Fox 2000 Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Animation and Bagdasarian Productions have announced a live-action/CGI adaptation of ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS. Fox is searching for a comedy writer and director for the film as well as a top comedian to pay the CG Chipmunks dad Dave Seville. Ross Bagdasarian, Jr., and Janice Karman will produce.
"I am thrilled to join Fox in turning ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS into an event 'tentpole' picture," said Bagdasarian, Jr. "ALVIN has three generations of fans, who can expect an exciting new experience in the big-screen version. The movie will merge the celebrated history and tradition of our beloved characters with a new comic sensibility and edge. This is an exciting time for The Chipmunks and this movie adds wonderfully to that excitement."
Janice Karman, president of Bagdasarian Production, added: "It's great to see the characters Ross' dad created almost 50 years ago continue to be presented in so many new ways. This movie is an exciting new adventure for the boys."
Chris Meledandri, president of Twentieth Century Fox Animation and Elizabeth Gabler, president of Fox 2000 Pictures were quoted as saying, "We are very excited to be working with Ross and Janice on the live-action feature debut of ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS. We have loved these characters since childhood and with today's advances in digital animation, the Chipmunks will be brought to life in a way never before possible."
Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. created ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS in 1958. The squeaky-voiced trio and Dave Seville made recording, broadcasting and merchandising history, selling 43 million albums (winning several Grammys in the process), starring in their own animated primetime series, numerous primetime specials and number one network Saturday Morning shows seen in more than 100 countries in 40 languages.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
