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TAOST Entertainment Teams with Bang in Bangkok on ‘Up Chao’ Animated Feature

SoHo-based studio invests in the development and scores exclusive Web3 rights to the film, written by Chris Jenkins (‘Surf’s Up’); team heads to Annecy 2023 and Mifa, running June 11-17.

Soho-based animation studio TAOST Entertainment has invested in the animated feature film Up Chao, written by animation director/writer Chris Jenkins (the upcoming 10 Lives, Duck Duck Goose, Surf’s Up). ReDefine Originals is one of the production partners on the 3DCG indie feature, created by veteran Thai animation designer Wanchana “Vic” Intrasombat (Wish Dragon) and a team of animation creatives at boutique virtual studio Bang in Bangkok (BiB). The investment will help finance scripting and presales.

Further announcements regarding sales and the animation studio are expected at Annecy 2023 which runs June 11-17. In addition, TAOST will have a booth for the first time at Mifa.

In addition to co-producing the film, TAOST has also secured rights as the film’s exclusive Web3 community building platform. Through developing a new Web3 proprietary platform (TAOST.club), participants can form communities and develop animated films and series by voting on projects such as Up Chao."

“TAOST’s user base will not only participate in aspects of development of the studio’s curated slate, but also be able to post their own projects, as part of an ecosystem of animation devotees,” said TAOST founder and NYU-grad film producer Rocky Shi. “The platform will enable the community to experience the rollercoaster of the real world of film finance, production and distribution historically reserved for Hollywood insiders on the other side of the velvet rope, a sort of peak behind the curtain. TAOST.club will be launching its beta next month.”

Up Chao is the story of a young Thai boy named Fua, whose paintings mysteriously bring to life ancient statues. In the journey that follows, Fua and the quarrelsome Up Chao, together they experience many magical adventures, discover the answer to an ancient riddle, and eventually return home and find the true meaning of family.

Bangkok’s Creative Producer François Belot noted, “We have a very talented international all-star team and TAOST’s support validates the work we have created in Up Chao.”

“Writing the screenplay is a pure pleasure, helping to create a story that delves into authentic Eastern folklore and its mystic past,” added Jenkins, “It has such an untapped potential to amaze the modern global audience.”

TAOST Entertainment has beefed up its ranks to oversee its growing slate of projects by bringing aboard four-time Emmy-Award winning veteran animation producer and studio exec, Bill Schultz. In addition to his track record of delivering successful animated TV series such as The Simpsons, King of the Hill and co-creating and executive producing the four-season hit Netflix preschool series, True and The Rainbow Kingdom, Schultz also had a prolific 8-plus year run as an executive producer for ReDefine, the global CG powerhouse. 

"We are excited to partner with Bang in Bangkok to bring Up Chao to life,” added Shi. "It’s refreshing to find talented people who share your excitement for not only innovating the future of content production but also open to sharing the collective success with early adopters. Combining our strengths, networks, and dedication, we are confident that Up Chao will be a hit with audiences worldwide."

Belot added, “We at Bang in Bangkok are thrilled to have TAOST Entertainment joining the creative team of Up Chao in telling this amazing story. It's rewarding to have such a partner in business and creativity involved early in the production process and to help contribute to the expansion of Up Chao’s universe and content. TAOST Entertainment is fully aligned with the artistic vision we are aiming for at the studio, and we hope it will resonate with audiences around the world."

“It is a pleasure to help create a story that delves into Eastern folklore, where the mystic past has such untapped potential to amaze the modern world,” shared writer/director Jenkins who created, wrote, and produced Sony Pictures’ Academy Award-nominated animated mockumentary Surf’s Up.

Jenkins’ animation credits also include Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King. In addition, he wrote and directed Original Force’s Duck Duck Goose for Netflix.

Up Chao has everything an audience requires from an animated movie from thrills and enchantment to magic, suspense, and deep-emotional resonance,” added Jenkins. “This movie drops you into a world of bizarre unknowns and unthinkable challenges to make an unlikely teenager a hero, in a journey where he realizes family and tradition are one’s true power.”

Source: Bang in Bangkok

Debbie Diamond Sarto's picture

Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.