas are also in the works with...
Talks are already underway for a sequel with Illumination head Chris Meledandri and writers Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio. Two short films are also in the works featuring The Minions, the yellow thumb-shaped henchmen of the film's main character, but their method of distribution has yet to be determined.
Also in development are a half dozen other projects with the previously announced "Hop", starring Russell Brand as the Easter Bunny, next off the rank with an April 2011 release already set.
That will be followed by an adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, the Ricky Gervais-created "Flanimals", Tim Burton's new interpretation of "The Addams Family", and a "Where’s Waldo" film. Further original ideas are also in the works with...
- 7/13/2010
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
If you have not seen Despicable Me yet, please head out to the theater now. It’s a surprisingly entertaining film with a lot of heart and moments of cute overload. The best part of the film may have been Gru’s Minions. Those little guys are pretty funny and thankfully, we’ll be see more of the Minions very soon.
In a story on Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment, the production company behind Despicable Me, Deadline reports that Illumination is already developing a sequel, but at least two short films featuring the Minions. No word when we’ll see the Minions shorts, but at least we’re getting two of them. Deadline hypothesizes that the Minions shorts may appear in front of Illumination’s next feature film; you know, just like Pixar. Although, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see one of the Minions shorts on the DVD...
In a story on Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment, the production company behind Despicable Me, Deadline reports that Illumination is already developing a sequel, but at least two short films featuring the Minions. No word when we’ll see the Minions shorts, but at least we’re getting two of them. Deadline hypothesizes that the Minions shorts may appear in front of Illumination’s next feature film; you know, just like Pixar. Although, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see one of the Minions shorts on the DVD...
- 7/13/2010
- by Douglas Reinhardt
- Movie Cultists
Where the Disney-owned studio leads, the rest of Hollywood follows. And its latest film, Toy Story 3, is already a hit
In the notoriously precarious film industry, where nothing is certain and no one knows anything, there is one word that functions simultaneously as talisman, balm and kitemark. That word is Pixar, and you don't have to be a shareholder in Disney, which bought the computer animation studio in 2006, to feel reassured when you hear it.
With the imminent UK release of Toy Story 3, the apparently final instalment of the groundbreaking series that began Pixar's reign in 1995, the question of how one studio has maintained such incomparably high quality control remains intriguing. Among Pixar's contemporaries, only Japan's Studio Ghibli (much beloved of the Pixar crowd, who even pay tribute to the Ghibli classic My Neighbour Totoro in Toy Story 3) has been more consistently groundbreaking in animation, and even...
In the notoriously precarious film industry, where nothing is certain and no one knows anything, there is one word that functions simultaneously as talisman, balm and kitemark. That word is Pixar, and you don't have to be a shareholder in Disney, which bought the computer animation studio in 2006, to feel reassured when you hear it.
With the imminent UK release of Toy Story 3, the apparently final instalment of the groundbreaking series that began Pixar's reign in 1995, the question of how one studio has maintained such incomparably high quality control remains intriguing. Among Pixar's contemporaries, only Japan's Studio Ghibli (much beloved of the Pixar crowd, who even pay tribute to the Ghibli classic My Neighbour Totoro in Toy Story 3) has been more consistently groundbreaking in animation, and even...
- 7/3/2010
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
London, Feb 2 - British comedian Ricky Gervais has dismissed reports that actress/singer Julie Andrews is set to do voice over for the lead character of his children’s book series ‘Flanimals’.
Gervais, 48, teamed up with Matt Selman, a writer for ‘The Simpsons’, to create a 3-D animated version based on his four hit books, which are all based in a world of outlandish, imaginary creatures.
The actor has approached several top Hollywood stars to work on the project, but insists the ‘Sound of Music’ legend isn’t.
Gervais, 48, teamed up with Matt Selman, a writer for ‘The Simpsons’, to create a 3-D animated version based on his four hit books, which are all based in a world of outlandish, imaginary creatures.
The actor has approached several top Hollywood stars to work on the project, but insists the ‘Sound of Music’ legend isn’t.
- 2/2/2010
- by News
- RealBollywood.com
Comedian Ricky Gervais has dismissed speculation Julie Andrews is set to voice a lead character in the big screen adaptation of his children's book series Flanimals.
The British funnyman has teamed up with Matt Selman, a writer for The Simpsons, to create a 3-D animated version based on his four hit books, which are all set in a world of outlandish, imaginary creatures.
Gervais has approached several top Hollywood stars to work on the project - but insists the Sound of Music legend isn't one of them.
He says, "Julie Andrews isn't involved - that's a myth. I don't know where that came from.
"I'm certainly looking at the big boys for this. I would like to pitch to people like Ben Stiller and Jack Black, really good comic performers. I have characters in mind for them."...
The British funnyman has teamed up with Matt Selman, a writer for The Simpsons, to create a 3-D animated version based on his four hit books, which are all set in a world of outlandish, imaginary creatures.
Gervais has approached several top Hollywood stars to work on the project - but insists the Sound of Music legend isn't one of them.
He says, "Julie Andrews isn't involved - that's a myth. I don't know where that came from.
"I'm certainly looking at the big boys for this. I would like to pitch to people like Ben Stiller and Jack Black, really good comic performers. I have characters in mind for them."...
- 2/1/2010
- WENN
Funnyman Ricky Gervais showed his caring side recently, by volunteering at a British charity shop.
The Office star made a secret visit to an Oxfam store in Oxford, England last month, after allowing his special range of Flanimal gifts - based on the characters in his book line - to be sold in the organisation's Unwrapped gift catalogue.
And Gervais is delighted his toys are helping the underprivileged.
He says, “Everyone thought Flanimals were useless - I did. But this year they’re helping Oxfam change the world. So thank you for helping these little guys make a difference.
“There are five Flanimal gifts to choose from and the money goes to different things. It might improve sanitation - give someone clean water. It might give people a voice if they’re oppressed. It might help general humanitarian work… or it might go towards the prevention of HIV and AIDS. So for a few quid your auntie gets a present - everyone’s happy. Go on. Buy something for someone.”...
The Office star made a secret visit to an Oxfam store in Oxford, England last month, after allowing his special range of Flanimal gifts - based on the characters in his book line - to be sold in the organisation's Unwrapped gift catalogue.
And Gervais is delighted his toys are helping the underprivileged.
He says, “Everyone thought Flanimals were useless - I did. But this year they’re helping Oxfam change the world. So thank you for helping these little guys make a difference.
“There are five Flanimal gifts to choose from and the money goes to different things. It might improve sanitation - give someone clean water. It might give people a voice if they’re oppressed. It might help general humanitarian work… or it might go towards the prevention of HIV and AIDS. So for a few quid your auntie gets a present - everyone’s happy. Go on. Buy something for someone.”...
- 11/2/2009
- WENN
Today NBC, the broadcaster of the Golden Globe Awards, has annoucced that British comedian Ricky Gervais will host the awards ceremony on Sunday, January 17, 2010.
I understand that he's not universally loved, but I find Gervais to be very funny. I had the opportunity to meet him very briefly this year at the Toronto International Film Festival, where he premiered The Invention of Lying. He was super-nice and stopped to take a picture with a friend of mine. My friend Cindy think he's "offensively hillarious".
Unlike the Oscars, the Golden Globes have not had a host since 1995, but NBC and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association have decided to change things up:
"Not only is this the biggest Hollywood celebration of the industry which includes both film and TV, but also an environment where I feel I can get free reign as a host. I have resisted many other offers like this,...
I understand that he's not universally loved, but I find Gervais to be very funny. I had the opportunity to meet him very briefly this year at the Toronto International Film Festival, where he premiered The Invention of Lying. He was super-nice and stopped to take a picture with a friend of mine. My friend Cindy think he's "offensively hillarious".
Unlike the Oscars, the Golden Globes have not had a host since 1995, but NBC and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association have decided to change things up:
"Not only is this the biggest Hollywood celebration of the industry which includes both film and TV, but also an environment where I feel I can get free reign as a host. I have resisted many other offers like this,...
- 10/26/2009
- by Clarissa
- TVovermind.com
Here's another head scratcher of a movie coming down the production pipeline over at 20th Century Fox. According to Variety [1], Fox is teaming up with EA to bring Will Wright's evolutionary sim game Spore to the big screen as a CG-animated film. The game allows you invent a creature that can be guided over time from single-celled organism through to complex, intelligent species to an advanced civilization capable of intergalactic travel. Chris Wedge (Ice Age, Robots) will direct from a script that is being written by Greg Erb and Jason Oremland (The Princess and the Frog). As crazy as this sounds, it still makes a little more sense than The Sims movie which is apparently in development. At least with this I can see it being similar to Pokemon or the animated adaptation of the Ricky Gervais book Flanimals, although the screenwriters will have a lot more room to...
- 10/2/2009
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
I still have yet to see last year's CG adaptation of the Dr. Seuss story Horton Hears a Who!, but the reviews were surprisingly solid (78% on Rotten Tomatoes [1]) and it ended up being the 10th highest grossing movie of the year. It's no surprise then that another Dr. Seuss book is about to get the CG treatment... in 3-D of course! Variety [2] reports that Horton Hears a Who! writers Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio are now in the process of bringing The Lorax to the big screen. While Horton was set up at Fox and produced by Blue Sky Studios, The Lorax has landed a deal with Universal and Illumination Entertainment (the same folks behind Despicable Me [3] and Ricky Gervais' Flanimals [4]). Despicable Me director Chris Renaud will be co-directing the film with first-time helmers Paul and Daurio. The story is an environmental fable about a greedy creature known as...
- 7/29/2009
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
Thanks to a tipoff from Hey U Guys, I can confirm that the Ricky Gervais/Stephen Merchant-written Cemetary Junction begins principal photography today!
Cemetary Junction is the first feature film to star Ricky Gervais (The Office, Extras) and paves the way for Ricky Gervais’ Flanimals, the animated movie based on his books of the same name.
In 1970s England, three blue-collar friends spend their days joking, drinking, fighting and chasing girls. Freddie (Christian Cooke) wants to leave their working-class world but cool, charismatic Bruce (Tom Hughes) and lovable loser Snork (Jack Doolan) are happy with life the way it is. When Freddie gets a new job as a door-to-door salesman and bumps into his old school sweetheart Julie (Felicity Jones), the gang are forced to make choices that will change their lives for ever.
The film is produced by Sue Baden-Powell and Charlie Hanson, executive producing are Gervais and Merchant.
Cemetary Junction is the first feature film to star Ricky Gervais (The Office, Extras) and paves the way for Ricky Gervais’ Flanimals, the animated movie based on his books of the same name.
In 1970s England, three blue-collar friends spend their days joking, drinking, fighting and chasing girls. Freddie (Christian Cooke) wants to leave their working-class world but cool, charismatic Bruce (Tom Hughes) and lovable loser Snork (Jack Doolan) are happy with life the way it is. When Freddie gets a new job as a door-to-door salesman and bumps into his old school sweetheart Julie (Felicity Jones), the gang are forced to make choices that will change their lives for ever.
The film is produced by Sue Baden-Powell and Charlie Hanson, executive producing are Gervais and Merchant.
- 6/16/2009
- by Craig Sharp
- FilmShaft.com
Universal has found Waldo, as the studio and Illumination Entertainment will develop a live-action big-screen version of the popular "Where's Waldo?" books created by Martin Handford. The books include full-page illustrated pictures filled with people and things, and the mission of the reader is to find a hidden character named Waldo. He wears a red and white shirt, a hat and glasses.
The popularity of the "Waldo" publications also generated a television series, as well as a series of videogames. Details on what exactly the film deal with are unknown at this point. My best guess is the film will focus on a bunch of kids trying to find Waldo or something. Anyway, Illumination is also gearing up to develop a 3D animated flick based on Ricky Gervais' series of children's books "Flanimals."
Source: Variety...
The popularity of the "Waldo" publications also generated a television series, as well as a series of videogames. Details on what exactly the film deal with are unknown at this point. My best guess is the film will focus on a bunch of kids trying to find Waldo or something. Anyway, Illumination is also gearing up to develop a 3D animated flick based on Ricky Gervais' series of children's books "Flanimals."
Source: Variety...
- 6/2/2009
- by Franck Tabouring
- screeninglog.com
We talked to Ricky Gervais about his new film Cemetery Junction recently, and he had some big revelations for us: chief among them the news that the film will become a TV show after it's hit the big screen. We also learned that his Flanimals is set to come out in 3D. Here's the lowdown: first, Gervais' response when we asked about why he decided to take Cemetery Junction (once called The Man From The Pru and planned for TV) to the big screen."Well yes, it was once going to be a TV show and maybe still is, but we’re trying to do it the M*A*S*H* way round. We thought that when you do a TV show and then do a film, generally it’s awful. One, it taints the film with a TV brush. It breaks its credibility a little bit. I don’t...
- 6/2/2009
- EmpireOnline
So 'Where's Waldo?' will be getting lost on the big screen, if The Trades are anything to go by. The right to the popular children's book -- Known originally as 'Where's Wally?' in the UK -- have been snapped up by Universal and Illumination Entertainment after something of a bidding war between studios.
Amongst other bidders, Warner Bros. apparently chased the property for Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne's Unique Features banner.
The books were created by British Illustrator Martin Handford and have apparently sold more than 50 million copies worldwide (four of which lived under my bed for a time). The books contain detailed, full page crowd pictures in which the title character is hidden, wearing his signature red-and-white jumper, matching hat, glasses and a walking stick.
Illumination recently took on the Flanimals project, an animated film based on Ricky Gervais' child/adult fictional books.
Source: Variety
From Original Sharp Says.
Amongst other bidders, Warner Bros. apparently chased the property for Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne's Unique Features banner.
The books were created by British Illustrator Martin Handford and have apparently sold more than 50 million copies worldwide (four of which lived under my bed for a time). The books contain detailed, full page crowd pictures in which the title character is hidden, wearing his signature red-and-white jumper, matching hat, glasses and a walking stick.
Illumination recently took on the Flanimals project, an animated film based on Ricky Gervais' child/adult fictional books.
Source: Variety
From Original Sharp Says.
- 6/2/2009
- by michy@popstar.com (Michy Burrows)
- FilmShaft.com
We've had films based on board games, theme park rides and even bubblegum card characters of late, and in comparison to those a film based on finding a dude in a red-and-white striped hat and top combo should be a slam dunk. Yes, Where's Waldo is headed to the big screen.Now over this side of the Pond he's better known as Wally, but the game's the same: look at a large and detailed picture and try to find the titular character as he lurks somewhere in the background while other people do more interesting things. We're assuming that, to turn this into a film, they're going to need Gandhi-like crowd scenes.Written by Martin Handford, the books have sold 50 million copies worldwide, despite being almost entirely bereft of plot, dialogue or anything else (but, in fairness, awesome illustrations). This film version will be produced by Universal and Illumination Entertainment,...
- 6/2/2009
- EmpireOnline
There he is!
Do you all remember the fun Where’s Waldo books buried in your elementary and middle school’s libraries you used to go through when you were super bored? Well, now Waldo is jumping from an eight or so paged search book onto the big screen thanks to Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment. Sorry, its not April Fools Day, its June 1rst, despite what you might have all thought.
Surprisingly enough, Where’s Waldo has been in the middle of a bidding war for a fair while now, with Warner Bros. Pictures being the most recent pursuer before Universal got their hands on it. Illumination Entertainment is also currently coming up with films Despicable Me with the voice talents of Steve Carrel, Kristen Wiig among others and Flanimals, a film based off of the same titled stories from Ricky Gervais.
Do you all remember the fun Where’s Waldo books buried in your elementary and middle school’s libraries you used to go through when you were super bored? Well, now Waldo is jumping from an eight or so paged search book onto the big screen thanks to Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment. Sorry, its not April Fools Day, its June 1rst, despite what you might have all thought.
Surprisingly enough, Where’s Waldo has been in the middle of a bidding war for a fair while now, with Warner Bros. Pictures being the most recent pursuer before Universal got their hands on it. Illumination Entertainment is also currently coming up with films Despicable Me with the voice talents of Steve Carrel, Kristen Wiig among others and Flanimals, a film based off of the same titled stories from Ricky Gervais.
- 6/1/2009
- by Melissa
- Atomic Popcorn
Alright now I know there have been a lot of ridiculous licensed movies popping up in the trades lately; everything from board games to toys to Bazooka Joe [1]. Amazingly, these hare-brained ideas just keep multiplying, and this week The Hollywood Reporter [2] tells us that a Where's Waldo movie is being set up over at Universal. That's right, a movie based on the series of children's books with no story at all, just large illustrated scenes with a guy in a red and white striped shirt hidden somewhere in them. On the big screen. Sounds thrilling. The movie will be a live-action family adventure of sorts, with Waldo and his dog Woof stumbling across a malfunctioning travel machine. Eric Ellenbogen (Underdog) will executive produce through Christopher Meledandri's company Illumination Entertainment, who are also doing Ricky Gervais's Flanimals film [3]. Believe it or not, this project has been around for a few years now,...
- 6/1/2009
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
The answer to "Where's Waldo?" is Universal.
The studio has picked up the movie rights to the popular children's books series from Classic Media with the aim of making a live-action family film to be produced by Chris Meledandri's Illumination Entertainment.
Classic Media's Eric Ellenbogen will executive produce.
Created by illustrator Martin Handford, the books featured Waldo, dressed in a red-and-white shirt, wearing glasses and carrying a walking stick, as he popped up in crowded full-page scenes.
The books began life in the U.K. in the late 1980s, where he is called Wally, before becoming a worldwide sensation. The books became more thematically complex, with Waldo traveling in time or landing in supernatural settings, and a nemesis was introduced, an anti-Waldo named Odlaw.
The book series was previously set up at Paramount and Nickelodeon, where John Schultz was attached to direct a script that had been worked on...
The studio has picked up the movie rights to the popular children's books series from Classic Media with the aim of making a live-action family film to be produced by Chris Meledandri's Illumination Entertainment.
Classic Media's Eric Ellenbogen will executive produce.
Created by illustrator Martin Handford, the books featured Waldo, dressed in a red-and-white shirt, wearing glasses and carrying a walking stick, as he popped up in crowded full-page scenes.
The books began life in the U.K. in the late 1980s, where he is called Wally, before becoming a worldwide sensation. The books became more thematically complex, with Waldo traveling in time or landing in supernatural settings, and a nemesis was introduced, an anti-Waldo named Odlaw.
The book series was previously set up at Paramount and Nickelodeon, where John Schultz was attached to direct a script that had been worked on...
- 6/1/2009
- by By Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Comedian Ricky Gervais is adapting his children's book series Flanimals for the big screen.
The British funnyman is teaming up with Matt Selman, a writer for The Simpsons, to create a 3-D animated version based on his four hit books, about a world of imaginary creatures.
Gervais will voice the lead character, a fat purple gremlin on a mission to change the world.
He jokes, "It will be great to play a short, fat, sweaty loser for a change. A real stretch."...
The British funnyman is teaming up with Matt Selman, a writer for The Simpsons, to create a 3-D animated version based on his four hit books, about a world of imaginary creatures.
Gervais will voice the lead character, a fat purple gremlin on a mission to change the world.
He jokes, "It will be great to play a short, fat, sweaty loser for a change. A real stretch."...
- 4/30/2009
- WENN
As a fan of British comedian Ricky Gervais I feel obligated to post about this next bit of news, even though it's a bit less interesting to me than some of his other upcoming film projects. For the past five years or so he has been doing a series of children's books called Flanimals. Illustrated by Rob Steen, these books document a number of different species of weird and wacky creatures that co-exist in an imaginary world... things like the Plamgloti, an ape-like Flanimal that swallows its hands to walk, or the Offledermis, a Flanimal that is born inside-out to avoid its own smell. Basically they are his own version of Pokemon, if you will. If I didn't know better I'd think the whole thing was a joke by Gervais to illustrate how ridiculous children's books are, but then the first book actually ended up on the New York Times bestseller list.
- 4/29/2009
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
A 3-D animated movie based on Ricky Gervais's Flanimals will be made by Illumination Entertainment. The firm, housed at Universal, has picked up the feature rights to the illustrated books and tasked The Simpsons writer Matt Selman with penning a script for the project. Gervais's four-book Flanimals series, with art by Rob Sheen, centres on imaginary animals such as Honk, Grundit and Puddloflaj. The (more)...
- 4/29/2009
- by By Simon Reynolds
- Digital Spy
In case you thought that one Ricky Gervais comment a day was enough, I'm here to re-educate you. Gervais' best selling book - "Flanimals" will be heading to theatres soon in glorious 3D - courtesy of Illumination Entertainment.
Flanimals is a children's and adult's book series written by Gervais and illustrated by Rob Steen, it features 35 species of "Flanimal" which in turn make up the imaginary world that the pair have created.
Some of the most famous Flanimals are the Honk, the Grundit, the Puddloflaj, and the Mernimbler. ITV originally commissioned a series based on the books, but the option has since been picked up by Universal based Illumination Entertainment.
The film's lead character will be voiced by Gervais, and the script will be written by Matt Selman (The Simpsons)
Source: Variety
From Original Sharp Says...
Flanimals is a children's and adult's book series written by Gervais and illustrated by Rob Steen, it features 35 species of "Flanimal" which in turn make up the imaginary world that the pair have created.
Some of the most famous Flanimals are the Honk, the Grundit, the Puddloflaj, and the Mernimbler. ITV originally commissioned a series based on the books, but the option has since been picked up by Universal based Illumination Entertainment.
The film's lead character will be voiced by Gervais, and the script will be written by Matt Selman (The Simpsons)
Source: Variety
From Original Sharp Says...
- 4/29/2009
- by info@originalsharpsays.com (Craig Sharp)
- FilmShaft.com
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