WEP News
Atlas ventures into a new galaxy with 'Voltron'
6/1/2009
ATLAS VENTURES INTO A NEW GALAXY WITH 'VOLTRON'
World Events Productions and Kickstart Productions partner with Charles Roven's Atlas Entertainment on a live-action version of the classic sci-fi animated series
LOS ANGELES, JULY XX, 2009 Atlas Entertainment announced today that they are developing a big screen adaptation of the legendary robot action hero "Voltron". Atlas' Charles Roven, Richard Suckle and Steve Alexander will produce the feature along with Kickstart's Jason Netter and World Events Productions' (WEP) Ted Koplar.
A combination of fantasy, magic and mechanics, the famed transformation sequence of Voltron fused itself into the fabric of social and pop culture history and to this day, continues to be a part of the current zeitgeist.
“We are extremely excited about the prospect of a Voltron live-action movie, said Tod Koplar. “Unlike other robotic action movies, Voltron is the personification of the human spirit, a quality that will set this movie apart. We are thrilled that Chuck and his partners at Atlas have come aboard to help us expand the legacy of Votron into a new franchise.“
Added Roven, “It's undeniably impressive that Voltron has sustained itself globally for a quarter of a century, and Rich, Steve and I are excited to be a part of finally realizing it to the big screen.'
2009 marks the 25th anniversary of "Voltron", which since its debut in 1984 continues to be viewed in more than 50 countries worldwide.
ABOUT ATLAS ENTERTAINMENT
Atlas Entertainment, led by Co-Founder Charles Roven, is built on a stellar reputation of creative collaboration, innovation and fiscal responsibility, and its films have generated billions of dollars in revenues. Atlas Entertainment has developed a unique expertise in that it is equally comfortable producing tentpole films such as last summer's The Dark Knight and Get Smart, while never losing sight of its mission to make critically-acclaimed, independent films such as The Bank Job. The Dark Knight has become the second highest grossing movie of all-time generating over a billion dollars worldwide, and received eight Academy Award nominations and two wins for Best Performance by and Actor in a Supporting Role and Best Achievement in Sound Editing.
Atlas principals include a team of hands-on filmmakers led by Roven, his producing partner Alex Gartner and producers Richard Suckle, Steve Alexander and William Green. Executive Vice President Alan Glazer oversees the day-to-day operations of Atlas Entertainment. Atlas has a joint venture, Ace Media, with Steven Chasman, for film production and talent management. Atlas Entertainment recently signed a multi-year, first-look deal with Sony Pictures as well as a second-look, 6 picture deal with Relativity Media.
In 2008, Roven was honored with the ShoWest Producer of the Year award for his prolific contributions to the film industry. Roven's diverse credits include the Oscar®-nominated Twelve Monkeys, the $200-million fantasy romance City Of Angels, as well as the highly-acclaimed post-Gulf War tale Three Kings.
dditional credits include: Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins, which grossed over $370-million worldwide and features an all-star cast including Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Katie Holmes, Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman and Ken Watanabe; Universal/HBO Films' musical Idlewild starring Outkast's Andre Benjamin (Andre 3000) and Antwan Patton (Big Boi); Terry Gilliam's Brothers Grimm starring Matt Damon and Heath Ledger; and the $275-million-plus worldwide box office hit Scooby-Doo, and its sequel Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.
Atlas is currently in post-production on the Roven and Gartner produced Season of the Witch starring Nicolas Cage. The Relativity film will be released by Lionsgate on March 19, 2010. Atlas's film, The International directed by Tom Tykwer, produced by Roven and Suckle and starring Clive Owen and Naomi Watts is currently available on DVD.
