Wizard of Oz to Get Stereoscopic CG Treatment

TORONTO: Starz Animation Toronto, Multiple Media Entertainment (MME) and Gigapix Studios are to begin production on a new feature-film adaptation of the L. Frank Baum classic book The Wonderful World of Oz, with a stereoscopic CG version tentatively titled OZ3D. 

The project is budgeted at $20 million. Michael Taylor and Drew Craig of MME are executive producing, from a script penned by Connor Pritchard. 

Worldwide distribution for the film will be handled by MME. MME and Gigapix have entered into a U.S. representation agreement with Gigapix Studios’ distribution company, Gigapix Releasing, securing through its newly formed P&A fund, a minimum commitment of $10 million for a theatrical release on a minimum 1,000 screens.

Taylor said, "Coming off the tremendous job that Starz Animation Toronto did on the hit CG animated feature film Gnomeo and Juliet, they were undeniably the place to go for world class production talent and experience to execute on such an internationally known and beloved property like OZ."

Jeff Young, Starz Animation’s executive VP, added, "We’re thrilled to now step into the producing role and maximize the strength of our studio on all levels." Young continued, "Creatively, the OZ3D project is hilarious, perfect for the modern audience and at the same time is respectful of the underlying material."

David Pritchard, the president of Gigapix Studios, commented, "Working with Starz Animation and MME gives us an unparalleled combination of creative talent and executive experience that provides an excellent foundation for building a long-lasting relationship to create and produce high quality animation for OZ3D as well as other projects to come."