Soho-based animation studio TAOST Leisure has invested within the animated characteristic movie Up Chao, written by animation director/author Chris Jenkins (the upcoming 10 Lives, Duck Duck Goose, Surf’s Up). ReDefine Originals is without doubt one of the manufacturing companions on the 3DCG indie characteristic, created by veteran Thai animation designer Wanchana “Vic” Intrasombat (Want Dragon) and a workforce of animation creatives at boutique digital studio Bang in Bangkok (BiB). The funding will assist finance scripting and presales.
Additional bulletins relating to gross sales and the animation studio are anticipated at Annecy 2023 which runs June 11-17. As well as, TAOST can have a sales space for the primary time at Mifa.
Along with co-producing the movie, TAOST has additionally secured rights because the movie’s unique Web3 group constructing platform. By creating a brand new Web3 proprietary platform (TAOST.membership), individuals can type communities and develop animated movies and sequence by voting on initiatives similar to Up Chao.”
“TAOST’s consumer base won’t solely take part in facets of growth of the studio’s curated slate, but additionally be capable to submit their very own initiatives, as a part of an ecosystem of animation devotees,” mentioned TAOST founder and NYU-grad movie producer Rocky Shi. “The platform will allow the group to expertise the rollercoaster of the actual world of movie finance, manufacturing and distribution traditionally reserved for Hollywood insiders on the opposite aspect of the velvet rope, a form of peak backstage. TAOST.membership will probably be launching its beta subsequent month.”
Up Chao is the story of a younger Thai boy named Fua, whose work mysteriously convey to life historic statues. Within the journey that follows, Fua and the quarrelsome Up Chao, collectively they expertise many magical adventures, uncover the reply to an historic riddle, and finally return residence and discover the true which means of household.
Bangkok’s Artistic Producer François Belot famous, “We’ve a really proficient worldwide all-star workforce and TAOST’s help validates the work we’ve created in Up Chao.”
“Writing the screenplay is a pure pleasure, serving to to create a narrative that delves into genuine Jap folklore and its mystic previous,” added Jenkins, “It has such an untapped potential to amaze the fashionable world viewers.”
“We’re excited to associate with Bang in Bangkok to convey Up Chao to life,” added Shi. “It’s refreshing to seek out proficient individuals who share your pleasure for not solely innovating the way forward for content material manufacturing but additionally open to sharing the collective success with early adopters. Combining our strengths, networks, and dedication, we’re assured that Up Chao will probably be a success with audiences worldwide.”
Belot added, “We at Bang in Bangkok are thrilled to have TAOST Leisure becoming a member of the inventive workforce of Up Chao in telling this superb story. It is rewarding to have such a associate in enterprise and creativity concerned early within the manufacturing course of and to assist contribute to the growth of Up Chao’s universe and content material. TAOST Leisure is absolutely aligned with the creative imaginative and prescient we’re aiming for on the studio, and we hope it’s going to resonate with audiences around the globe.”
“It’s a pleasure to assist create a narrative that delves into Jap folklore, the place the mystic previous has such untapped potential to amaze the fashionable world,” shared author/director Jenkins who created, wrote, and produced Sony Footage’ Academy Award-nominated animated mockumentary Surf’s Up.
Jenkins’ animation credit additionally embody Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, Magnificence and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King. As well as, he wrote and directed Authentic Pressure’s Duck Duck Goose for Netflix.
“Up Chao has the whole lot an viewers requires from an animated film from thrills and enchantment to magic, suspense, and deep-emotional resonance,” added Jenkins. “This film drops you right into a world of weird unknowns and unthinkable challenges to make an unlikely teenager a hero, in a journey the place he realizes household and custom are one’s true energy.”
Supply: Bang in Bangkok
Debbie Diamond Sarto is information editor at Animation World Community.
