ImageMovers
Formerly | South Side Amusement Company(1984–1997)ImageMovers Digital(2007–2011) |
---|---|
Company type | Private |
Industry | Motion pictures,motion-capture&Computer animation |
Founded | March 1, 1984 1997 (officially incorporated as ImageMovers, L.L.C.) | (as South Side Amusement Company; in-name only)
Founders | Robert Zemeckis |
Headquarters | Novato, California,U.S. |
Key people | Robert Zemeckis,Doug Chiang,Steve Starkey,Jack Rapke |
Products | Motion pictures |
Number of employees | 450 (2011) |
ImageMovers, L.L.C.[1](IM) (formerly known asSouth Side Amusement Company), is an Americanproduction companywhich produces CGI animation, motion-capture, live-action films and television shows. The company is known for producing such films asCast Away(2000),What Lies Beneath(2000),The Polar Express(2004),Monster House(2006), andBeowulf(2007). From 2007 to 2011,The Walt Disney Companyand ImageMovers founded ajoint ventureanimation facility known asImageMovers Digitalwhich produced twomotion-capturedCGI-animated films:A Christmas Carol(2009) andMars Needs Moms(2011) forWalt Disney Pictures,neither of which were financially successful.
History
[edit]South Side Amusement Company (1984–1997)
[edit]On March 1, 1984,Robert Zemeckisincorporated and founded the company as South Side Amusement Company. The company was in-name only from the beginning.
In the early 1990s, Zemeckis signed a production deal withUniversal Pictures,to release films under the South Side Amusement Company banner. There, it is one of the producers ofDeath Becomes Her,Trespass,The Public Eye,The FrightenersandContact.
Early years as ImageMovers (1997–2007)
[edit]In 1997, it was announced that South Side Amusement Company was rebranded as ImageMovers, and hiredCreative Artists AgencyemployeeJack Rapkeand producerSteve Starkey(who was a producer on Zemeckis' films he's directing since his stint as associate producer on 1988'sWho Framed Roger Rabbit) came on board to join the company. It was also announced that ImageMovers signed a non-exclusive feature film deal withDreamWorks Pictures.[2]
In 2001, the studio tried to sign a deal withWarner Bros.,but they ultimately failed.[3]After the Warner deal collapsed, the studio is reupping a first-look deal withDreamWorksto produce more films from that time.[4][5]
ImageMovers' first eight films under the name wereWhat Lies Beneath(withHarrison FordandMichelle Pfeiffer),Cast Away(withTom Hanks),Matchstick Men(withNicolas Cage),The Polar Express(also withTom Hanks),The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio(withJulianne Moore),Last Holiday(withQueen Latifah),Monster House(withMitchel Musso,Sam Lerner,Spencer Locke,andSteve Buscemi), andBeowulf(withRay Winstone,Anthony Hopkins,John Malkovich,Robin Wright Penn,andAngelina Jolie).
Disney/ImageMovers Digital (2007–2011)
[edit]Company type | Joint venture |
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Founded | 2007 |
Founders | Robert Zemeckis |
Defunct | 2011 |
Headquarters | Novato, California,U.S. |
Key people | Robert Zemeckis |
Owners | ImageMovers Walt Disney Studios |
Number of employees | 450 |
In 2007, ImageMovers andThe Walt Disney Companyset up ajoint ventureanimation facility known asImageMovers Digital,based inMarin County-based film company whereZemeckiswould produce and direct3Danimated films using CGIperformance-capturetechnology.[6]
On November 6, 2009, ImageMovers Digital released their first CGI filmA Christmas Carol,a CGI performance capture film based on theCharles Dickensbook of the same nameand starringJim Carrey,Gary Oldman,Colin FirthandCary Elwes.On March 12, 2010, Disney and ImageMovers announced that ImageMovers Digital would close operations by January 2011 after movie production onMars Needs Momswas completed. Resulting in a lay-off of approximately 450 employees,[7]Walt Disney Studios president Alan Bergman said, "...given today's economic realities, we need to find alternative ways to bring creative content to audiences and IMD no longer fits into our business model."[8]The company had previously been reported to haveCalling All Robots,[9]a remake ofYellow Submarine,[10]aRoger Rabbitsequel[11]andThe Nutcracker[12]in development. Disney dropped all of these projects following the box-office failure ofMars Needs Moms.[13]
Universal Pictures (2011–present)
[edit]In August 2011, it was announced that ImageMovers has entered a two-year first-look producing deal withUniversal Pictures.[14]
Filmography
[edit]Television series (Compari Entertainment)
[edit]ImageMovers' first foray into television production wasThe Borgias,which aired onShowtimefrom 2011 to 2013. On August 25, 2016, Compari Entertainment, the company's television division, was founded, withNBC'sManifest,which premiered on September 24, 2018, as their first television series.[18]
- The Borgias(2011–13,Showtime) (produced as ImageMovers)[19]
- Manifest(2018–23,NBCSeason 1–3,NetflixSeason 4)[20]
- Medal of Honor(2018,Netflix)[21]
- Project Blue Book(2019–20,History)[22]
- What/If(2019,Netflix)[23]
Upcoming projects
[edit]Thismotion captureremake ofthe 1968 Beatles filmwas developed byRobert Zemeckis.Disney canceled the project due to the box office failure of the Zemeckis-produced motion capture filmMars Needs Momsand aesthetic concerns about the technology.[24]After its cancellation at Disney, Zemeckis then tried to pitch the film to other studios, before eventually losing interest in the project.[25]
Calling All Robots
[edit]On March 26, 2008,Michael Doughertywas set to direct the animated sci-fi adventure filmCalling All Robotswith Zemeckis producing the film throughImageMovers DigitalforWalt Disney Pictures.[26]
In December 2007, Marshall stated that he was still "open" to the idea,[27]and in April 2009, Zemeckis revealed he was still interested.[28]According to a 2009MTV Newsstory, Jeffrey Price and Peter S. Seaman were writing a new script for the project, and the animated characters would be in traditional two-dimensional, while the rest would be inmotion capture.[29]However, in 2010, Zemeckis said that the sequel would remain hand-drawn animated and live-action sequences will be filmed, just like in the original film, but the lighting effects on the cartoon characters and some of the props that the toons handle will be done digitally.[30]Also in 2010, Hahn, who was the film's original associate producer, confirmed the sequel's development in an interview withEmpire.He stated, "Yeah, I couldn't possibly comment. I deny completely, but yeah... if you're a fan, pretty soon you're going to be very, very, very happy."[31]In 2010,Bob Hoskinsstated he was interested in the project, reprising his role as Eddie Valiant.[citation needed]However, he retired from acting in 2012 after being diagnosed withParkinson's diseasea year earlier, and died frompneumoniain 2014.[32]Marshall confirmed that the film would be a prequel, similar to earlier drafts, and that the writing was almost complete.[33]During an interview at the premiere ofFlight,Zemeckis stated that the sequel was still possible, despite Hoskins' absence, and the script for the sequel was sent to Disney for approval from studio executives.[34]
The Nutcracker
[edit]On November 26, 2009, Zemeckis had signed on to produce and direct the motion capture animated film adaptation ofE.T.A. Hoffmann’sThe NutcrackerthroughImageMovers DigitalforWalt Disney Pictures.[35]On July 21, 2016,Universal Picturesrevived the adaptation, which may or may not use motion capture, with Zemeckis only set to produce the film andEvan Spiliotopouloswas hired to write the script.[36]There has been no information since.
How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack
[edit]On April 14, 2011, Zemeckis had signed on to produce and potentially direct the live-action/animated hybrid film adaptation of Chuck Sambuchino's bookHow to Survive a Garden Gnome Attackalong withThe Gotham GroupandSony Pictures Animation.[37]In November that year, Chad Damiani and JP Lavin were hired to write the script.[38]
Tooned Out
[edit]On October 29, 2019, at theHBO Maxlaunch event, it was announced that a live-action/animated hybrid TV series featuring Looney Tunes,Hanna-Barbera,andCartoon Networkcharacters to be produced byWarner Bros. Animation,the series was in development after it was announced asTooned Out,to be released on the then upcoming WarnerMedia streaming service. Zemeckis teamed up withJared Sternto write the series.[39]There have been no new updates since until July 2024.
References
[edit]- ^"Secretary of State".bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov.RetrievedMay 20,2024.
- ^Busch, Anita M. (June 18, 1997)."Zemeckis, Rapke wrap up DreamWorks deal".Variety.RetrievedJuly 1,2020.
- ^Brodesser, Claude; Hayes, Dade (December 28, 2001)."Zemeckis migrates to Warner".Variety.RetrievedJuly 1,2020.
- ^Fleming, Michael; Hayes, Dade (April 19, 2002)."Imagemovers stands its ground".Variety.RetrievedJuly 1,2020.
- ^Hayes, Dade; Fleming, Michael (April 21, 2002)."Inside Move: Zemeckis shingle gets new run".Variety.RetrievedJuly 1,2020.
- ^"Disney," Polar Express "director in animation deal".Reuters.Reuters.February 5, 2007.RetrievedNovember 21,2010.
- ^Eller, Claudia (March 13, 2010)."Disney to shut ImageMovers Digital studio".Los Angeles Times.ISSN0458-3035.RetrievedDecember 11,2017.
- ^Finke, Nikki (March 12, 2010)."Disney Closing Zemeckis' Digital Studio".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedNovember 21,2010.
- ^Graser, Marc (March 26, 2008)."Michael Dougherty calls 'All Robots'".Variety.RetrievedJuly 5,2011.
- ^The Walt Disney Studios (September 11, 2009)."The Walt Disney Studios, The Beatles' Apple Corps Ltd., and Oscar(R)-Winning Filmmaker Robert Zemeckis Dive Into New Magical 3D Adaptation of the 1968 Classic Yellow Submarine".PR Newswire.RetrievedNovember 21,2010.
- ^Ditzian, Eric (November 3, 2009)."EXCLUSIVE: Robert Zemeckis Indicates He'll Use Performance-Capture And 3-D In 'Roger Rabbit' Sequel".MTV.Archived fromthe originalon November 3, 2010.RetrievedNovember 21,2010.
- ^Rowles, Dustin (November 11, 2009)."Robert Zemeckis to Uglimate The Nutcracker".Pajiba.com. Archived fromthe originalon July 19, 2011.RetrievedNovember 21,2010.
- ^Kit, Borys (March 14, 2011)."Disney torpedoes Zemeckis'" Yellow Submarine "".Reuters.RetrievedDecember 12,2011.
- ^Fleming, Mike (August 2, 2011)."Universal Makes Two-Year Deal With Robert Zemeckis' ImageMovers".Deadline.RetrievedDecember 12,2011.
- ^Cieply, Michael (May 17, 2015)."Tom Rothman's High-Wire Act at Sony Pictures".The New York Times.RetrievedSeptember 17,2015.
- ^"Robert Zemeckis Closes Deal To Direct & Co-Write Disney's Live-Action 'Pinocchio'".Deadline Hollywood.January 24, 2020.Archivedfrom the original on January 24, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 24,2020.
- ^Stephan, Katcy (March 29, 2024)."Robert Zemeckis' 'Here' With Tom Hanks and Robin Wright Lands November Release".Variety.RetrievedMarch 29,2024.
- ^"COMPARI ENTERTAINMENT Trademark of ImageMovers, L.L.C. – Registration Number 5649739 – Serial Number 87150678:: Justia Trademarks".
- ^"Borgias to replace 'Tudors'?".September 18, 2009.
- ^"Robert Zemeckis-Produced Thriller 'Manifest' Scores NBC Pilot Order".January 23, 2018.
- ^"About Netflix – NETFLIX LAUNCHES MEDAL OF HONOR CELEBRATING EIGHT MEN WHO WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY".
- ^"History to open Blue Book with Robert Zemeckis".May 26, 2017.
- ^"Renée Zellweger to Star in 'What/If' Netflix Series from Mike Kelley".August 17, 2018.
- ^Kit, Borys (March 14, 2011)."Disney torpedoes Zemeckis'" Yellow Submarine "".The Hollywood Reporter– viaReuters.
- ^Han, Angie (December 27, 2012)."Robert Zemeckis Gives Up On the 'Yellow Submarine' Remake"./Film.RetrievedDecember 3,2017.
- ^Graser, Marc (March 26, 2008)."Michael Dougherty calls 'All Robots'".Variety.RetrievedOctober 15,2021.
- ^Shawn Adler (September 11, 2007)."Roger RabbitSequel Still In The Offing? Stay Tooned, Says Producer ".MTVMovies Blog.Archived fromthe originalon October 17, 2012.RetrievedNovember 4,2008.
- ^Eric Ditzian (April 29, 2009)."Robert Zemeckis 'Buzzing' About Second 'Roger Rabbit' Movie".MTVMovies Blog.Archived fromthe originalon June 27, 2012.RetrievedApril 29,2009.
- ^"EXCLUSIVE: Robert Zemeckis Indicates He'll Use Performance-Capture And 3-D In 'Roger Rabbit' Sequel".Moviesblog.mtv.com. Archived fromthe originalon November 3, 2010.RetrievedNovember 12,2011.
- ^"Toontown Antics – Roger Rabbit's adventures in real and animated life: Roger Rabbit 2 – In 3D?".Toontownantics.blogspot.com. July 20, 2010.Archivedfrom the original on October 3, 2013.RetrievedNovember 12,2011.
- ^"Exclusive: The Lion King To Go 3D! | Movie News".Empire.Empireonline.com.Archivedfrom the original on October 21, 2013.RetrievedNovember 12,2011.
- ^"Bob Hoskins retires from acting".Itv.com. August 8, 2012. Archived fromthe originalon October 6, 2014.RetrievedAugust 24,2014.
- ^"Frank Marshall Talks WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT 2 Sequel, THE BOURNE LEGACY, THE GOONIES 2, More".Collider.Archivedfrom the original on October 11, 2012.RetrievedOctober 18,2012.
- ^Fischer, Russ (October 15, 2012)."Despite Bob Hoskins' Retirement, the 'Roger Rabbit' Sequel is Still Possible"./Film.Archivedfrom the original on October 17, 2012.RetrievedOctober 16,2012.
- ^Rowles, Dustin (November 26, 2009)."Robert Zemeckis to Uglimate The Nutcracker".Pajiba.Archived fromthe originalon October 15, 2021.RetrievedOctober 15,2021.
- ^Rowles, Dustin (July 21, 2016)."Evan Spiliotopoulos Tapped To Write" The Nutcracker "For Robert Zemeckis And Universal (EXCLUSIVE)".The Tracking Broad.RetrievedOctober 15,2021.
- ^Snieder, Jeff (April 14, 2011)."Sony Animation, Zemeckis dig 'Gnome'".Variety.RetrievedSeptember 21,2021.
- ^Fleming, Mike Jr. (November 7, 2011)."Robert Zemeckis Sets Writers For 'Garden Gnome Attack' Film".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedSeptember 21,2021.
- ^"HBO Max Sets New Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera Cartoons, Robert Zemeckis Hybrid Series 'Tooned Out', More for Kids & Family Slate".October 29, 2019.
- 1984 establishments in California
- American companies established in 1984
- Cinema of the San Francisco Bay Area
- Companies based in Marin County, California
- Entertainment companies based in California
- Film production companies of the United States
- Former subsidiaries of The Walt Disney Company
- Former joint ventures
- Mass media companies established in 1984
- Novato, California