[News] Imagi Prepares New CG-Animated Gatchaman Feature

[h2o]

Imagi Animation Studios, in association with Tatsunoko Prod. of Japan, will produce a new CG-animated feature-length theatrical release based on the long-running anime franchise GATCHAMAN. The new film will be written and directed by Kevin Munroe, who is writing and directing Imagi’s TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES CG feature that is being distributed by Warner Bros. in the U.S. and The Weinstein Co. internationally.

“We will push the wow factor to a new level with Gatchaman, a groundbreaking anime that has devoted fans worldwide, including myself,” Francis Kao, ceo/vice chairman of Imagi Int’l, said. “With the visual impact available through state-of-the-art CG animation, I think the film not only can satisfy fans, but will also appeal to moviegoers looking for something new and exciting. I am thrilled to work on this excellent franchise with Tatsunoko.”

GATCHAMAN centers around five young superhero ninjas who must defeat the nefarious terrorists known as Galactor, who are threatening to capture Earth’s resources. With 205 TV episodes, one feature film and three direct-to-video films, GATCHAMAN has more than 30 years of history. In addition to its success in Japan, the series has fans in the U.S. from various domestic re-edited versions of the show, including BATTLE OF THE PLANETS, G-FORCE and EAGLE RIDERS.

“Growing up as a kid, GATCHAMAN was the first influence that pushed me into the world of animation, comics and writing,” Munroe said. “I'm honored to get the chance to bring GATCHAMAN to the big screen the way it was always meant to be - huge action mixed with the real human drama. GATCHAMAN is a great next step after TMNT, in terms of storytelling and visual scope and also for Imagi as a player in the animation world.”

Imagi has also produced CG-animated TV series, such ZENTRIX, which was released in Europe and Asia, DIGITAL MONSTER X-EVOLUTION with Bandai and Toei of Japan, and NBC’s FATHER OF THE PRIDE for DreamWorks.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Imagi also has overseas offices in Los Angeles and Tokyo. Founded in 1983, Imagi Int’l Holdings Ltd. is a company listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Tatsunoko Prod. is a Japanese animation company founded by legendary anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida. Since its inception in 1962, Tatsunoko has produced a large portfolio of popular anime franchises. The translated and edited versions of their successful animated series such as SPEED RACER, GATCHAMAN and ROBOTECH are credited with bringing international attention to anime.


Source from AWN:
http://news.awn.com/?&newsitem_no=17137

[laptuaoscar]

HK CG is growing up.
Cant wait for a day which we will be 1 of the best CG producer.