Courteney Cox is a Cow in Barnyard

By James Wray Aug 25, 2004, 16:32 GMT

To be distributed by Paramount Pictures. The film is written, produced and directed by acclaimed comedy writer/producer, Steve Oedekerk ("Bruce Almighty," "Ace Ventura"). Created entirely in CGI, this movie will mark the second computer animated feature in partnership with Oedekerk. The announcement was made today by Julia Pistor, Executive Producer and Senior Vice President, Nick Movies.

Created by Oedekerk, "The Barnyard" takes a hilarious look at what really happens in a barnyard when the farmer is away. Unbeknownst to us, farm animals can walk, talk and do just about anything humans do. Otis and his misfit friends enjoy playing tricks on humans, singing, dancing and partying.

Marking his third animated voice over project, Emmy Award-winning actor, Glover will lend his voice as Miles the older and wiser mule. With the voice of reason, Miles tries to influence and guide Otis (James) and the other animals on the farm. Sam Elliott will voice Ben the cow, patriarch of the barnyard and father of Otis (voiced by James).

Ben is well-liked, respected and is very concerned with preserving the secret of the animals from humans (their ability to walk on two legs, dance, watch football, etc.) Rounding out this star studded cast is comedian Wanda Sykes as the voice of Bessy the cow. She is the doubtful and protective friend of Otis' love interest, Daisy.

"The King of Queens" star Kevin James will voice the lead character Otis, a carefree party animal kind of a cow. Unlike his father Ben, Otis has no sense of leadership or responsibility. Perceived around the stables as ne'er-do-well, Otis is suddenly placed in a position of responsibility around the barnyard and he must find the courage and confidence to be the leader his father always knew he could be.

Courteney Cox lends her voice as Daisy the cow, the love interest of Otis.

She is sensible and caring. Daisy provides Otis with moral support and believes in his trustworthiness and leadership capabilities throughout.

Steve Oedekerk last joined forces with Nick Movies for the release of the Academy Award(R)-nominated animated feature, "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius." The movie, which garnered more than $100 million at the box office was also launched as a successful television series of the same name on Nickelodeon.

"The Barnyard" film is directed, produced and written by Steve Oedekerk. Paul Marshal serves as producer. Executive Producers are Julia Pistor and Albie Hecht. Karyn Rachtman ("Holes," "Pulp Fiction," "Romeo + Juliet") serves as Executive Music Producer.

Nickelodeon Movies is the feature film development and production division of Nickelodeon which produces movies for kids and their families in association with its sister Viacom company, Paramount Pictures. Nickelodeon Movies was created in 1993 to develop and produce several types of films, which include star-driven family event movies, kids first movies and animated features, all of which bring extraordinary events, characters and situations into everyday contemporary life.

Nickelodeon feature film releases have grossed more than a half billion at the box office and include the Oscar(R) nominated "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius," "Rugrats Go Wild," "Rugrats," "Snow Day," "Rugrats in Paris: The Movie," "Clockstoppers" and "The Wild Thornberys Movie," among others. Nickelodeon, Nickelodeon Movies and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

Paramount Pictures is part of the entertainment operations of Viacom Inc., one of the world's largest entertainment and media companies, and a leader in the production, promotion and distribution of entertainment, news, sports and music.

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Source: Nickelodeon Movies; Paramount Pictures