‘FernGully: The Last Rainforest’ Slated for Revival Under Machine Media Advisors – Film News in Brief
Machine Media Advisors has acquired 1992 animated film “FernGully: The Last Rainforest” and its associated rights.
“FernGully: The Last Rainforest” — starring Robin Williams, Samantha Mathis, Tim Curry and Christian Slater — follows a group of fairies living in a rainforest fighting off an evil force that aims to pollute and destroy their home. Led by Jonathan Sheinberg, Susan Sheinberg and Matt Feige, Machine Media Advisors along with Moonheart Entertainment plans to revive the environmentally-conscious film in new iterations while also honoring the original.
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The team is currently in the process of reimagining the “FernGully” concept with new worlds, characters and storylines, according to the press release. They are in talks with major studios for both live-action and animated additions to the “FernGully” universe.
Machine Media Advisors with the instrumental support of their minority partner Moonheart led by Moonli Singha, Rosa Gudmundsdottir and Krystine Beneke re-released the original film’s soundtrack. In 2022, they brought back the sequel “FernGully 2: The Magical Rescue” as a special edition in honor of the 30th anniversary.
“It has been a pleasure to bring ‘FernGully’ back to life in the modern digital era,” said Sheinberg. “It’s a film that matters deeply to so many people, and we’re excited to continue the legacy of this beloved title.”
Netflix and American Cinematheque Partner to Showcase Wes Anderson’s Favorite Shorts
In partnership with American Cinematheque, Netflix will showcase a collection of short films chosen by Wes Anderson.
On Dec. 9, the Aero Theatre will show Anderson’s “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” and “Ready, Steady, Zoom” at 12 p.m.
“The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes and Dev Patel. Based on Roald Dahl’s 1977 short story collection, “The Wonder Story of Henry Sugar” is an anthology film made up of several short films: “Henry Sugar,” “The Swan,” “Poison” and “The Ratcatcher.”
The film marks his second Dahl adaptation after his beloved stop-motion film “Fantastic Mr. Fox.”
“Powers of Ten,” “Very Nice, Very Nice” and “Christo’s Valley Curtain” will be screened at Los Feliz 3 on Dec. 10 at 4 p.m.
From directors Charles and Ray Eames, “Powers of Ten” is a scientific film essay with narration from Phil Morrison. Arthur Lipsett’s “Very Nice, Very Nice” blends photography and sound to showcase the way day-to-day life has evolved. “Christo’s Valley Curtain,” directed by Ellen Hovde, Albert Maysles and David Maysles, follows Christo’s journey to put a piece of orange fabric between two Colorado mountains.
In speaking about Anderson’s approach and the costumes of “Henry Sugar,” costume designer Walicka Maimone said, “Benedict was just phenomenal with impersonating every character. Once Wes writes it on the page, I go again with the photography experimentation of finding out the images that represent those kinds of humans, those kinds of characters.” Maimone continued, “We take those characters from the real world and create our own version of characters that resonate with humanity. In this particular case, it was just Benedict creating those personas. He is absolutely fabulous in the fittings because he truly impersonates those people. He’s like this amazing chameleon, being able to transform from one person to another.
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