A British spec script about two rival gangs of gnome neighbours has been put on the fast track in Hollywood. The trade paper SCREEN INTERNATIONAL reports A GNOME'S STORY, written by Rob Sprackling and John Smith, has been acquired by Walt Disney Feature Animation and Rocket Pictures, the production outfit owned by pop star Elton John and David Furnish. The big-budget project "may use TOY STORY-esque digital effects." Disney has a first-look pact with Rocket, and is funding development on GNOME'S STORY. Steve Hamilton-Shaw, who brought the project to Rocket, said, "We fell in love with the concept and Rob and John's sense of comedy." Elton John added, "It will have tremendously broad appeal for kids of all ages." John, whose relationship with Disney began with LION KING (and has clearly survived his providing songs for rival Dreamworks film THE ROAD TO EL DORADO) may write music for the new picture. Mary Jane Buckley, Disney vice president of feature animation, together with Hamilton-Shaw, will oversee the development of GNOMES STORY. Rocket is also developing an animated version of JUST SO STORIES for Disney's consideration.
