Steve Buscemi, John Cleese and Jay Leno have joined the cast of Exodus Film Groups CG-animated short film IGOR: UNHOLY FRIJOLES. Buscemi will voice the part of "Scamper," a super intelligent, yet sarcastic lab rabbit, while Cleese will lend his voice to the character of "Dr. Glickenstein," Igors evil master. Buscemi and Cleese join Christian Slater, who stars in the title role of "Igor" as well as Jay Leno. The film, which is in production, precedes the feature-length theatrical version IGOR, due out in 2007. An irreverent animated comedy with a new twist on the classic mad scientist/monster genre, IGOR is the story of a mad scientists hunchbacked lab assistant who has big dreams of winning the coveted first place award at the annual Evil Science Fair and becoming a mad scientist in his own right.
Buscemis character, Scamper, is Dr. Glickensteins genetically altered lab rabbit who is surreptitiously brought back to life by Igor after an unfortunate run-in with a fast-moving carriage. While infinitely more intelligent than the others, Scamper wallows in a sarcastic and pessimistic gloom and remains self-conscious of the conspicuous tire tread left across his belly.
Cleeses character, Dr. Glickenstein, is a cruel and malevolent mad scientist and Igors unforgiving master. A condescending egomaniac, he constantly torments Igor and ridicules his ideas. Dr. Glickenstein is quick to remind Igor that he's not here to think, but to follow orders and serve his master.
IGOR is being exec produced by seasoned animation vet Max Howard, who has collaborated on such animated blockbusters as Disneys LION KING and ALADDIN, and Warner Bros. SPACE JAM and THE IRON GIANT.
"Were excited to have these two excellent actors join the cast," said Howard. "Their distinct voices and dynamic styles each lend themselves perfectly to these characters."
IGOR, along with THE HERO OF COLOR CITY and AMARILLO ARMADILLO, comprise the slate of Exodus $50 million film fund, one of the first private equity animation film funds in the entertainment industry. The CG-animation for IGOR is being created by Exodus award-winning animation partner ElectroAge. Both the IGOR short and feature were written by Chris McKenna. Emmy winner Fil Barlow is directing the short.
Led by president/ceo John D. Eraklis, Exodus Film Group was founded in 2001 in an effort to create a one-stop entertainment company capable of producing content equal in quality to the studios and networks on a realistic budget. Exodus acquires, develops and finances intellectual properties, taking them from inception to distribution.
Exodus exclusive animation partner ElectroAge has won numerous awards for its work, including an Emmy and several Emmy nominations. Noted projects include: THE REAL ADVENTURES OF JONNY QUEST (Hanna-Barbera), ROUGHNECKS STARSHIP TROOPERS CHRONICLES (Sony Television), STAR TREK VOYAGER (Paramount), MYSTIC KNIGHTS (Saban), THE VISITOR (20th Century Fox/Centropolis Television) and DEEP RISING (Hollywood Pictures).
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
