Canadian computer animation house Mainframe Ent. is again branching out from the popular Barbie franchise to launch a new direct-to-video brand that boys should find more appealing. The company announced plans to animate a direct-to-DVD feature based on the popular MechWarrior series of adventure games, books and toys from WizKids Inc. The pic, which Mainframe says will introduce innovative techniques in CG animation, is slated for release in 2006.
The movie’s story fast forwards to the distant future of the MechWarrior universe, a time when the old glory of the BattleMechs has passed. With his home planet threatened by invasion, the film’s young hero goes on a quest for a cache of lost Battlemechs that will turn the tide against the invaders. Designed to please long-time fans of the interactive franchise while standing on its own, the feature will introduce new characters and story elements.
Producer Gregory Little, who brought the project to Mainframe, will produce the movie under his Machine Age banner, which he formed in 2004 to focus on the direct-to-vide feature market. Producing for WizKids is MechWarrior creator Jordan Weisman, along with Marc Sachnoff. In addition to MechWarrior, WizKids is also responsible for the successful Mage Knight and HeroClix collectable miniatures games.
Little comments, “The growing DVD-direct market is a great alternative to a theatrical feature when you have a brand like MechWarrior to drive sales. We got a deal done quickly and have a lot more creative freedom than we would have had if this was a $100 million studio feature.”
Mainframe CEO Rick Mischel adds, "MechWarrior continues our move towards developing proprietary properties in animation that have already established themselves in the toy and gaming worlds as long-term brands.”
The 20-year-old MechWarrior property has seen more than 13 million video games sold for PC and X-Box. In addition, 79 novels have been based on the franchise and fans have snatched up tens of millions of collectible game figures for the WizKids MechWarrior: Age of Destruction tabletop game. Microsoft continues to release X-Box games under the MechAssault name, with the latest hitting shelves in early 2005.
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