3D Blinky Bill movie in the works!

Who can forget that adorable tree-hugging Aussie icon Blinky Bill? Not me (and not only because I’m reminded of his existence every time my daughter pops an ABC DVD in the player; there’s a promo for Blinky Bill on near every one of those Hi-5 or Elmo releases) and, by golly, I’m sure not ready to let the critter be roadkill just yet. Press release just landed in the inbox announcing a new 3D “Blinky Bill” movie – yes, the genie has granted you your wish. Now say thanks.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – September 21, 2011 : Flying Bark Productions today confirmed a Blinky Bill 3D feature film will commence production this year and two of the animation industry’s most respected creative talents have signed on as Director and Line Producer.

With over 13 years working professionally in the fields of 3D animation and multi-media for Disney, Rising Sun Pictures and Animal Logic, Alex Weight will be at the helm of bringing back the iconic Blinky Bill as Director. Alex Weight was also the lead animator of Oscar-winning ‘Happy Feet’ and Animation Supervisor on ‘Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole’.

Marie-Cecile Dahan has also signed on for Blinky Bill as Line Producer. With extensive experience in the animation industry, Marie-Cecile Dahan has worked as Department Manager on ‘Avatar’, Series Line Producer on ‘Animalia’ and as the VFX Production Manager on ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows’ and ‘District 9’.

“Blinky Bill is a timeless Australian classic character so it is an absolute honour for our team at Flying Bark Productions to be bringing the stories of Blinky Bill and his Australian bush friends to life in 3D for a new generation of children – and of course for parents that grew up with this national treasure.
Both Alex and Marie-Cecile bring a wealth of Australian and international animation expertise so we are thrilled to have their creative talent on board for Blinky Bill in 3D” said Flying Bark Productions’ Managing Director, Jim Ballantine.

Flying Bark Productions has had a rich history with one of Australia’s most loved little guys. In 1992, Yoram Gross Film Studios – now Flying Bark Productions – produced the iconic Blinky Bill feature film based on the Australian classic book by Dorothy Wall. Blinky Bill, The Mischievous Koala told the story of Blinky Bill’s childhood with his animal friends in the Australian bush and how the peace and charm of their existence was shattered by the destruction of their homes by humans. The film made a national treasure of Yoram Gross and a megastar of Blinky, the little koala with the heart of gold.

The last “Blinky Bill” film, made in 1992, saw Robyn Moore lend her lungs to the title character.

So who should they get to voice Blinky Bill this time? Paul Hogan up for voice work? Maybe Ryan Kwanten?