Some people say all good things must end, and that is the case for Apple and Skydance Animation, who say they’re parting ways. While this is disappointing news, a silver lining remains. Apple is continuing its partnership with Skydance Media, with plans to work together on live-action film and television projects. The parting comes after the union’s multi-year deal ends. As a parting gift (of sorts), Skydance Animation keeps Spellbound, Vicky Jenson’s animated fantasy epic starring Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, John Lithgow, Nathan Lane, Jenifer Lewis, and Javier Bardem, to name a few.
Skydance Animation is likely to find a new home quickly, perhaps with a studio more interested in producing animated projects instead of epics like Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon. Thankfully, Skydance Media remains in a good place with Apple as new and existing projects like Foundation, The Big Door Prize, and...
Skydance Animation is likely to find a new home quickly, perhaps with a studio more interested in producing animated projects instead of epics like Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon. Thankfully, Skydance Media remains in a good place with Apple as new and existing projects like Foundation, The Big Door Prize, and...
- 10/18/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Lyricist and composer Paul Williams will be honored by the 13th annual Guild of Music Supervisors awards with the 2023 Icon award at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles on March 5. The awards show will also be posthumously honoring former Sony Pictures Entertainment senior VP and music supervisor, Pilar McCurry.
Williams’ standards have been recorded by such decorated artists as Ray Charles, David Bowie, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Diana Ross, the Carpenters, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Luther Vandross and Willie Nelson, among others. He’s previously been recognized with six Oscars, nine Grammys, six Golden Globes, and two Emmy nominations.
“There is a strange, beautiful alchemy, that occurs when the perfect song placement transforms
both the scene and the song,” said Williams in a news release. “I have been graced with many opportunities to write music for picture in my career, and it feels like magic every single time.
Williams’ standards have been recorded by such decorated artists as Ray Charles, David Bowie, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Diana Ross, the Carpenters, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Luther Vandross and Willie Nelson, among others. He’s previously been recognized with six Oscars, nine Grammys, six Golden Globes, and two Emmy nominations.
“There is a strange, beautiful alchemy, that occurs when the perfect song placement transforms
both the scene and the song,” said Williams in a news release. “I have been graced with many opportunities to write music for picture in my career, and it feels like magic every single time.
- 2/27/2023
- by Thania Garcia
- Variety Film + TV
Ellen Pompeo on Friday made her first public comments about her reduced on-screen presence on Grey’s Anatomy next season. As Deadline exclusively reported last month, Pompeo will appear in only eight episodes of ABC’s top scripted series for the upcoming 19th season. She is using the time to star in and executive produce an eight-episode Untitled Orphan limited series for Hulu.
“[Grey’s is] still gonna be just fine without me — I’m still gonna do the voiceover,” Pompeo told Deadline today on the red carpet for the Disney Legends ceremony at the D23 Expo, confirming that she will still do the series’ narration as Meredith. She said she hopes her fans would “come with me” to check out the Hulu series, in which she plays the mom in a drama inspired by the true story of Ukrainian-born Natalia Grace and her U.S. adoptive parents who claimed that she was an...
“[Grey’s is] still gonna be just fine without me — I’m still gonna do the voiceover,” Pompeo told Deadline today on the red carpet for the Disney Legends ceremony at the D23 Expo, confirming that she will still do the series’ narration as Meredith. She said she hopes her fans would “come with me” to check out the Hulu series, in which she plays the mom in a drama inspired by the true story of Ukrainian-born Natalia Grace and her U.S. adoptive parents who claimed that she was an...
- 9/9/2022
- by Rosy Cordero and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Grey’s Anatomy stars Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey, along with blackish leads Tracee Ellis Ross and Anthony Anderson and the late Chadwick Boseman, were honored as Legends Friday to help kick off D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
The ABC stars and the lead of Black Panther, along with Frozen‘s Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad, Imagineer Robert Coltrin, the late Robert Price “Bob” Foster (who procured the land for Walt Disney World), producer Don Hahn, Imagineer Doris Hardoon and music producer Chris Montan were named Disney Legends for their “extraordinary contributions” to the studio’s legacy.
Disney D23 Expo 2022 Photo Gallery: Marvel, Star Wars, and More
Pompeo was celebrated first for her starring role in ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. Dubbed a superhero in scrubs by host Tamron Hall, Pompeo took the stage and began with an anecdote about her daughter Stella and how she...
The ABC stars and the lead of Black Panther, along with Frozen‘s Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad, Imagineer Robert Coltrin, the late Robert Price “Bob” Foster (who procured the land for Walt Disney World), producer Don Hahn, Imagineer Doris Hardoon and music producer Chris Montan were named Disney Legends for their “extraordinary contributions” to the studio’s legacy.
Disney D23 Expo 2022 Photo Gallery: Marvel, Star Wars, and More
Pompeo was celebrated first for her starring role in ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. Dubbed a superhero in scrubs by host Tamron Hall, Pompeo took the stage and began with an anecdote about her daughter Stella and how she...
- 9/9/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
There’s going to be a lot more of Earth’s mightiest heroes and villains at Disneyland and a lot more interaction on Disney+, said Bob Chapek today, kicking off 2022’s D23 Expo.
Speaking at the start of the now traditional Disney Legends Awards ceremony at the Anaheim confab, the clearly pumped House of Mouse CEO told attendees that the just opened Avengers Campus at the theme park’s California Adventure will be adding a third attraction. “The Marvel team continues to expand its Cinematic Universe, and Avengers Campus is going to grow right along with it, Chapek said Friday. “So today, I’m excited to announce that the Avengers Campus at Disney’s California Adventure is going deeper into the Multiverse,” the pacing CEO added.
“To do that, we are expanding Avengers Campus—and the heart of this new area will be a sensational new attraction,” former Theme Park...
Speaking at the start of the now traditional Disney Legends Awards ceremony at the Anaheim confab, the clearly pumped House of Mouse CEO told attendees that the just opened Avengers Campus at the theme park’s California Adventure will be adding a third attraction. “The Marvel team continues to expand its Cinematic Universe, and Avengers Campus is going to grow right along with it, Chapek said Friday. “So today, I’m excited to announce that the Avengers Campus at Disney’s California Adventure is going deeper into the Multiverse,” the pacing CEO added.
“To do that, we are expanding Avengers Campus—and the heart of this new area will be a sensational new attraction,” former Theme Park...
- 9/9/2022
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Sept. 7, Wednesday
Tom Hanks, Cynthia Erivo and Luke Evans premiere “Pinocchio.”
Walt Disney Studios lot, Burbank
“Cobra Kai” Season 5 kicks off with Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Xolo Maridueña and Tanner Buchanan.
L.A. State Historic Park, Los Angeles
Jimmy Kimmel hosts the premiere party for “Chef’s Table: Pizza.”
Pizzeria Bianco, Los Angeles
Peacock premieres “A Friend of the Family.”
San Vicente Bungalows, West Hollywood
Brie Larson attends the premiere of Disney+’s “Growing Up.”
Neuehouse, Hollywood
Sept. 8, Thursday
David E. Kelley accepts the Creative Conscience Award in the field of television at Variety’s Showrunners Dinner.
Sunset Tower, Los Angeles
Sally El Hosaini’s “The Swimmers” opens the 11-day Toronto International Film Festival.
Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto
Sept. 9, Friday
“Disney 100 Years of Wonder” kicks off at D23 Expo with the Disney Legends Awards, honoring Anthony Anderson, Kristen Bell, Chadwick Boseman, Rob’t Coltrin, Patrick Dempsey, Robert Price Foster, Josh Gad,...
Tom Hanks, Cynthia Erivo and Luke Evans premiere “Pinocchio.”
Walt Disney Studios lot, Burbank
“Cobra Kai” Season 5 kicks off with Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Xolo Maridueña and Tanner Buchanan.
L.A. State Historic Park, Los Angeles
Jimmy Kimmel hosts the premiere party for “Chef’s Table: Pizza.”
Pizzeria Bianco, Los Angeles
Peacock premieres “A Friend of the Family.”
San Vicente Bungalows, West Hollywood
Brie Larson attends the premiere of Disney+’s “Growing Up.”
Neuehouse, Hollywood
Sept. 8, Thursday
David E. Kelley accepts the Creative Conscience Award in the field of television at Variety’s Showrunners Dinner.
Sunset Tower, Los Angeles
Sally El Hosaini’s “The Swimmers” opens the 11-day Toronto International Film Festival.
Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto
Sept. 9, Friday
“Disney 100 Years of Wonder” kicks off at D23 Expo with the Disney Legends Awards, honoring Anthony Anderson, Kristen Bell, Chadwick Boseman, Rob’t Coltrin, Patrick Dempsey, Robert Price Foster, Josh Gad,...
- 9/6/2022
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Black Panther–well, Chadwick Boseman–is now a Disney Legend. The Walt Disney Company has announced 14 new honorees as part of their Disney Legends brand. This 35th anniversary edition of Disney Legends includes actors, animators, Imagineers, and more.
The list: Anthony Anderson, Kristen Bell, Chadwick Boseman, Rob’t Coltrin, Patrick Dempsey, Robert Price “Bob” Foster, Jonathan Groff, Don Hahn, Josh Gad, Doris Hardoon, Idina Menzel, Chris Montan, Ellen Pompeo, and Tracee Ellis Ross.
Perhaps the standout name is Chadwick Boseman, one of just two members being honored posthumously (the other is Foster). Boseman passed away just over two years ago.
The hall of fame was established in 1987 and included just one honoree that year: Fred MacMurray, whose most notable Disney movie is The Shaggy Dog (1959), later remade with Robert Downey Jr., a member of the Class of 2019.
The honorees also join the likes of Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, George Lucas,...
The list: Anthony Anderson, Kristen Bell, Chadwick Boseman, Rob’t Coltrin, Patrick Dempsey, Robert Price “Bob” Foster, Jonathan Groff, Don Hahn, Josh Gad, Doris Hardoon, Idina Menzel, Chris Montan, Ellen Pompeo, and Tracee Ellis Ross.
Perhaps the standout name is Chadwick Boseman, one of just two members being honored posthumously (the other is Foster). Boseman passed away just over two years ago.
The hall of fame was established in 1987 and included just one honoree that year: Fred MacMurray, whose most notable Disney movie is The Shaggy Dog (1959), later remade with Robert Downey Jr., a member of the Class of 2019.
The honorees also join the likes of Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, George Lucas,...
- 8/20/2022
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Disney’s upcoming D23 Expo is just a few weeks away, and news is emerging about what fans can expect from this year’s event.
According to a press release, D23 — a.k.a. “the ultimate Disney fan event” — will kick off with an opening ceremony featuring the Disney Legends Awards and a sneak peek at the upcoming Disney 100 Years of Wonder celebration.
“For nearly a century, Disney has been entertaining and inspiring people around the world,” said Bob Chapek, CEO, the Walt Disney Company. “I can’t wait to give fans a first look at what we have in store for our hundredth anniversary, and how we’re using this occasion to celebrate all the fans and families who have welcomed Disney into their lives.”
Read More: Kristen Bell’s ‘Encore!’ Gets Debut Trailer At D23 Expo
The opening ceremony will feature musical performances, special guests and some surprises,...
According to a press release, D23 — a.k.a. “the ultimate Disney fan event” — will kick off with an opening ceremony featuring the Disney Legends Awards and a sneak peek at the upcoming Disney 100 Years of Wonder celebration.
“For nearly a century, Disney has been entertaining and inspiring people around the world,” said Bob Chapek, CEO, the Walt Disney Company. “I can’t wait to give fans a first look at what we have in store for our hundredth anniversary, and how we’re using this occasion to celebrate all the fans and families who have welcomed Disney into their lives.”
Read More: Kristen Bell’s ‘Encore!’ Gets Debut Trailer At D23 Expo
The opening ceremony will feature musical performances, special guests and some surprises,...
- 8/19/2022
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Disney’s D23 Expo will kick off next month with a presentation of this year’s class of Disney Legends, the roster of which was announced today. Per the company, “The Disney Legends Award is given to an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to the Disney legacy.”
This year’s honorees are Anthony Anderson, Kristen Bell, Chadwick Boseman, Rob’t Coltrin, Patrick Dempsey, Robert Price “Bob” Foster, Jonathan Groff, Don Hahn, Josh Gad, Doris Hardoon, Idina Menzel, Chris Montan, Ellen Pompeo, and Tracee Ellis Ross.
Tamron Hall will host the ceremony.
“For nearly a century, Disney has been entertaining and inspiring people around the world,” said Chapek in a statement today. “I can’t wait to give fans a first look at what we have in store for our hundredth anniversary, and how we’re using this occasion to celebrate all the fans and families who have welcomed Disney into their lives.
This year’s honorees are Anthony Anderson, Kristen Bell, Chadwick Boseman, Rob’t Coltrin, Patrick Dempsey, Robert Price “Bob” Foster, Jonathan Groff, Don Hahn, Josh Gad, Doris Hardoon, Idina Menzel, Chris Montan, Ellen Pompeo, and Tracee Ellis Ross.
Tamron Hall will host the ceremony.
“For nearly a century, Disney has been entertaining and inspiring people around the world,” said Chapek in a statement today. “I can’t wait to give fans a first look at what we have in store for our hundredth anniversary, and how we’re using this occasion to celebrate all the fans and families who have welcomed Disney into their lives.
- 8/19/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The partnership between Apple Original Films and Skydance Media looks to be building on its already-strong slate with another A-list star at the center of it. Sources tell Deadline that Apple has landed The Family Plan, an action-comedy feature from Skydance starring Mark Wahlberg, with Simon Cellan Jones directing.
The film will reunite Wahlberg with Jones following their collaboration on the upcoming Arthur the King.
Written by David Coggeshall, The Family Plan tells the story of a suburban dad who must take his family on the run when his past catches up to him. Municipal Pictures’ Stephen Levinson and Wahlberg will produce with Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger.
Wahlberg continues to be one of the town’s busiest stars and started his year off with Uncharted, which also starred Tom Holland and grossed more than 400 million worldwide. He followed that up with the Sony Pictures...
The film will reunite Wahlberg with Jones following their collaboration on the upcoming Arthur the King.
Written by David Coggeshall, The Family Plan tells the story of a suburban dad who must take his family on the run when his past catches up to him. Municipal Pictures’ Stephen Levinson and Wahlberg will produce with Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger.
Wahlberg continues to be one of the town’s busiest stars and started his year off with Uncharted, which also starred Tom Holland and grossed more than 400 million worldwide. He followed that up with the Sony Pictures...
- 8/16/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
A 25th anniversary celebration of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella will air with a news special cast reunion and presentation of the original film as part of Disney Princess Week.
The package, Cinderella: The Reunion, A Special Edition of 20/20, airs on ABC-tv on Tuesday, Aug. 23 stating at 8 Pm Et/Pt and will stream the next day on Hulu.
The reunion will feature Brandy, Whoopi Goldberg, Paolo Montalban, Victor Garber, Bernadette Peters, Jason Alexander, and Veanne Cox. Following the news special, The Wonderful World of Disney will aira presentation of the original film from 9-11 Pm Et/Pt. (9:00-11:00 p.m). It will also be available to stream on Disney+.
The Disney live-action film marked a groundbreaking moment in television history, introducing America’s first Black Cinderella (Brandy) and Fairy Godmother (Whitney Houston). The ABC News Studios reunion special explores how the made-for-television musical expanded society’s view of the term “princess,...
The package, Cinderella: The Reunion, A Special Edition of 20/20, airs on ABC-tv on Tuesday, Aug. 23 stating at 8 Pm Et/Pt and will stream the next day on Hulu.
The reunion will feature Brandy, Whoopi Goldberg, Paolo Montalban, Victor Garber, Bernadette Peters, Jason Alexander, and Veanne Cox. Following the news special, The Wonderful World of Disney will aira presentation of the original film from 9-11 Pm Et/Pt. (9:00-11:00 p.m). It will also be available to stream on Disney+.
The Disney live-action film marked a groundbreaking moment in television history, introducing America’s first Black Cinderella (Brandy) and Fairy Godmother (Whitney Houston). The ABC News Studios reunion special explores how the made-for-television musical expanded society’s view of the term “princess,...
- 8/12/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem will lend their voices to “Spellbound,” an animated fantasy musical from Apple Studios and Skydance Animation. The project reunites the pair, who just scored Oscar nominations for playing Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in Aaron Sorkin’s 2021 biographical drama “Being the Ricardos.”
John Lithgow, Nathan Lane, Jenifer Lewis, André De Shields and Jordan Fisher have also joined the ensemble.
As previously announced, “West Side Story” star Rachel Zegler is leading the cast as Princess Ellian, a young royal who embarks on a daring journey to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms them into monsters and threatens to cover Lumbria in darkness forever.
Kidman and Bardem, again portraying a married couple, will play her parents: Ellsmere, “the kind and just, yet hyper-precise queen” and Solon, “the boastful yet big-hearted king.”
Lithgow, as Minister Bolinar, and Lewis, as Minister Nazara Prone, will act...
John Lithgow, Nathan Lane, Jenifer Lewis, André De Shields and Jordan Fisher have also joined the ensemble.
As previously announced, “West Side Story” star Rachel Zegler is leading the cast as Princess Ellian, a young royal who embarks on a daring journey to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms them into monsters and threatens to cover Lumbria in darkness forever.
Kidman and Bardem, again portraying a married couple, will play her parents: Ellsmere, “the kind and just, yet hyper-precise queen” and Solon, “the boastful yet big-hearted king.”
Lithgow, as Minister Bolinar, and Lewis, as Minister Nazara Prone, will act...
- 6/21/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The animated film Spellbound led by West Side Story‘s Rachel Zegler has expanded its voice cast, with the Being the Ricardos duo of Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem signing on for roles, along with John Lithgow (Killers of the Flower Moon), Nathan Lane (Only Murders in the Building), Jenifer Lewis (I Love That for You), André De Shields and Jordan Fisher (Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen).
The upcoming musical from Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation will have Kidman voicing Ellsmere, the kind and just, yet hyper-precise Queen of Lumbria, with Bardem as Lumbria’s boastful yet big-hearted King, Solon. Together, they are the parents of Princess Ellian (Zegler), who they join on her daring quest to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms them into monsters and threatens to cover Lumbria in darkness forever. Lithgow and Lewis will voice Princess Ellian’s royal advisors,...
The upcoming musical from Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation will have Kidman voicing Ellsmere, the kind and just, yet hyper-precise Queen of Lumbria, with Bardem as Lumbria’s boastful yet big-hearted King, Solon. Together, they are the parents of Princess Ellian (Zegler), who they join on her daring quest to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms them into monsters and threatens to cover Lumbria in darkness forever. Lithgow and Lewis will voice Princess Ellian’s royal advisors,...
- 6/21/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Apple and Skydance have unveiled the voice cast for their upcoming animated musical film “Spellbound,” adding Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem to lead the cast alongside the previously announced Rachel Zegler (“West Side Story”).
Vicky Jenson (“Shrek”) is directing “Spellbound.” Additional cast includes John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, André De Shields and Jordan Fisher.
Kidman will voice the role of Ellsmere, Lumbria’s kind and just queen; Bardem will voice Solon, the boastful and big-hearted king. They are parents to the bold Princess Ellian (Zegler). After a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters and threatens to cover their kingdom in darkness forever, Ellian embarks on a daring quest to save her family and Lumbria at large.
Also Read:
‘Luck’ Teaser Reveals John Lasseter’s First Animated Film for Skydance and Apple TV+ (Video)
Lithgow and Lewis will voice Minister Bolinar and Minister Nazara Prone, respectively, as royal advisors to the princess.
Vicky Jenson (“Shrek”) is directing “Spellbound.” Additional cast includes John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, André De Shields and Jordan Fisher.
Kidman will voice the role of Ellsmere, Lumbria’s kind and just queen; Bardem will voice Solon, the boastful and big-hearted king. They are parents to the bold Princess Ellian (Zegler). After a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters and threatens to cover their kingdom in darkness forever, Ellian embarks on a daring quest to save her family and Lumbria at large.
Also Read:
‘Luck’ Teaser Reveals John Lasseter’s First Animated Film for Skydance and Apple TV+ (Video)
Lithgow and Lewis will voice Minister Bolinar and Minister Nazara Prone, respectively, as royal advisors to the princess.
- 6/21/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: West Side Story star Rachel Zegler is set to provide the voice of Princess Ellian, the lead role in Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation’s new animated musical feature Spellbound. Ellian is the tenacious princess who must go on a daring quest to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters and threatens to cover Lumbria in darkness forever.
Vicky Jenson is directing the pic with Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin and Linda Woolverton penning the script. The original score for the film hails from Academy Award-winner Alan Menken, with lyrics by Glenn Slater. Chris Montan serves as executive music producer. John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and David Lipman are producing for Skydance Animation.
Zegler has had herself a year following her breakout role as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story . The film earned her critical acclaim and played a...
Vicky Jenson is directing the pic with Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin and Linda Woolverton penning the script. The original score for the film hails from Academy Award-winner Alan Menken, with lyrics by Glenn Slater. Chris Montan serves as executive music producer. John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and David Lipman are producing for Skydance Animation.
Zegler has had herself a year following her breakout role as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story . The film earned her critical acclaim and played a...
- 4/1/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Skydance Animation announced Tuesday that it has finalized a multi-year partnership with children’s entertainment company Spin Master to develop toys and merchandise based on their properties.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with a company like Spin Master that is as committed to quality and attention to detail as we are,” Luis Fernández, head of consumer products at Skydance, said in a statement. “As we ramp up production on our slate of animated features, we could not imagine a better partner to bring our visually stunning and epic animated worlds to life.”
The first Skydance Animation film included in the deal will be the upcoming Apple TV Plus original film “Spellbound,” which will receive a product line from Spin Master encompassing fashion dolls, mini-dolls and vehicles. Following “Spellbound,” Spin Master will have the rights to develop toy lines for all future films produced by Skydance.
“Spellbound” is a musical fantasy film that follows Eileen,...
“We are thrilled to be partnering with a company like Spin Master that is as committed to quality and attention to detail as we are,” Luis Fernández, head of consumer products at Skydance, said in a statement. “As we ramp up production on our slate of animated features, we could not imagine a better partner to bring our visually stunning and epic animated worlds to life.”
The first Skydance Animation film included in the deal will be the upcoming Apple TV Plus original film “Spellbound,” which will receive a product line from Spin Master encompassing fashion dolls, mini-dolls and vehicles. Following “Spellbound,” Spin Master will have the rights to develop toy lines for all future films produced by Skydance.
“Spellbound” is a musical fantasy film that follows Eileen,...
- 3/22/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Skydance Animation has set a multi-year licensing deal with Spin Master, the children’s entertainment company known for creating popular properties like Paw Patrol.
Under the agreement, Spin Master will be the studio’s master toy licensee. The first title covered will be Apple Original Film Spellbound. Directed by Vicky Jenson, the film will debut on Apple TV+. Characters from the show will be featured as products like fashion dolls, mini-dolls and vehicles.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with a company like Spin Master that is as committed to quality and attention to detail as we are,” said Luis Fernández, Skydance’s head of consumer products. “As we ramp up production on our slate of animated features, we could not imagine a better partner to bring our visually stunning and epic animated worlds to life.”
Chris Beardall, Spin Master’s president of toys and chief commercial officer, said the...
Under the agreement, Spin Master will be the studio’s master toy licensee. The first title covered will be Apple Original Film Spellbound. Directed by Vicky Jenson, the film will debut on Apple TV+. Characters from the show will be featured as products like fashion dolls, mini-dolls and vehicles.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with a company like Spin Master that is as committed to quality and attention to detail as we are,” said Luis Fernández, Skydance’s head of consumer products. “As we ramp up production on our slate of animated features, we could not imagine a better partner to bring our visually stunning and epic animated worlds to life.”
Chris Beardall, Spin Master’s president of toys and chief commercial officer, said the...
- 3/22/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Diane Warren and Mitchell Leib will receive lifetime achievement honors from the Guild of Music Supervisors at its annual awards ceremony in March, the organization announced Wednesday.
Warren, arguably the best-known pure songwriter in the business, will pick up the Icon Award, created to celebrate those who have made significant contributions to the music and film industry. Previous recipients include Quincy Jones, Burt Bacharach, Kenny Loggins and Marc Shaiman.
Leib is being given the annual Legacy Award, bestowed to music supervisors who have made a major impact. Leib is a former longtime president of music and soundtracks for Disney’s live action motion picture division. Previous recipients include music supervisors Maureen Crowe, Bob Hunka, Joel Sill, Gary Lemel and Chris Montan.
“Thank you, Guild of Music Supervisors, for this amazing honor,” said Warren in a statement. “I see that real icons have received this award previously, and I am proud...
Warren, arguably the best-known pure songwriter in the business, will pick up the Icon Award, created to celebrate those who have made significant contributions to the music and film industry. Previous recipients include Quincy Jones, Burt Bacharach, Kenny Loggins and Marc Shaiman.
Leib is being given the annual Legacy Award, bestowed to music supervisors who have made a major impact. Leib is a former longtime president of music and soundtracks for Disney’s live action motion picture division. Previous recipients include music supervisors Maureen Crowe, Bob Hunka, Joel Sill, Gary Lemel and Chris Montan.
“Thank you, Guild of Music Supervisors, for this amazing honor,” said Warren in a statement. “I see that real icons have received this award previously, and I am proud...
- 1/26/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Img will serve as the global licensing rep for Skydance Animation and its upcoming feature film and TV lineup, which includes its first two movies, Luck directed by Peggy Holmes and Spellbound directed by Vicky Jenson.
The multi-year deal will see the Endeavor-owned licensing agency develop extensive product licensing portfolios for Skydance Animation’s slate and theatrical-quality animated TV series.
“As we prepare for the debut of our first animation projects in the coming year, we are thrilled to be partnering with the world’s premier licensing agency to develop consumer products franchises that extend our stories and characters across retail platforms,” said Luis Fernández, Head of Consumer Products, Skydance.
“Skydance Animation has assembled a team of legendary talent that is reimagining animation with some of the most exciting new feature-length film and series animation anywhere today,” added Bruno Maglione, President of Licensing at Img. “We’re proud to...
The multi-year deal will see the Endeavor-owned licensing agency develop extensive product licensing portfolios for Skydance Animation’s slate and theatrical-quality animated TV series.
“As we prepare for the debut of our first animation projects in the coming year, we are thrilled to be partnering with the world’s premier licensing agency to develop consumer products franchises that extend our stories and characters across retail platforms,” said Luis Fernández, Head of Consumer Products, Skydance.
“Skydance Animation has assembled a team of legendary talent that is reimagining animation with some of the most exciting new feature-length film and series animation anywhere today,” added Bruno Maglione, President of Licensing at Img. “We’re proud to...
- 4/21/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Apple on Wednesday unveiled a multiyear partnership with Skydance Animation to deliver kids and families animated theatrical features and TV series. Apple TV+ has a reach of 100 countries. The deal begins with the recent Apple acquisitions of Skydance’s upcoming animated titles Luck and Spellbound.
Additionally, Skydance Animation is making its TV debut on Apple TV+ with two seasons of The Search for WondLa, which is based on the book series by Tony Diterlizzi. The Apple Original series will be written and executive produced by showrunner Lauren Montgomery, with Chad Quant, Diterlizzi and Gotham Group also serving as executive producers.
Skydance Animation is a division of David Ellison’s Skydance Media and run by Ellison, Head of Animation John Lasseter, and Skydance Animation president Holly Edwards. Ellison and Lasseter will serve as producers on all feature films and executive producers on series.
Directed by Peggy Holmes and written by Kiel Murray,...
Additionally, Skydance Animation is making its TV debut on Apple TV+ with two seasons of The Search for WondLa, which is based on the book series by Tony Diterlizzi. The Apple Original series will be written and executive produced by showrunner Lauren Montgomery, with Chad Quant, Diterlizzi and Gotham Group also serving as executive producers.
Skydance Animation is a division of David Ellison’s Skydance Media and run by Ellison, Head of Animation John Lasseter, and Skydance Animation president Holly Edwards. Ellison and Lasseter will serve as producers on all feature films and executive producers on series.
Directed by Peggy Holmes and written by Kiel Murray,...
- 2/17/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s star-studded Cinderella starring Brandy in the title role will be available to stream on Disney+ starting at midnight on February 12.
The 1997 reimagining of the beloved fairytale touts a loaded cast with Whoopi Goldberg, Victor Garber, Bernadette Peters and the late Whitney Houston as Fairy Godmother.
Directed by Robert Iscove, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella featured a number of memorable original tunes from the renown songwriting duo including “Impossible,” “Ten Minutes Ago” and “A Lovely Night.” In addition to receiving praise for its diverse casting and musical numbers, Cinderella received seven Emmy nominations in 1998 and took home the outstanding art direction for a variety or music program prize.
Garber, Natalie Desselle Reid, Paolo Montalban, Jason Alexander and Veanne Cox also star in the fairytale flick. Rodgers & Hammerstien’s Cinderella was executive produced by Houston, Debra Martin Chase, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. Chris Montan produced with Robyn Crawford as associate producer.
The 1997 reimagining of the beloved fairytale touts a loaded cast with Whoopi Goldberg, Victor Garber, Bernadette Peters and the late Whitney Houston as Fairy Godmother.
Directed by Robert Iscove, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella featured a number of memorable original tunes from the renown songwriting duo including “Impossible,” “Ten Minutes Ago” and “A Lovely Night.” In addition to receiving praise for its diverse casting and musical numbers, Cinderella received seven Emmy nominations in 1998 and took home the outstanding art direction for a variety or music program prize.
Garber, Natalie Desselle Reid, Paolo Montalban, Jason Alexander and Veanne Cox also star in the fairytale flick. Rodgers & Hammerstien’s Cinderella was executive produced by Houston, Debra Martin Chase, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. Chris Montan produced with Robyn Crawford as associate producer.
- 2/4/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
No longer impossible: “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” starring Brandy Norwood will finally be available on Disney+ beginning Feb. 12.
Along with Brandy as the title princess herself, the beloved “Wonderful World of Disney” movie stars Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother, along with Whoopi Goldberg, Victor Garber, Natalie Desselle Reid, Bernadette Peters, Paolo Montalban, Jason Alexander and Veanne Cox.
The-made-for-tv version of “Cinderella,” which premiered Nov. 2, 1997 on ABC to 60 million viewers, follows the classic tale of Cinderella, who gets some unexpected help from her Fairy Godmother after her cruel stepmother prevents her from attending the Royal Ball.
“Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” was nominated for seven Emmys and well-received by critics and audiences alike for the diverse cast in the musical fairy tale, including Brandy as Cinderella, Filipino-American actor Montalban as Prince Charming, and Goldberg as his mother.
The movie is also remembered fondly by fans for its songbook, of course, including...
Along with Brandy as the title princess herself, the beloved “Wonderful World of Disney” movie stars Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother, along with Whoopi Goldberg, Victor Garber, Natalie Desselle Reid, Bernadette Peters, Paolo Montalban, Jason Alexander and Veanne Cox.
The-made-for-tv version of “Cinderella,” which premiered Nov. 2, 1997 on ABC to 60 million viewers, follows the classic tale of Cinderella, who gets some unexpected help from her Fairy Godmother after her cruel stepmother prevents her from attending the Royal Ball.
“Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” was nominated for seven Emmys and well-received by critics and audiences alike for the diverse cast in the musical fairy tale, including Brandy as Cinderella, Filipino-American actor Montalban as Prince Charming, and Goldberg as his mother.
The movie is also remembered fondly by fans for its songbook, of course, including...
- 2/4/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Over the years, fans of singer and actor Brandy have learned to “never say never” or believe that something’s “impossible” — and their patience and perseverance has been rewarded. “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” the 1997 TV movie that stars Brandy and Whitney Houston, is officially coming to Disney Plus.
Disney announced Thursday that the beloved musical movie will launch on the streaming service “at the stroke of midnight” on Feb. 12.
The movie’s streaming debut has been long-awaited by fans, and Brandy herself, who urged the streamer to pick up the rights to the project last summer, while promoting her latest album, B7. “Disney can come on up and scoop up Cinderella. That would be awesome,” she said. Well, consider your wish granted.
Thursday morning, Brandy reunited with Goldberg, appearing on ABC’s “The View” to announce the news:
“It’s pretty remarkable that people have been begging for ‘Cinderella’ to be re-released for almost 24 years.
Disney announced Thursday that the beloved musical movie will launch on the streaming service “at the stroke of midnight” on Feb. 12.
The movie’s streaming debut has been long-awaited by fans, and Brandy herself, who urged the streamer to pick up the rights to the project last summer, while promoting her latest album, B7. “Disney can come on up and scoop up Cinderella. That would be awesome,” she said. Well, consider your wish granted.
Thursday morning, Brandy reunited with Goldberg, appearing on ABC’s “The View” to announce the news:
“It’s pretty remarkable that people have been begging for ‘Cinderella’ to be re-released for almost 24 years.
- 2/4/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Alan Menken became the latest recipient of Egot status following his Daytime Emmy win on Sunday, July 26. Menken, who has eight Oscars, 11 Grammys and one Tony Award, took home the Daytime Emmy for outstanding original song in a children’s, young adult or animated program. Menken, pictured with Celine Dion at the “Beauty and the Beast” premiere in 2017, composed “Waiting in the Wings” for “Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure.”
His win makes him the 16th person to achieve Egot status — winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony Award. He joins the elite group of winners alongside John Legend, Tim Rice, Rita Moreno, Audrey Hepburn, Mel Brooks, Mike Nichols, Whoopi Goldberg, Helen Hayes, Marvin Hamlisch, Mike Nichols, Robert Lopez, Richard Rogers, John Gielgud, Jonathan Tunick and Scott Rudin.
Menken scored “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Enchanted,” “Pocahontas” and “Tangled” and many other Disney classics,...
His win makes him the 16th person to achieve Egot status — winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony Award. He joins the elite group of winners alongside John Legend, Tim Rice, Rita Moreno, Audrey Hepburn, Mel Brooks, Mike Nichols, Whoopi Goldberg, Helen Hayes, Marvin Hamlisch, Mike Nichols, Robert Lopez, Richard Rogers, John Gielgud, Jonathan Tunick and Scott Rudin.
Menken scored “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Enchanted,” “Pocahontas” and “Tangled” and many other Disney classics,...
- 7/27/2020
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Skydance and Paramount Pictures have announced that original animated musical fantasy Spellbound, which Paramount Pictures has committed to co-finance and release globally, is now slated for November 11, 2022.
Skydance Animation’s first original feature film, Luck, will be released domestically on February 18, 2022 with a worldwide rollout to follow.
This marks the continued expansion of the decade-long partnership between the storied Hollywood studio and David Ellison’s prolific media company, which now encompasses feature film, animation and television.
President of Skydance Animation Holly Edwards said, “Luck and Spellbound create rich worlds and compelling characters that we know will resonate with audiences everywhere. It’s incredibly exciting to see our team of legendary creatives working around the clock and across the globe to bring these pictures to life.”
“Luck and Spellbound mark the next phase of Skydance and Paramount’s commitment to feature animation for the theatrical experience,” said Paramount’s President of Domestic Distribution,...
Skydance Animation’s first original feature film, Luck, will be released domestically on February 18, 2022 with a worldwide rollout to follow.
This marks the continued expansion of the decade-long partnership between the storied Hollywood studio and David Ellison’s prolific media company, which now encompasses feature film, animation and television.
President of Skydance Animation Holly Edwards said, “Luck and Spellbound create rich worlds and compelling characters that we know will resonate with audiences everywhere. It’s incredibly exciting to see our team of legendary creatives working around the clock and across the globe to bring these pictures to life.”
“Luck and Spellbound mark the next phase of Skydance and Paramount’s commitment to feature animation for the theatrical experience,” said Paramount’s President of Domestic Distribution,...
- 7/21/2020
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Skydance and Paramount Pictures announced the release dates for two animated features today: Spellbound which will open worldwide on Nov. 11, 2022 and Luck on Feb. 18, 2022.
Spellbound and Luck will be co-financed by Paramount. Luck reps the first title from Skydance Animation.
President of Skydance Animation Holly Edwards said, “Luck and Spellbound create rich worlds and compelling characters that we know will resonate with audiences everywhere. It’s incredibly exciting to see our team of legendary creatives working around the clock and across the globe to bring these pictures to life.”
“Luck and Spellbound mark the next phase of Skydance and Paramount’s commitment to feature animation for the theatrical experience,” said Paramount’s President of Domestic Distribution, Chris Aronson. “These films not only continue our longstanding relationship with Skydance, but, along with Paramount Animation’s own upcoming films, mean we will be releasing event-level animated films for years to come.”
Spellbound,...
Spellbound and Luck will be co-financed by Paramount. Luck reps the first title from Skydance Animation.
President of Skydance Animation Holly Edwards said, “Luck and Spellbound create rich worlds and compelling characters that we know will resonate with audiences everywhere. It’s incredibly exciting to see our team of legendary creatives working around the clock and across the globe to bring these pictures to life.”
“Luck and Spellbound mark the next phase of Skydance and Paramount’s commitment to feature animation for the theatrical experience,” said Paramount’s President of Domestic Distribution, Chris Aronson. “These films not only continue our longstanding relationship with Skydance, but, along with Paramount Animation’s own upcoming films, mean we will be releasing event-level animated films for years to come.”
Spellbound,...
- 7/20/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The John Lasseter-led Skydance Animation feature slate is coming together more than a year after he left Disney/Pixar amid workplace sexual harassment allegations, with director Vicky Jenson (“Shrek”) helming a musical fantasy titled “Spellbound” (working title), about a young girl breaking the spell that has split her kingdom in two. Disney musical legend Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast”) has just been signed to compose the score and original songs, with a script by Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin (“Mulan”) and Linda Woolverton (“Beauty and the Beast”). Joining Menken is celebrated lyricist and frequent collaborator Glenn Slater (“Tangled”) and lauded music producer Chris Montan (former head of Walt Disney Music).
“Alan Menken’s music defines a generation and is loved by audiences around the world,” said Jenson. “From day one, we knew this magical world would be full of music, and we knew only Alan could bring it to life.
“Alan Menken’s music defines a generation and is loved by audiences around the world,” said Jenson. “From day one, we knew this magical world would be full of music, and we knew only Alan could bring it to life.
- 5/21/2020
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Skydance Animation has nabbed one of the biggest names in family entertainment to compose the music and score for an upcoming feature. Alan Menken, best-known for creating such classic songs as “Under the Sea” and “Be Our Guest,” will bring his melodic talents to “Spellbound.” The film, which will likely be re-titled, centers on a young girl who must break a spell that has split her kingdom in two.
Menken’s list of credits includes “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Enchanted,” “Pocahontas” and “Tangled”… or basically every movie from Disney’s animation renaissance. He cooked up the music for “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Newsies,” two live-action favorites, for good measure.
Menken’s hire is welcome news for Skydance Animation, which has been the subject of controversy since it tapped John Lasseter in 2019 to head the division alongside Holly Edwards. Lasseter is...
Menken’s list of credits includes “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Enchanted,” “Pocahontas” and “Tangled”… or basically every movie from Disney’s animation renaissance. He cooked up the music for “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Newsies,” two live-action favorites, for good measure.
Menken’s hire is welcome news for Skydance Animation, which has been the subject of controversy since it tapped John Lasseter in 2019 to head the division alongside Holly Edwards. Lasseter is...
- 5/20/2020
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Alan Menken, the eight time Academy Award-winning composer of films such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid,” will compose original music and the score for Skydance Animation’s upcoming feature “Spellbound.”
The film, which is being directed by Vicky Jenson from a script by Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin (“Mulan”) and Linda Woolverton, is set in a world of magic where a young girl must break the spell that has split her kingdom in two. “Spellbound” is the animated feature’s working title.
Menken’s legendary career, spanning more than four decades, includes award-winning work on “Aladdin,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Pocahontas,” “Newsies,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Hercules,” “Enchanted” and “Tangled.” Menken has also won more Oscars than any other composer.
Also Read: Skydance Animation's Production Head Holly Edwards Promoted to President
He will compose music alongside Grammy winner Glenn Slater, who will write lyrics. The two...
The film, which is being directed by Vicky Jenson from a script by Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin (“Mulan”) and Linda Woolverton, is set in a world of magic where a young girl must break the spell that has split her kingdom in two. “Spellbound” is the animated feature’s working title.
Menken’s legendary career, spanning more than four decades, includes award-winning work on “Aladdin,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Pocahontas,” “Newsies,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Hercules,” “Enchanted” and “Tangled.” Menken has also won more Oscars than any other composer.
Also Read: Skydance Animation's Production Head Holly Edwards Promoted to President
He will compose music alongside Grammy winner Glenn Slater, who will write lyrics. The two...
- 5/20/2020
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Eight-time Oscar winning composer and lyricist Alan Menken is set to pen the music and score to Skydance Animation’s upcoming musical fantasy Spellbound.
Menken will team with lyricist and frequent collaborator Glenn Slater and music producer Chris Montan.
Directed by Vicky Jenson and written by Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin (Mulan) and Linda Woolverton, Spellbound follows a young girl who must break the spell that has split her kingdom in two.
Menken is known for his award-winning work on Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Little Shop of Horrors, Pocahontas, Newsies, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Enchanted and Tangled. His work also includes the onstage musicals Little Shop of Horrors, A Christmas Carol, A Bronx Tale and Sister Act as well as adaptations of his film work including Newsies.
“Alan Menken’s music defines a...
Menken will team with lyricist and frequent collaborator Glenn Slater and music producer Chris Montan.
Directed by Vicky Jenson and written by Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin (Mulan) and Linda Woolverton, Spellbound follows a young girl who must break the spell that has split her kingdom in two.
Menken is known for his award-winning work on Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Little Shop of Horrors, Pocahontas, Newsies, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Enchanted and Tangled. His work also includes the onstage musicals Little Shop of Horrors, A Christmas Carol, A Bronx Tale and Sister Act as well as adaptations of his film work including Newsies.
“Alan Menken’s music defines a...
- 5/20/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Alan Menken — the legendary composer behind such Disney classics as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas and Tangled — will compose original songs and the score for Skydance Animation's upcoming animated feature Spellbound (working title).
He will be joined by lyricist and frequent collaborator Glenn Slater (Tangled) and music producer Chris Montan (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen).
Vicky Jenson (Shrek, Shark Tale) is helming Spellbound, which is written by Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin (Mulan) and Linda Woolverton (Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King). The story is set in a world of ...
He will be joined by lyricist and frequent collaborator Glenn Slater (Tangled) and music producer Chris Montan (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen).
Vicky Jenson (Shrek, Shark Tale) is helming Spellbound, which is written by Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin (Mulan) and Linda Woolverton (Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King). The story is set in a world of ...
- 5/20/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Alan Menken — the legendary composer behind such Disney classics as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas and Tangled — will compose original songs and the score for Skydance Animation's upcoming animated feature Spellbound (working title).
He will be joined by lyricist and frequent collaborator Glenn Slater (Tangled) and music producer Chris Montan (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen).
Vicky Jenson (Shrek, Shark Tale) is helming Spellbound, which is written by Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin (Mulan) and Linda Woolverton (Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King). The story is set in a world of ...
He will be joined by lyricist and frequent collaborator Glenn Slater (Tangled) and music producer Chris Montan (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen).
Vicky Jenson (Shrek, Shark Tale) is helming Spellbound, which is written by Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin (Mulan) and Linda Woolverton (Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King). The story is set in a world of ...
- 5/20/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Nearly one year ago, on March 22, 2018, the new Broadway musical Frozen opened at New York’s historic St. James Theatre and became an instant hit. Frozen has been in the top 10 best-selling shows every week since its opening, grossing more than any new Broadway musical since Hamilton and setting four St. James Theatre house records in less than a year. Now, in celebration of the musical’s first smash year on Broadway, Disney Theatrical Productions has announced worldwide expansion plans for Frozen, with international productions planned for Australia, London and Germany.
“Jennifer Lee, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Bobby Lopez have crafted a gorgeous stage musical and we’re so grateful that Broadway has taken it to its heart,” said Thomas Schumacher, President & Producer, Disney Theatrical Productions. “That’s why every production will be handmade, with our brilliant director Michael Grandage and original creators working alongside the local teams to create the...
“Jennifer Lee, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Bobby Lopez have crafted a gorgeous stage musical and we’re so grateful that Broadway has taken it to its heart,” said Thomas Schumacher, President & Producer, Disney Theatrical Productions. “That’s why every production will be handmade, with our brilliant director Michael Grandage and original creators working alongside the local teams to create the...
- 3/20/2019
- by Andrew Wendowski
- Age of the Nerd
Members of the Broadway cast of Frozen were in the recording studio today working on the show’s cast recording, which Disney announced will be released later this spring.
Caissie Levy, as Elsa, and Patti Murin, who plays Anna, head the cast. The album is produced by Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, Stephen Oremus, Dave Metzger and Chris Montan.
Frozen, which already has a large pit orchestra of 21, will be expanded even further for the cast recording to 44 musicians, including a string section of 22.
Following previous Disney Theatrical adaptations of Aladdin and The Lion King, which continue to draw strong crowds on Broadway, Frozen opened March 22 at the St. James Theatre. Based on the 2013 film, which won Oscars for Best Song (“Let It Go”) as well as Best Animated Feature, the Broadway show has also posted free videos of four of the 12 new songs that were written for the Broadway show.
Caissie Levy, as Elsa, and Patti Murin, who plays Anna, head the cast. The album is produced by Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, Stephen Oremus, Dave Metzger and Chris Montan.
Frozen, which already has a large pit orchestra of 21, will be expanded even further for the cast recording to 44 musicians, including a string section of 22.
Following previous Disney Theatrical adaptations of Aladdin and The Lion King, which continue to draw strong crowds on Broadway, Frozen opened March 22 at the St. James Theatre. Based on the 2013 film, which won Oscars for Best Song (“Let It Go”) as well as Best Animated Feature, the Broadway show has also posted free videos of four of the 12 new songs that were written for the Broadway show.
- 4/9/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The company of Disney Theatrical's new Broadway musical Frozen, led by Broadway veterans Caissie Levy as Elsa and Patti Murin as Anna, is currently laying down tracks for the show's Original Broadway Cast Recording, to be released by Walt Disney Records later this spring. The album is produced by Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, Stephen Oremus, Dave Metzger and Chris Montan.
- 4/9/2018
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Composer John Williams will be honored for his 60-year career by Broadcast Music Inc. (Bmi) at its 34th annual Film, TV and Visual Media Awards. The event is scheduled for May 9 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.
Williams will receive “a special award, bearing his name, in recognition of his incomparable status as one of the greatest film and television composers of our time,” the performance rights organization announced.
Said Bmi Vice President, Creative Doreen Ringer-Ross: “By continuing to create and add to his prolific body of work, he’s made a lasting impression on music lovers around the world, and an entire community of composers who he continues to inspire. Because of this, and for all that he has given the world of music and beyond, we felt it was appropriate to honor John with this special award.”
Williams, 86, recently received his 51st Oscar nomination, for scoring “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Williams will receive “a special award, bearing his name, in recognition of his incomparable status as one of the greatest film and television composers of our time,” the performance rights organization announced.
Said Bmi Vice President, Creative Doreen Ringer-Ross: “By continuing to create and add to his prolific body of work, he’s made a lasting impression on music lovers around the world, and an entire community of composers who he continues to inspire. Because of this, and for all that he has given the world of music and beyond, we felt it was appropriate to honor John with this special award.”
Williams, 86, recently received his 51st Oscar nomination, for scoring “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
- 4/9/2018
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
(Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
Filmmakers from Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios introduced D23 Expo 2015 fans to an array of new stories and characters—from a lost dinosaur to a master wayfinder, a scheming fox to a forgetful fish.
The audience of 7,500 was treated to sneak peeks, musical performances and appearances from stars like Ellen DeGeneres, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, Ginnifer Goodwin, Dwayne Johnson, Randy Newman and Ty Burrell, among others.
John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, led the presentations, calling on a host of filmmakers from both studios to introduce the upcoming slate of films. “We really have an unbelievable range of movies in production at our studios right now,” said Lasseter. “The stories are dynamic, fresh and so much fun; the characters new and old are so appealing. I’m excited to share some of our long-held...
Filmmakers from Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios introduced D23 Expo 2015 fans to an array of new stories and characters—from a lost dinosaur to a master wayfinder, a scheming fox to a forgetful fish.
The audience of 7,500 was treated to sneak peeks, musical performances and appearances from stars like Ellen DeGeneres, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, Ginnifer Goodwin, Dwayne Johnson, Randy Newman and Ty Burrell, among others.
John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, led the presentations, calling on a host of filmmakers from both studios to introduce the upcoming slate of films. “We really have an unbelievable range of movies in production at our studios right now,” said Lasseter. “The stories are dynamic, fresh and so much fun; the characters new and old are so appealing. I’m excited to share some of our long-held...
- 8/15/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Just a heads up -- in case you can't get to Walt Disney's D23 Expo in Anaheim, CA from August 14-16 -- heaps of new Lucasfilm, Pixar, Marvel and Disney movie intel will be coming out of the event, so put yourself on standby for cool previews.
Disney just shared a press release with the 2015 schedule. You'll see it's noted that "a bevy of special guests will be on hand to offer a look at an unparalleled slate that includes Alice Through the Looking Glass, The Jungle Book, Marvel's Captain America: Civil War, Star Wars: The Force Awakens-and much, much more." Also, "Filmmakers will unveil never-before-seen footage from Pixar's upcoming The Good Dinosaur and Finding Dory and Disney Animation's Zootopia and Moana." So if those movies, and all Disney/Pixar projects, are of interest to you, just know some good teases should be coming out of this.
Here's the...
Disney just shared a press release with the 2015 schedule. You'll see it's noted that "a bevy of special guests will be on hand to offer a look at an unparalleled slate that includes Alice Through the Looking Glass, The Jungle Book, Marvel's Captain America: Civil War, Star Wars: The Force Awakens-and much, much more." Also, "Filmmakers will unveil never-before-seen footage from Pixar's upcoming The Good Dinosaur and Finding Dory and Disney Animation's Zootopia and Moana." So if those movies, and all Disney/Pixar projects, are of interest to you, just know some good teases should be coming out of this.
Here's the...
- 7/22/2015
- by Gina Carbone
- Moviefone
Disney's big D23 Expo is less than a month away, and todya they've revealed that their upcoming slate of films will be showcased at the event, including the live-action Jungle Book, their animated films, and of course The Force Awakens and Captain America: Civil War. Come inside to learn more!
The D23 Expo this year is sure to be a massive one, with a new Star Wars film on the horizon (plus one beginning filming just before the event starts), and the next Marvel adventure on the way. But that's not all they have coming up either. Zootopia is on the way, along with a live-action Jungle Book, Alice Through the Looking Glass, and Pixar's upcoming slate. All of these films, plus surprises are going to be on hand during the Expo, as Disney has revealed today:
The Walt Disney Studios offers an exclusive look at its upcoming projects from Disney,...
The D23 Expo this year is sure to be a massive one, with a new Star Wars film on the horizon (plus one beginning filming just before the event starts), and the next Marvel adventure on the way. But that's not all they have coming up either. Zootopia is on the way, along with a live-action Jungle Book, Alice Through the Looking Glass, and Pixar's upcoming slate. All of these films, plus surprises are going to be on hand during the Expo, as Disney has revealed today:
The Walt Disney Studios offers an exclusive look at its upcoming projects from Disney,...
- 7/21/2015
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Jordan Maison)
- Cinelinx
The seemingly-endless reign of "Frozen" continued Sunday night, with the flick picking up two statuettes at the 57th Grammy Awards.
The hit Disney animated musical collected a trophy for "Let It Go," which won in the best song written for visual media category. Co-writers Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez also snagged an Oscar for the track at the 2014 Academy Awards.
The "Frozen" soundtrack was also cited as the best compilation soundtrack for visual media. Lopez and Anderson-Lopez shared that award with producers Tom MacDougall and Chris Montan.
There weren't any "Frozen"-centric performances during the broadcast ceremony -- both of the movie's awards were handed out at a pre-telecast event -- but Taylor Swift wore a dress that looked a lot like Elsa's, so at least the film was represented in spirit.
Audiences can next see the "Frozen" characters in action in the sequel short, "Frozen Fever," which will premiere before Disney's live-action "Cinderella,...
The hit Disney animated musical collected a trophy for "Let It Go," which won in the best song written for visual media category. Co-writers Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez also snagged an Oscar for the track at the 2014 Academy Awards.
The "Frozen" soundtrack was also cited as the best compilation soundtrack for visual media. Lopez and Anderson-Lopez shared that award with producers Tom MacDougall and Chris Montan.
There weren't any "Frozen"-centric performances during the broadcast ceremony -- both of the movie's awards were handed out at a pre-telecast event -- but Taylor Swift wore a dress that looked a lot like Elsa's, so at least the film was represented in spirit.
Audiences can next see the "Frozen" characters in action in the sequel short, "Frozen Fever," which will premiere before Disney's live-action "Cinderella,...
- 2/9/2015
- by Katie Roberts
- Moviefone
The 57th Annual Grammy Awards winners have been chosen, and we have the full list of those musicians taking home statues this Sunday, Feb. 8.
Did you favorite artists and/or songs win?
Check out the Full list of winners, below.
Record of the Year: Sam Smith, Stay With Me
Song of the Year: "Stay With Me," Sam Smith
Album of the Year: Beck, Morning Phase
Best Country Album: Miranda Lambert, Platinum
Best R&B Performance: "Drunk in Love," Beyonce feat. Jay Z
Best Rock Album: Beck, Morning Phase
Best Pop Vocal Album: Sam Smith, In the Lonely Hour
Best Pop Solo Performance: “Happy,” Pharrell Williams
Best New Artist: Sam Smith
Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: Max Martin for “Bang Bang,” “Break Free,” “Dark Horse,” “Problem,” “Shake It Off,” “Unconditionally”
Best Folk Album: Old Crow Medicine Show, Remedy
Best Americana Album: Rosanne Cash, The River and the Thread
Best American Roots Song: “A Feather’s Not a Bird...
Did you favorite artists and/or songs win?
Check out the Full list of winners, below.
Record of the Year: Sam Smith, Stay With Me
Song of the Year: "Stay With Me," Sam Smith
Album of the Year: Beck, Morning Phase
Best Country Album: Miranda Lambert, Platinum
Best R&B Performance: "Drunk in Love," Beyonce feat. Jay Z
Best Rock Album: Beck, Morning Phase
Best Pop Vocal Album: Sam Smith, In the Lonely Hour
Best Pop Solo Performance: “Happy,” Pharrell Williams
Best New Artist: Sam Smith
Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: Max Martin for “Bang Bang,” “Break Free,” “Dark Horse,” “Problem,” “Shake It Off,” “Unconditionally”
Best Folk Album: Old Crow Medicine Show, Remedy
Best Americana Album: Rosanne Cash, The River and the Thread
Best American Roots Song: “A Feather’s Not a Bird...
- 2/9/2015
- Entertainment Tonight
While Sam Smith and Beck dominated the 57th annual Grammy Awards, they were hardly the only winners Sunday night. From Pearl Jam's Jeff Ament (and Eddie Vedder, using his pseudonym "Jerome Turner") scoring Best Recording Package to Beyoncé taking home Best Surround Sound Album, here is the full rundown of all the Grammy winners.
Record of the Year
Sam Smith – "Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)"
Steve Fitzmaurice, Rodney Jerkins & Jimmy Napes, producers; Steve Fitzmaurice, Jimmy Napes & Steve Price, engineers/mixers; Tom Coyne, mastering engineer Label: Capitol Records; Publishers: Sony...
Record of the Year
Sam Smith – "Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)"
Steve Fitzmaurice, Rodney Jerkins & Jimmy Napes, producers; Steve Fitzmaurice, Jimmy Napes & Steve Price, engineers/mixers; Tom Coyne, mastering engineer Label: Capitol Records; Publishers: Sony...
- 2/8/2015
- Rollingstone.com
Complete list of winners and nominees of the 2014 Grammy Awards, held in Los Angeles at the Staples Center on Sunday February 8. Winners will be updated as they're announced during the telecast and pre-telecast. Record Of The Year “Fancy,” Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli Xcx “Chandelier,” Sia **Winner** “Stay With Me (Darkchild Version),” Sam Smith “Shake It Off,” Taylor Swift “All About That Bass,” Meghan Trainor Album Of The Year **Winner** “Morning Phase,” Beck “Beyoncé,” Beyoncé “X,” Ed Sheeran “In The Lonely Hour,” Sam Smith “Girl,” Pharrell Williams Song Of The Year “All About That Bass,” Kevin Kadish & Meghan Trainor, songwriters (Meghan Trainor) “Chandelier,” Sia Furler & Jesse Shatkin, songwriters (Sia) “Shake It Off,” Max Martin, Shellback & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift) **Winner** “Stay With Me (Darkchild Version),” James Napier, William Phillips & Sam Smith, songwriters (Sam Smith) “Take Me To Church,” Andrew Hozier-Byrne, songwriter (Hozier) Best New Artist Iggy Azalea Bastille Brandy Clark...
- 2/8/2015
- by Donna Dickens
- Hitfix
The cast of the new Broadway smash, Disney's Aladdin, is currently in the studio laying down tracks for the Original Cast Recording of the show, to be released by Walt Disney Records digitally today, May 27th. The physical album is set for release today, June 17th and will also be available for purchase in-theater. The Aladdin Original Broadway Cast Recording will be produced by Alan Menken, Michael Kosarin, Frank Filipetti and Chris Montan and executive produced by Kurt Deutsch.
- 6/17/2014
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
The producers of The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and Newsies have brought the beloved story of Aladdin to thrilling theatrical life in this bold new musical comedy. Burbank, Calif., June 16, 2014 -- Currently available digitally and in-theater, the Aladdin Original Broadway Cast Recording is set for physical release by Walt Disney Records on June 17. The cast recording was produced by Alan Menken, Michael Kosarin, Frank Filipetti and Chris Montan and executive produced by Kurt Deutsch. Aladdin stars Adam Jacobs (Aladdin), Courtney Reed (Jasmine), Jonathan Freeman (Jafar) and recent Tony Award® winner James Monroe Iglehart (Genie) will be signing CDs at the Barnes & Noble Citigroup Center location (160 East 54th at Third) on Friday, June 20th from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m....
- 6/16/2014
- by Pietro Filipponi
- The Daily BLAM!
The cast of the new Broadway smash, Disney's Aladdin, was recently in the studio laying down tracks for the Original Cast Recording of the show, to be released by Walt Disney Records digitally on Tuesday, May 27th. The physical album is set for release on Tuesday, June 17th and will also be available for purchase in-theater. The Aladdin Original Broadway Cast Recording will be produced by Alan Menken, Michael Kosarin,Frank Filipetti and Chris Montan and executive produced by Kurt Deutsch. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from inside the recording studio below...
- 4/8/2014
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
The Oscars speech of the night goes to newcomer Lupita Nyong’o, who won best supporting actress for her role as Patsey in Steve McQueen’s 12 Years A Slave.
Transcripts of all Academy Awards winners’ onstage speeches…
Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Lupita Nyong’o, 12 Years a Slave
Yes! Thank you to the Academy for this incredible recognition. It doesn’t escape me for one moment that so much joy in my life is thanks to so much pain in someone else’s. And so I want to salute the spirit of Patsey for her guidance. And for Solomon, thank you for telling her story and your own. Steve McQueen, you charge everything you fashion with a breath of your own spirit. Thank you so much for putting me in this position. This has been the joy of my life. I’m certain that the dead are standing about you and watching and they...
Transcripts of all Academy Awards winners’ onstage speeches…
Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Lupita Nyong’o, 12 Years a Slave
Yes! Thank you to the Academy for this incredible recognition. It doesn’t escape me for one moment that so much joy in my life is thanks to so much pain in someone else’s. And so I want to salute the spirit of Patsey for her guidance. And for Solomon, thank you for telling her story and your own. Steve McQueen, you charge everything you fashion with a breath of your own spirit. Thank you so much for putting me in this position. This has been the joy of my life. I’m certain that the dead are standing about you and watching and they...
- 3/3/2014
- ScreenDaily
I thought you Danny Elfman/Tim Burton fans might like this. For $500 you can pre-order a limited edition collector's set of all 13 scores that Elfman compased for Burton's movies. But this is a pretty kick ass package that you're getting for $500.It's a 16 cd set packaged with artwork by Tim Burton, with over 19 hours of music, which include 7 hours of previously un-released masters, demos, work tapes and rarities.It comes with a ton of stuff, so I'll list it here for you from the official site.A Collectible Zoetrope Box A collection of music as unique as Danny Elfman’s for the film of Tim Burton needed to be housed in something equally special, wondrous, and whimsical. Designed to evoke a treasure chest found in a mysterious attic, The Danny Elfman & Tim Burton 25th Anniversary Music Box is a work of art in itself. Grammy-winning designer Matt Taylor has transformed...
- 10/26/2010
- LRMonline.com
It may be the year that the bug saved Hollywood, with Disney's splendid "A Bug's Life" overtaking the DreamWorks hit "Antz" to climb to the top of the boxoffice hill.
A dazzling, embracing computer-animated feature from Pixar, "A Bug's Life" should soar to holiday heights, much to the level that Pixar's "Toy Story" ascended three Thanksgivings ago. This splendid offering should be able to carry $200 million domestically on its back, no sweat, and with no end in sight for its worldly potential.
As you know in the ant world, life is no picnic. In this subterranean saga, the ants of Ants Island toil for the man -- namely Hopper (voice of Kevin Spacey), the intimidating leader of the grasshoppers, who, in this insect universe, are akin to the marauding colonialists. Each summer, the legions of ants toil earnestly and without complaint, planting and harvesting the crops and then turning the bounty over to the hated 'hoppers. Fortunately, there's one crackpot ant, Flik (Dave Foley), who doesn't go along with the lock-step society. He's no revolutionary idealogue, but Flik sees that there's definitely something wrong with this picture. Why are we working for the man? Why not keep the crop ourselves? In short, Flik's the sort of cutting-edge thinker who in the human world might win an election in the state of Minnesota.
Unfortunately, as in real life, change is not wholeheartedly embraced -- not by the worker-ant class and certainly not by the dominating grasshoppers. But that's where the fun is as the flaky Flik takes it upon his fluttery wings to take on the grasshoppers. In a nutty undertaking with all the crazy inspiration of a Preston Sturges-like battleground, Flik mistakenly enlists the assistance of a traveling theatrical troupe (out-of-work screwballs, mainly) to provide the military defense against the thundering hordes of grasshoppers.
What's best about this bug story is that it's so wiggy -- it's rambunctious, spirited, funny, kindly and goofy all at once. A whole vat of chocolate picnic goodies to the screenwriters (Andrew Stanton and Donald McEnery & Bob Shaw) for the lively, screwy retooling of, basically, the Aesop fable about a carefree grasshopper. And the story line will appeal to everyone from tots to those who were born way before "Snow White" even spun her animated magic.
What's truly magical, as it was in "Toy Story", is the stupendous computer-animated imagery. "Bug"'s look is simply eye-popping: From the translucent sheen to the framings to the kaleidoscopic grandeur of the mammoth crowd shots of ants, the visuals are a delicious treat. The animation is truly a work of wizardry, from the rectilinear compositions to the characters' incredibly lifelike physical movements. One suspects that a team of entomologists and anatomy professors guided the animators, so crisp and natural are the true-to-bug body movements. Director John Lasseter, along with co-director Stanton, have indeed marshalled a virtual army of talented artists -- from animators to musicians to vocalists -- and attained a creative height that is leaps and bounds above even the most persnickety techie expectations.
Credit director of photography Sharon Calahan for the wonderfully punchy framings and supervising film editor Lee Unkrich for the blazing pacing. There's nary an empty mini-frame or missed mini-moment in this entire magnificence. So packed is the look -- thanks to the creativity of production designer William Cone and art directors Bob Pauley and Tia Kratter -- that one definitely wants to savor the detail-juiced excellency another time.
It's not all in the look but in the sounds as well. The vocalists are a treat, especially Spacey as the belligerently threatening lead grasshopper. Foley's energetic and appealing vocals as the flibberty-jibbet Flik are wonderfully appealing, while Phyllis Diller's nasally hauteur is perfect for her role as the queen. Cheers also for the contributions of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Hayden Panettiere, Richard Kind and David Hyde Pierce for their perfect, peccadilloed performances.
The late Roddy McDowall makes a pleasing turn as a council ant, while Edie McClurg adds some screwy spice as another ants council-ite. A plate of ketchup drippings and dollops of mayonnaise to Joe Ranft who does a delicious turn as a comic caterpillar.
Not exactly hiding in the grass is the bouncy music courtesy of Randy Newman, whose "The Time of Your Life" nicely synthesizes the experience one enjoys in this "Bug's Life".
A BUG'S LIFE
Buena Vista
Walt Disney Pictures
A Pixar Animation Studios Film
Director: John Lasseter
Co-director: Andrew Stanton
Producers: Darla K. Anderson, Kevin Reher
Screenwriters: Andrew Stanton, Donald McEnery & Bob Shaw
Original story: John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Joe Ranft
Director of photography: Sharon Calahan
Production designer: William Cone
Story supervisor: Joe Ranft
Supervising film editor: Lee Unkrich
Supervising technical directors: William Reeves, Eben Ostby
Art directors: Tia W. Kratter, Bob Pauley
Supervising animators: Glenn McQueen, Rich Quade
Shading supervisor: Rick Sayre
Sound designer: Gary Rydstrom
Production supervisor (technical): Graham Walters
Production supervisor (editorial): Bill Kinder
Story-art-layout: BZ Petroff
Executive music producer: Chris Montan
Casting: Ruth Lambert, Mary Hidalgo
Color/Stereo
Voices:
Flik: Dave Foley
Hopper: Kevin Spacey
Princess Atta: Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Dot: Hayden Panettiere
Queen: Phyllis Diller
Molt: Richard Kind
Slim: David Hyde Pierce
Heimlich: Joe Ranft
Francis: Denis Leary
Running time -- 94 minutes
MPAA rating: G...
A dazzling, embracing computer-animated feature from Pixar, "A Bug's Life" should soar to holiday heights, much to the level that Pixar's "Toy Story" ascended three Thanksgivings ago. This splendid offering should be able to carry $200 million domestically on its back, no sweat, and with no end in sight for its worldly potential.
As you know in the ant world, life is no picnic. In this subterranean saga, the ants of Ants Island toil for the man -- namely Hopper (voice of Kevin Spacey), the intimidating leader of the grasshoppers, who, in this insect universe, are akin to the marauding colonialists. Each summer, the legions of ants toil earnestly and without complaint, planting and harvesting the crops and then turning the bounty over to the hated 'hoppers. Fortunately, there's one crackpot ant, Flik (Dave Foley), who doesn't go along with the lock-step society. He's no revolutionary idealogue, but Flik sees that there's definitely something wrong with this picture. Why are we working for the man? Why not keep the crop ourselves? In short, Flik's the sort of cutting-edge thinker who in the human world might win an election in the state of Minnesota.
Unfortunately, as in real life, change is not wholeheartedly embraced -- not by the worker-ant class and certainly not by the dominating grasshoppers. But that's where the fun is as the flaky Flik takes it upon his fluttery wings to take on the grasshoppers. In a nutty undertaking with all the crazy inspiration of a Preston Sturges-like battleground, Flik mistakenly enlists the assistance of a traveling theatrical troupe (out-of-work screwballs, mainly) to provide the military defense against the thundering hordes of grasshoppers.
What's best about this bug story is that it's so wiggy -- it's rambunctious, spirited, funny, kindly and goofy all at once. A whole vat of chocolate picnic goodies to the screenwriters (Andrew Stanton and Donald McEnery & Bob Shaw) for the lively, screwy retooling of, basically, the Aesop fable about a carefree grasshopper. And the story line will appeal to everyone from tots to those who were born way before "Snow White" even spun her animated magic.
What's truly magical, as it was in "Toy Story", is the stupendous computer-animated imagery. "Bug"'s look is simply eye-popping: From the translucent sheen to the framings to the kaleidoscopic grandeur of the mammoth crowd shots of ants, the visuals are a delicious treat. The animation is truly a work of wizardry, from the rectilinear compositions to the characters' incredibly lifelike physical movements. One suspects that a team of entomologists and anatomy professors guided the animators, so crisp and natural are the true-to-bug body movements. Director John Lasseter, along with co-director Stanton, have indeed marshalled a virtual army of talented artists -- from animators to musicians to vocalists -- and attained a creative height that is leaps and bounds above even the most persnickety techie expectations.
Credit director of photography Sharon Calahan for the wonderfully punchy framings and supervising film editor Lee Unkrich for the blazing pacing. There's nary an empty mini-frame or missed mini-moment in this entire magnificence. So packed is the look -- thanks to the creativity of production designer William Cone and art directors Bob Pauley and Tia Kratter -- that one definitely wants to savor the detail-juiced excellency another time.
It's not all in the look but in the sounds as well. The vocalists are a treat, especially Spacey as the belligerently threatening lead grasshopper. Foley's energetic and appealing vocals as the flibberty-jibbet Flik are wonderfully appealing, while Phyllis Diller's nasally hauteur is perfect for her role as the queen. Cheers also for the contributions of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Hayden Panettiere, Richard Kind and David Hyde Pierce for their perfect, peccadilloed performances.
The late Roddy McDowall makes a pleasing turn as a council ant, while Edie McClurg adds some screwy spice as another ants council-ite. A plate of ketchup drippings and dollops of mayonnaise to Joe Ranft who does a delicious turn as a comic caterpillar.
Not exactly hiding in the grass is the bouncy music courtesy of Randy Newman, whose "The Time of Your Life" nicely synthesizes the experience one enjoys in this "Bug's Life".
A BUG'S LIFE
Buena Vista
Walt Disney Pictures
A Pixar Animation Studios Film
Director: John Lasseter
Co-director: Andrew Stanton
Producers: Darla K. Anderson, Kevin Reher
Screenwriters: Andrew Stanton, Donald McEnery & Bob Shaw
Original story: John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Joe Ranft
Director of photography: Sharon Calahan
Production designer: William Cone
Story supervisor: Joe Ranft
Supervising film editor: Lee Unkrich
Supervising technical directors: William Reeves, Eben Ostby
Art directors: Tia W. Kratter, Bob Pauley
Supervising animators: Glenn McQueen, Rich Quade
Shading supervisor: Rick Sayre
Sound designer: Gary Rydstrom
Production supervisor (technical): Graham Walters
Production supervisor (editorial): Bill Kinder
Story-art-layout: BZ Petroff
Executive music producer: Chris Montan
Casting: Ruth Lambert, Mary Hidalgo
Color/Stereo
Voices:
Flik: Dave Foley
Hopper: Kevin Spacey
Princess Atta: Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Dot: Hayden Panettiere
Queen: Phyllis Diller
Molt: Richard Kind
Slim: David Hyde Pierce
Heimlich: Joe Ranft
Francis: Denis Leary
Running time -- 94 minutes
MPAA rating: G...
- 11/13/1998
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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