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IDT Entertainment has licensed the animation rights to Hellboy from Revolution Studios and is starting production on a direct-to-DVD feature film and series, Variety reported. IDT, a telecom giant that has moved into digital animation in recent years mainly via acquisitions, is in talks with a cable network to debut the series in late 2006 or early 2007. The animated movie, which will be distributed on DVD by IDT-owned Anchor Bay, will likely see release in 2007, the trade paper reported. Both projects will be animated in a traditional 2-D style, not computer animation. Talent from the 2004 hit Hellboy movie, including Ron Perlman and Selma Blair, will do voice w**k for the animated feature and series. Film helmer Guillermo del Toro and comic-book creator Mike Mignola will consult as creative producers. The projects are being produced in Los Angeles by the animation house Film Roman, which IDT bought in 2003. Disney Animation veteran Tad Stones will be supervising director. Revolution is also developing a live-action Hellboy sequel film, and IDT will likely attempt to tie some of its properties into the unscheduled release to take advantage of the marketing push. |