Here's something for stop-motion animation fans. Mike Johnson, co-director of Tim Burton's 'Corpse Bride', is set to helm an upcoming re-imagining of 'The Wizard of Oz' titled 'Oz Wars'. The film will be a mixture of the aforementioned animation style and live-action. Set against a contemporary backdrop, 'Oz Wars' will see Dorothy pitted against a plethora of grotesque and fantastical beings including warrior witches.
Here's what Vanguard Films, who are producing the film, had to say about it
"Oz Wars" is an "animated action-adventure story, but unlike most animated films, it's not just for kids," Johnson said. "The Land of Oz will be reimagined using stop-motion to create a world that's dark, slick, sexy and dangerous."
They also mentioned why the film won't cost much to make
due to revolutionary new stop-motion software, Mike will be making this world-class quality film at an unprecedentedly economical cost point."
Although Johnson's career as a Director is limited, he has worked on a number of well-known films as an animator, including 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' and 'James and the Giant Peach'. At least we know we can expect something which will be nice to look at then.
Aside from that intriguing project, Vanguard Films recently announced an overall producing and directing deal with 'Kung Fu Panda' co-helmer John Stevenson, whose first Vanguard directorial project will be 'Alien Rock Band', a live-action/CGI film.
source-http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118029075?refCatId=13
March 04, 2008, 05:21:50 PM
