Sony Pictures Animation has added LION KING director Roger Allers as a director on its first 3D feature, OPEN SEASON. Additionally, the studio has hired Steve Bencich and Ron J. Friedman (CHICKEN LITTLE) to draft a script. Allers will be joining Jill Culton in the directors chair as well as Anthony Stacchi who will serve as co-director.
The buddy comedy follows a happily domesticated 900-pound grizzly bear named Boog (Martin Lawrence), whose life is disrupted by a fast-talking wild mule deer named Elliot (Ashton Kutcher). The film is based on material from cartoonist Steve Moore (IN THE BLEACHERS).
In addition, Lisa Addario and Joey Syracuse have been hired to pen SURF'S UP, the studio's second 3D animated feature. Based on the idea that penguins invented surfing, the film will take a documentary-approach to the story of Cody, a small Rockhopper penguin who dreams of finding fame and fortune on the Penguin World Surfing Championship. Ash Brannon and Chris Buck are directing. Chris Jenkins is producing.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
