Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Shopping Scripts

It seems that someone is shopping a CG film around Hollywood. Okay, so maybe that is not very unusual. However the person shopping it has only been in the animation industry a few short years. Still not unusual? Keep reading... ...continued...

What if I told you that this "youngin" is set to direct the film (with no real directorial experience outside of a short film that he did)? Still don't think it is unusual? Now here is the kicker, Tim Burton signed on as Executive Producer.

Huh?

Yes, all true. Now, in the Hollywood world, many well-connected people will sign on as Executive Producer on a potential film. They do this all the time and a lot of these project don't get off the ground. And maybe this one won't either. However, it surely is an odd story for American audiences (I could see it as live action film before I could see it as animation).

So will this thing get made? Beats me. I do know that a representative for this youngin is calling around seeing what animation studio is available. Rumor has it, they do not have the money yet, just putting their ear to the ground trying to round up funds and distribution. My first question is: How many studios would be able to take this on that are large enough and not already up to their armpits in work? None pop to my mind.

And lastly, directing an animated feature is HARD work. Certainly a bigger task than a short film. And even harder for a youngin. This is why most studios (Pixar, DreamWorks, Disney) have more than one director. There are simply not enough hours in the day to do everything he has to do. Further, when you put someone in that role that hasn't done it before... well... Let's just say this could be interesting. Smart money is on that whoever funds this project will require that another experienced director comes in to hold the youngins hand. Especially if a completion bond is involved.

If this project gets funding, distribution and actually goes into production, it will prove one thing to all of you film maker wannabes... All you need is one big name to sign on Exec Producer to get your film made.

3 comments:

jason said...

so c'mon.. who is the young'un? at least.. what's the short film?

please? :)

Staloren said...

Good points. Although the difference between this person and most new feature directors are their experience in the field. Most directors work their way up. From story positions or as an editor or as a supervisor, or something. Not as a newbie with limited background in production or film making.

Let's face facts. This feature would never happen if the short didn't directly appeal to Tim Burton. It would never sell in Hollywood without his big name attached as an Exec Producer. And even with Burtons name attached, they still haven't found money to finance it.

I wish this guy the best, although unless he gets some help, it will be more than a struggle. That is, if funding comes in.

Venice Menace said...

I've seen the short as well. I don't think it would make a good feature though.

I can see why Tim Burton was interested. It fits his sensibility.

I also know the animation studio that is the front runner for the movie. It's an effects house that wants to get into the feature game. On the good side though, they have some very talented folks working for them and I hope they pull it off.