|
Date |
ArticleType |
|
4/29/2009 |
FilmCommission |
|
Little Rock’s Courtney Pledger to Produce Ricky Gervais’ Flanimals for Universal |
|
|
By Michael Fleming, Variety, April 29, 2009
Universal-based Illumination Entertainment will create a 3-D animated feature based on "Flanimals," a children's book series by Ricky Gervais, creator of The Office.
Gervais will voice the lead character, and the script will be written by Matt Selman (“The Simpsons”).
Illumination founder Chris Meledandri with Little Rock’s Courtney Pledger, while Gervais will exec produce.
The four-volume series, illustrated by Rob Steen, encompasses a world inhabited by 50 species of creatures so ugly and misshapen they become cute and endearing. Gervais' character, a pudgy, perspiring purple creature, goes on a mission to change the world. "It will be great to play a short, fat, sweaty loser for a change," Gervais said. "A real stretch."
Illumination, formed to give Universal a presence in family and animated fare, is in production on "Despicable Me," a film that Universal will release July 9, 2010. The pic's lead voices are delivered by Steve Carrell, Jason Segel, Danny McBride, Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig and Julie Andrews.
Endeavor reps Gervais with U.K.-based United Agents.
|
|
|