Dave Barclay Interview

"Films like Star Wars, Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal were graced with the inventive and imaginative characters brought to life by Dave Barclay. Carole Bouchard had a chance to talk to the puppet master about his unique career.

Now that he has embraced new technology like motion capture, CG and real-time digital puppeteering, he is definitely pioneering an exciting future for a craft that injects real and unique personality into storytelling."

To read the rest of Carole Bouchard's CG Channel interview with my buddy Dave, click here!

Henson Biopic A Possibility

EMPIREFILMGROUP.COM: Empire acquires rights to Jim Henson screenplay
Empire has scheduled the film for production in late summer with a $30 million budget
February 4, 2008

Empire Film Group, Inc. has acquired the motion picture production and distribution rights to "Henson," an original screenplay by Robert D. Slane that chronicles the life and achievements of Muppets creator, Jim Henson. Empire has pegged the film for production in late summer with a $30 million budget to be funded through a consortium of international presales and co-production partners.

"This is a major project about an entertainer of legendary stature and worldwide acclaim," said Dean Hamilton-Bornstein, CEO of Empire Film Group. "The script is superb and should provide a terrific roadmap for a completed film that will satisfy both mainstream audiences and critics. We're very excited about this acquisition and the commercial caliber of this project."

"Henson" covers the life of puppeteer, filmmaker and entertainment mogul Jim Henson, from his early fascination with television as a teenager, through his spectacular career and life achievements. Empire anticipates hiring a major director, such as Penny Marshall, and hopes to attract notable star cast in key roles. Bornstein will act as Executive Producer, with Empire Home Entertainment President Eric Parkinson producing the film along with Xavier Mitchell.

"Jim Henson is one of the best known and most beloved entertainers of all time," said Parkinson. "His story is inspiring, tragic, heartwarming and epic, and will make for an important and entertaining motion picture. This is the sort of movie that Empire will be pursuing as we build the company into a leading independent studio."

Learn more about Empire Film Group by visiting www.empirefilmgroup.com.

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Sounds great to me! I'd love to see a good film about Jim Henson. His work has been languishing for years, and a well-made biography might help inspire a new generation of puppeteers.

Swazzle Article @ PuppetVision Blog

Swazzle is featured in yesterday's PuppetVision Blog post! Andrew wrote a great piece about the Rex & Boots video that's currently linked to the Nancy Drew movie site. Thanks, Andrew!