Variety reports that Rainmaker Entertainment, who most recently released the critically panned Escape from Planet Earth, are making a feature length animated film out of the popular PlayStation sci-fi platformer game series, Ratchet & Clank!
Rainmaker are making the film with Blockade Entertainment, and are bringing in a lot of the games' cast and crew - key voice actors James Arnold Taylor, David Kaye and Jim Ward have all signed on. Also, the film's story comes from TJ Fixman, who came up with the narrative for the original 2002 game. Jericca Cleland (cinematographer, Arthur Christmas) is set to direct, and the film's currently aiming for a 2015 release.
Rainmaker, whatever you think of their storytelling, are capable of some truly visually beautiful stuff - for instance, they animated the visually striking trailer for Wet, the 2009 video game. With that talent, there is a lot that they can do with a trippy, interstellar, sci-fi phantasmagoria like Ratchet and Clank.
On the project, Blockade CEO Brad Foxhoven said:
"‘Ratchet & Clank’ is a world-renowned video game franchise that appeals to a broad audience. By working closely with SCEA [Sony Computer Entertainment America] and Insomniac, we will remain true to the game’s expansive mythology while also creating a story that will capture the imagination of those who will be new to this incredible world. It’s meant for a mass audience and not just those who know the franchise,” Foxhoven said, with the film serving “almost like an origin story of sorts,” revolving around “how (the characters) came together."
The film's synopsis is:
Ratchet and Clank tells the story of two unlikely heroes as they struggle to stop a vile alien named Chairman Drek from destroying every planet in the Solana Galaxy. Ratchet is the last of his kind - a foolhardy "lombax" who has grown up alone on a backwater planet with no family of his own. Clank is a pint-sized robot with more brains than brawn. When the two stumble upon a dangerous weapon capable of destroying entire planets, they must join forces with a team of colorful heroes called The Galactic Rangers in order to save the galaxy. Along the way they'll learn about heroism, friendship, and the importance of discovering one's own identity.
An announcement teaser - which is kind of just a CG Duck Amuck - showing off the designs, which are very faithful to those of the game, was unveiled too. On the faithful designs, Rainmaker president Michael Hefferon said:
"We’re now translating the visuals of what worked and making them now work for the bigscreen and stereoscopic."
As a mahoosive fan of the game series, the teaser gave me a fit of fanboy giggles. I defy any fan not to get excited when the backdrop's inserted in the last few seconds. Rainmaker, you had my curiosity, but now you have my attention.
No comments:
Post a Comment