August 20, 2014 11:14AM PT
'Noah's Ark' Animated Movie Draws 'Kung Fu Panda' Director
Unified Pictures has tapped John Stevenson ("Kung Fu Panda") to direct its CG-animated feature inspired by "Noah's Ark," slated for completion in 2016.
The animated comedy adventure tells the story from the point of view of the animals and follows an outcast aardvark who becomes the reluctant leader of a ragtag group of misfit animals.
"John Stevenson is among the finest storytellers and animation filmmakers in the business and brings with him a wealth of experiences," said Unified Pictures president Keith Kjarval. "His unique ability to personalize this global story with tremendous heart and humor is sure to make this an inspiring film for all ages."
The film's script was written by Philip LaZebnik (Disney's "Mulan" and "Pocahontas") and Glen Dolman.
Executive producers are Cecil Kramer ("Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit") and Stevenson with Unified Pictures' Kjarval and Kurt Rauer.
Stevenson worked with Jim Henson on "The Great Muppet Caper," "The Dark Crystal," and "Labyrinth" before moving to DreamWorks Animation, where he was head of story and worked on "Shrek," "Shrek 2" and "Madagascar." He received an Oscar nomination for "Kung Fu Panda."
Unified Pictures
More Film
Carice van Houten's 'Instinct' Picked Up By Films Boutique (EXCLUSIVE)
Berlin-based international sales agent Films Boutique has picked up psychological thriller "Instinct," starring Carice van Houten, who received an Emmy nomination Tuesday for "Game of Thrones," and Marwan Kenzari, recently seen in Guy Ritchie's "Aladdin." "Instinct" has its world premiere on the Piazza Grande at the Locarno Film Festival next month. "Instinct," the directorial debut [...]
Locarno Announces Edgy Mix of Premieres, Joseph Gordon-Levitt Thriller '7500'
Italian director Ginevra Elkann's directorial debut, "If Only," about kids with divorced parents, will open the 72nd Locarno Film Festival, its first edition under new artistic director Lili Hinstin, who has assembled an edgy mix of promising titles from young auteurs and more established names. "If Only" and the fest closer, iconic Japanese director Kiyoshi [...]
According to Jennifer Lopez, basic pole dancing movements all revolve around a few foot positions. But as she tells her stripper student Constance Wu, it's not just about the dancing. In the new trailer for "Hustlers," Lopez and Wu swindle a number of high profile Wall Street clients in an effort to bring their white [...]