ADV Films has acquired the rights to produce a live-action feature version of the hugely popular anime TV series NEON GENESIS EVANGELION. Adding to the appeal of the project, Weta Workshop, Ltd., the effects studios behind the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy, will also be on board for the production as well as anime and game studio Gainax Network Systems, one of the original production studios responsible for the show.
"The three main players here represent something of a 'dream-team' for a project like this one," said ADV Films president/ceo John Ledford. "Between the quality and significance of the Gainax title, Weta's industry-leading skill in the creation of special visual effects, and our expertise in the marketing and promotion of anime and anime-related content, this project is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
The story follows a reluctant young man who must pilot a gigantic robotic weapon against a vicious alien invasion. The NEON GENESIS EVANGELION brand features a 26-episode television series and two animated motion pictures. Due to the project being in the early stages of development no release date has been announced, but Ledford stressed that the timetable is aggressive.
Founded in 1987 by Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger, Peter Jackson and Jamie Selkirk, Weta is a physical and digital effects company providing creatures, special make-up effects, prosthetics, miniatures, armor, weaponry and digital effects for the film and television industry. For further info visit www.wetafx.co.nz. Formed in 1984, Gainax Network Systems has created some of the most acclaimed anime ever, including Hideaki Anno's WINGS OF HONNEAMISE. To learn more about Gainax visit www.gainax.co.jp. Founded in 1992, ADV Films is one of the top producer/distributors of Japanese animation in North America. The firm's holdings include such titles as NOIR, SAILOR MOON, SAMURAI X, HELLO KITTY'S PARADISE, RAHXEPHON, SPRIGGAN, ROBOTECH, FULL METAL PANIC and NEON GENESIS EVANGELION. For more information, visit ADV Films on the Web at www.advfilms.com.
