After finding an empty garden at Walt Disney Feature Animation under John Lasseters new leadership, GNOMEO AND JULIET, the pet animated project of Sir Elton John, will restart as a co-production between Disney owned Miramax Films and the musical superstars Rocket Pictures.
GNOMEO AND JULIET, a riff on Shakespeares classic tale set in the world of tacky garden gnomes, with new songs composed by John and LION KING lyricist Tim Rice, will be 3D-animated in the U.K. Oscar-nominated Baker Bloodworth (acclaimed Disney shorts DESTINO and LORENZO) will serve as producer and oversee production in London at a production facility still to be determined.
Its interesting to note, however, that Framestore CFC has just formed Framestore Feature Animation under the guidance of SHREK 2 producer David Lipman, with the intention of becoming Londons premiere feature animation studio, and that they have already commenced work on Sylvain Chomets THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX with producers Allison Thomas and Gary Ross for Universal Pictures.
Bloodworth told AWN that they are currently speaking to directors and that pre-production will begin in the fall.
Rocket Pictures producing partners, David Furnish and Steve Hamilton Shaw, who are currently finishing post-production on their latest film IT'S A BOY GIRL THING, will shepherd the project with Miramax president Daniel Battsek.
"I have had a longstanding relationship with Rocket Prods. and have been following this project since I was at BVI," said Battsek. "I was thrilled when the opportunity arose to bring GNOMEO to Miramax."
"I am very excited about working with Miramax," stated John. "GNOMEO is an edgy concept and Miramax is the perfect home to push the envelope in animation.
Four-time Academy Award-nominee Kate Winslet is attached to star. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.
Originally scripted by Rob Sprackling and John Smith, GNOMEO AND JULIET was brought to Disney several years ago by Rocket Pictures. Scribes Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley penned the current script.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
