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Here's something from Animation World Network newsletter (www.awn.com).
DISNEY, DIC EXTEND LIVE-ACTION DEAL. Animated characters such as Sailor Moon, Inspector Gadget and Carmen Sandiego are making moves into live-action features, through a recently renewed first-look deal between Walt Disney Pictures and DIC Entertainment's DIC Films division. "Inspector Gadget," a live-action feature based on the 1980s animated series about a bumbling detective, is slated for release in summer 1999. Projects in development include: "Sailor Moon," based on the Japanese animated series/merchandising property and set to star actress Geena Davis, and "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?," produced in association with Sandra Bullock and her company, Fortis Films. DIC Films' first live-action feature with Disney, "Meet the Deedles" opened this month in U.S. theaters.
Last week, DIC announced the formation of a direct-to-video animation division (AF 3/17/98), which will produce an animated "Inspector Gadget" video.
And this too:
Company Press Release
SOURCE: Walt Disney Pictures
Walt Disney Pictures Extends Its First Look Agreement With DIC Films
BURBANK, Calif., March 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Walt Disney Pictures has agreed to extend its first-look arrangement with DIC Films for an additional two years, it was announced today (3/19) by David Vogel, president of Walt Disney Pictures and Hollywood Pictures. Under the terms of the deal, DIC Films will continue to develop and produce motion pictures on a first-look basis for Disney. A division of DIC Entertainment, DIC Films is headed by Aaron Meyerson, vice president of motion pictures, who oversees live-action motion picture development and production for the company. That division was formed in 1995 by Meyerson and Artie Ripp, who continues to serve as a consultant. Noah Rosen holds the post of director of development for DIC Films. DIC Entertainment is owned by ABC TV, which became part of The Walt Disney Company in 1996.
Disney's first joint effort with DIC Films is ``Meet the Deedles,'' an outrageous family comedy due for release on March 27th and starring Dennis Hopper, Paul Walker and Steve Van Wormer. Produced by Meyerson and Dale Pollock and directed by Steve Boyum, the film follows the misadventures of two surfer dude brothers who find themselves in hot water when they become rookie rangers at Yellowstone Park and uncover a plot to turn off Old Faithful. Among their other projects with Disney, DIC Films is joining with producer Jordan Kerner to bring ``Inspector Gadget'' (based on DIC's popular 1980's animated series about the bumbling detective) to the big screen for the Summer of 1999.
DIC Films is also developing the following projects for Disney: ``Where In the World is Carmen Sandiego?,'' in association with Sandra Bullock's Fortis Films banner; ``Sailor Moon,'' a live-action feature based on the Japanese primetime anime phenomenon and set to star Geena Davis; ``Beardstown Ladies,'' a film about an unlikely group of female financial wizards from Illinois who authored three best-selling investment guides; and ``Genius,'' an original movie for The Disney Channel being produced by Aaron Meyerson and Tom Schulman (``Dead Poets Society,'' ``Honey, I Shrunk the Kids'') based on a pitch by Myerson and John Rieck.
Commenting on the announcement, Vogel said, ``We're very pleased to be extending our relationship with Aaron Meyerson and the folks at DIC Films and continue to be impressed with the projects they have brought to us. When it comes to family entertainment, they have great sensibilities which makes them ideal partners for the Disney banner. Our first project, 'Meet the Deedles,' was lots of fun to make and we look forward to other collaborations in the future.''
DIC Films was started in 1995 under the leadership of DIC Entertainment president Andy Heyward and company consultant/representative Artie Ripp.
At that same time, Aaron Meyerson was hired to run the division in his role as vice president, production and development.
Prior to joining DIC Films, Meyerson was executive producer of the smash hit ``Dumb and Dumber,'' a project that he brought to New Line Cinema while serving as vice president of production. That film went on to gross over $250 million at the worldwide box office. Additionally, he served as executive producer of ``National Lampoon's Senior Trip'' and associate produced ``Above the Rim'' and the telefilm, ``12:01.''
Meyerson began his industry career in 1989 with The Walt Disney Studios as a creative executive with Touchstone Pictures, where he worked on ``Up Close and Personal.'' In 1990, he began a four year association with New Line as a creative executive and was subsequently promoted to director of development and vice president of production.
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