Huhu Studio -- through Wise Giant Enterprise Ltd., which it founded in 2005 -- has inked a $25 million production deal on a six-part animation series that centers on the epic stories of the Bible. The six well-known Bible stories will be made into 3D animated features. The deal was made possible through funding from iGlobe Treasury, a fund sponsored by the New Zealand's government's Venture Investment Fund (VIF).
The first of the six-part series undertaken by Wise Giant is TEN COMMANDMENTS, which has just been officially announced in Cannes. The project features Oscar-winning actor Ben Kingsley as the narrator and Christian Slater as the voice of Moses. It is scheduled for release in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2007. The studio hopes the success of this first project will propel Huhu Studio's Wise Giant venture into a full-fledged new media company. TEN COMMANDMENTS will be the first 3D animated theatrical release produced in New Zealand.
Said Trevor Yaxley, md of Wise Giant, "We have big plans for Wise Giant. Not only will we undertake 3D animation development using the latest technology, we will also look into other new media initiatives using the same media IP to go into game, interactive software and edu-tainment."
Philip Lum, general partner of iGlobe Treasury, "We are happy to be investing in the creative sector, one of the key strengths of the New Zealand economy. This is an industry that has the potential of generating high economic growth. Wise Giant presents a unique opportunity for iGlobe Treasury to groom promising NZ Companies into global players in Computer Graphic based production and new media business."
Franceska Banga, ceo of NZVIF "It is satisfying to see NZ companies like Huhu Studios, which have world class talent and technology, receive investment backing from the local venture capital industry. iGlobe Treasury funding has assisted Huhu Studios to enhance its global success."
Huhu Studios is a computer animation studio established in 1999 by Jan and Trevor Yaxley.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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