Vanguard Films has announced that they have acquired the feature comedy GNOMES!, written by Micah Herman and Kyle Newman. The high concept plot centers on a boy who discovers that the garden gnomes in his backyard are actually alive. When the boy starts to suspect that his mom's new suitor is a gnome-eating troll, the boy enlists the gnomes' help and all sorts of trouble ensues. Herman and Newman are slated to direct the project.
Vanguard will shop the script around to raise production financing and arrange for major distribution. Vanguard ceo John H. Williams will produce the picture, and Eric M. Bennett and Margaret French Isaac will exec produce.
Williams said, "This is a slam dunk franchise film under any scenario. We love their script and weve already begun extensive visual development."
Williams, who is the originating producer of the SHREK franchise, also produced the independent CG animated feature VALIANT, which is currently in theaters and has grossed over $50 million worldwide.
Recent Alums of NYUs film program, Newman received the inaugural Coca Cola Refreshing Filmmakers Award for his short film BITTEN BY LOVE and Hermans anti-war drama EMPTY has garnered more than 20 prizes at films festivals, including a Student Emmy Award. Herman recently finished adapting John Darton's sci-fi thriller MIND CATCHER for Chris Columbus and 1492 Pictures. In addition, he has signed on to direct CHAPEL HILL for Mandalay Pictures and producer Dan Halsted. Newman directed last years THE HOLLOW, which aired on ABC Family, and is slated to lens his second feature, the road trip comedy FANBOYS, this January with Coalition Film and Kevin Spacey producing.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
