Kelly Ripa (ABC's LIVE WITH REGIS AND KELLY) joins an all-star cast for FLY ME TO THE MOON, the first ever, feature-length, computer-generated animated film, conceived and created entirely in 3-D. The film, produced by Illuminata Pictures and nWave Pictures, is directed by nWave co-founder Ben Stassen, who has created, directed and produced world-famous ride and attraction films, including WILD SAFARI (nWave Pictures Distribution), HAUNTED CASTLE (nWave) and ALIEN ADVENTURE (nWave).
This production entity is responsible for nearly one quarter of all 3-D IMAX films. Stassen said, "Recent advances in computer technology make it possible to convert 2-D films to 3-D. However, with FLY ME TO THE MOON, we are taking it a step further by producing every frame in 3-D for the maximum 3-D effect."
"With more 3-D films entering the market, such as MONSTER HOUSE and MEET THE ROBINSONS, more theaters are adopting 3-D capabilities," according to Illuminata Pictures co-founder and MOON writer/exec producer Domonic Paris. "By the time we release FLY ME TO THE MOON in 2007, we anticipate that there will be approximately 700 specialized digital theaters, while, in 2005, there were only 300 3-D theaters available."
Set in 1969, when the NASA space program was in full swing, FLY ME TO THE MOON combines the Apollo 11 mission with the adventures of three young stowaway houseflies.
DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Nicollette Sheridan will voice Nadia, the Russian love interest. Tim Curry (JUMANJI, SCARY MOVIE 2) is Yegor, a conniving Russian operative. Ed Begley Jr. (SIX FEET UNDER) is Poopchev, the neurotic head of the Russian Space Program. Adrienne Barbeau (HBO's CARNIVALE, THE DREW CAREY SHOW) is the protagonist Scooter's nervous but proud mom. Philip Daniel Bolden (JOHNSON FAMILY VACATION) is I.Q., the preteen brains behind the young flies' journey. Trevor Gagnon (BIG FISH) is Nat, the young fly who dreams of going to the moon. Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin has signed on to appear in a live-action cameo. Christopher Lloyd (BACK TO THE FUTURE, TAXI) is Grandpa and Robert Patrick (WALK THE LINE, SPY KIDS) is Louie. Ripa plays Nat's Mom.
This Hollywood feature film is also partnered with the Los Angeles Unified School Districts (LAUSD) after-school program LAs Best, to teach children about space exploration and history. The LAUSD is dedicating the 2007 Science Fair to all things space, to coincide with the film. Subsequently, Apollo 11 astronaut and MOON cast member, Aldrin will present the 20 winning science fair students with one week at Space Camp.
As a part of the program, nWave/Illuminata will also provide free tickets for FLY ME TO THE MOON to 24,000 local students.
Schools in other cities, including New York, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Detroit, are clamoring for their chance to be included in the program so that they can also have the chance to experience weightlessness in theaters and space camp.
Stassen and Paris will co-exec produce MOON. Producing for Illuminata are Paris' partners Mimi Maynard and Gina Gallo.
Founded in 1994 by Stassen and Brussels-based D&D Media Group, nWave Pictures quickly established itself as the worlds leading producer and distributor of ride films for the motion simulator market. Every day, 250,000 people view an nWave film in science centers, museums, IMAX theaters and other specialized sites. The multinational company utilizes innovative technologies to maximize intellectual properties throughout multiple media platforms, including 2D and 3D Giant Screen (IMAX), Motion Simulation and Attraction Films in all film formats and electronic media. As the most prolific producers of 3D films in the world, nWaves titles have generated more than $175 million in box office revenues in special format theaters worldwide.
Illuminata Pictures was founded in 2005 by Paris, film editor Gallo and casting director Maynard. FLY ME TO THE MOON is their fist project together under the Illuminata Pictures banner. Paris has extensive background in the network, cable and reality television arena, and previously wrote a number of independent films. As Moon producer/voice and casting director, Maynard comes from the world of post-production and voice casting where she founded the successful company, Loopys. Gallo is co-creator/producer/ voice and casting director of Moon. She has served as editor on films, including DreamWorks OVER THE HEDGE.
