Jan 22, 2013

Technicolor acquires rights to "The Deep" series of graphic novels

This press release, which arrived this morning, was interesting to me because I had no idea that Technicolor, with its long and illustrious history as a technology company, was focusing on developing original content: in addition to "The Deep," the company is developing Berkeley Blessed's "Pete & Pickles" and "Atomic Puppet," a co-production with Mercury Filmworks, are in development. If these projects move forward, the animation will be produced at Technicolor's studio in Bangalore, India.

Paris, France - January 22, 2013 - Technicolor (Euronext Paris: TCH) has announced that writer Tom Taylor (Star Wars: Blood Ties, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight, Injustice: Illustrated by James Brewer (Justice League Beyond) and writer Tom Taylor (Star Wars: Blood Ties, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight, Injustice: Gods Among Us) and published by Gestalt Comics.

The Deep

The Deep: Here Be Dragons graphic novel won the 2011 Aurealis Award (an Australian literary award for science fiction, fantasy, and fiction) for "Best Illustrated Book / Graphic Novel" and the "Best Children's Fiction (illustrated)" and was also nominated for "Best Children's Fiction (illustrated). Technicolor Digital Productions is developing and producing 26 half-hour episodes of THE DEEP, which follows the amazing adventures of a family of undersea explorers. This CGI animated series is targeted at children ages 8-12 and their families. Each episode of THE DEEP will take viewers one step closer to unraveling the mysteries of the deep sea. Every storyline is filled with action, adventure, incredible sea monsters, fantastic rides, incredible bravery, and of course the odd family squabble.

"THE DEEP is one of those unique productions that appeals to all ages and genders by delivering engaging entertainment - heart-pounding adventure, heart-pounding danger, laugh-out-loud humor, and incredible discoveries - wrapped in unbreakable family relationships It's a unique film that appeals to all ages and genders," said Steven Wendland, Vice President of Technicolor Digital Productions. It's the family we all dreamed of being a part of when we were kids and are anxious and excited to share it with our own children now."

"Technicolor is the ideal animation studio to bring THE DEEP to life," added Robert Chandler, executive producer of THE DEEP. Technicolor's CG team has the ability to not only visually astonish audiences, but also provide moments of tenderness, personality, and heart. That's why 'THE DEEP' and Technicolor are such a great partnership. It is that special combination that leads to the creation of great series and stories."

"THE DEEP" is the story of independent and fearless 12-year-old Antaeus (Ant to his friends), his analytical and perceptive navigator 15-year-old sister Fontaine, and their parents Will, an oceanographer and former Olympic swimmer, and marine biologist and Ant's pet The film portrays the Nekton family, composed of silkworms that are fiercely protective of all sea life, including the fish Jeffrey. Continuing a long family tradition, the Nekton family lives aboard the state-of-the-art submarine Aronnax, exploring Earth's uncharted oceans. Each member of the Nekton family has unique skills and a passion for the preservation of sea life. They seek to unravel the ultimate mystery that seems to be associated with the place known as Atlantis.

"Deep" is the story of Tom Taylor, an award-winning playwright, screenwriter, and author known for his "Star Wars" graphic novels and comic books for Lucasfilm and Dark Horse Comics, and his work on film, television, and game projects for major studios. It was created by illustrator James Brewer, who has worked in pre-production and as a concept artist. Brewer broke into comics in 2011 with "The Deep: Here Be Dragons" and has been illustrating for DC Comics ever since.

Technicolor Digital Productions produces high-quality CG animation for feature films, television, direct-to-video, commercials, video games, and location-based entertainment through its industry-leading production facility in Bangalore, India. The group has been developing original content since 2010. The group launched its original content development initiative in 2010 and currently has several projects in development, including Berkeley Blessed's "Pete & Pickles" and "Atomic Puppets," a co-production with Mercury Filmworks. Technical Digital Productions, which complements its services business with original content production, is a leading producer of animation content for Nickelodeon, DreamWorks Animation, Electronic Arts, Mattel, Rockstar Games, Sony Computer Entertainment America, Square Enix, among others, and continues to work with major animation clients.