‘Kung Fu Panda’ co-director John Stevenson has entered into a producing/directing deal with the independent animation company Vanguard Films, the studio’s President and CEO, John Williams, announced on November 8 through a press release. Stevenson’s first project with Vanguard will be the live action/CGI mix ‘Alien Rock Band,’ which will follow a garage band that travels across the universe to enter an Intergalactic Battle of the Bands. The band will face many obstacles, including fighting four-armed alien guitarists, with music as its only weapon.
Stevenson has said that he was wanted to work with the studio after reviewing it’s existing and new ideas. He added that he’s “had a great time working with (John) Williams and the gifted creative teams involved in these projects.” Williams returned the sentiment, saying “I’m thrilled that Vanguards’ exciting new range of projects is attracting such top filmmakers and business partners as (John) Stevenson.”
The director, whose past credits include ‘Madagascar’ and ‘Shrek,’ is also slated to direct Vanguard’s CG-animated film ‘Rotten Island.’ The movie, which is based on the book by William Steig, is about an island ruled by monsters until a beautiful flower changes their lives completely.
Stevenson and Williams are also going to produce ‘Buzby’ together. The animated film follows the romantic endeavors of fruit flies, and will be directed by Phil Robinson. The duo will also be producing ‘City of Dragons,’ a live-action martial arts movie set in modern day Shanghai. The two will also produce the live-action fantasy adventure ‘Atomic Circus,’ which will focus on the life con-man in a post-apocalyptic world.
Williams also announced that Vanguard has also teamed up with Moviemill, the new company headed by former Lakeshore International President Peter Roger. Moviemill will arrange financing and distribution deals for Vanguard’s new projects. Of Vanguard, Roger has said that its “particularly adept at painting a bull’s-eye on entertainment properties that resonate with global audiences. I can’t imagine a better pairing than the prowess of the Vanguard production team and the creative and technical firepower of a filmmaker such as (John) Stevenson. They are a great match.”
Written by: Karen Benardello
