Tokyo, Japan (M&C) - Shochiku, Japan’s leading entertainment conglomerate, announced March 18, that it has acquired worldwide rights to the CG animated feature “Vexille” and will release the film wide in late summer 2007.
From the creators of APPLESEED comes the full CG animated Sci-Fi action feature “Vexille” - a story full of action that takes the scenes at a breathless speed, and a future that might be right by our doorsteps. The film is directed by Fumihiko Sori (“Ping Pong,” producer of “Appleseed”) from a script by Haruka Handa (“Appleseed”).
The film follows the enormous success of “APPLESEED” - the first ever full CG animated film in Japan, which was released theatrically in over 30 countries and followed with DVD sales over 150,000 units in Japan, and over 300,000 units sold in the U.S.
Budgeted at approximately $10 million, the film will be completed in late Spring 2007 to meet the late Summer 2007 release date.
“Vexille” takes place in futuristic Japan (year 2067) going into total isolation after the United Nations banning further research on robots technology and biotechnology due to the possibility of treat to mankind.
10 years have past (year 2077). Japan has completely blocked the islands with their sophisticated ultra magnetic field which prevents anyone from seeing what is going inside, nor people's traveling in/out of the country.
The United States intelligence obtained information that Japan was developing a new technology which would be a serious threat for not only the United States, but all over the world. A United States special force unit, “SWORD” led by a female commander named Vexille, was ordered a secret mission, to enter Japan and find out what they are developing.
Director Fumihiko Sori worked on the visual effects team for Digital Domain on “TITANIC” and made a directorial debut with “Ping Pong” in 2002. Sori’s highly praised story-telling and the stunning CGI effects had made this film become one of the top grossing films that year, and also win various film awards plus nominations in 8 categories for the Japanese Academy Awards (a very rare case for an independent production), in addition to winning the Best Picture and Best Director. He also continues to work as a VFX director/producer, and produced the first ever Full CG Animation in Japan, “APPLESEED’ in 2004, which also became successful, and was released wide out side of Japan as well. “VEXILLE” is Sori’s second film.
The voices of the main characters will be played by Meisa Kuroki (“Who’s Camus Anyway?” “One Missed Call: Final” ), Yasuko Matsuyuki (“Monday” “Hula Girls”) and Shosuke Tanihara (“Fudoh: The New Generation” “Godzilla: Final Wars”).
Teruki Matsumoto, the Managing Director of the Shochiku’s Motion Picture Operations said, “The success of CG animated films has definitely opened the market for a new breed of animated films, in terms of technology and concept. With a great script and with the team of top creators of the CG animation, we have high hopes for the film. We believe “Vexille” is a great achievement in animation and are looking forward to its huge release this year.” About Shochiku
Founded in 1895, Shochiku functions as a highly-tuned vertically integrated entertainment entity, encompassing feature film and television production, theatrical distribution of Japanese & foreign motion pictures, worldwide sales, exhibition, DVD and home video distribution and the Kabuki Theater.
Shochiku operates one of the most successful motion picture divisions in Japan. The company has produced a number of critically and financially successful films, including the 2004 Academy Award® nominee for best foreign language film “The Twilight Samurai,” directed by Yoji Yamada, the first Japanese Academy Award® nomination for a live-action film in 22 years.
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