South Africa’s first 3D animated feature film, Jock of the Bushveld, will hit local screens on 29 July. Written and directed by Duncan MacNeillie, the film is based on Sir Percy Fitzpatrick’s much loved classic book of the same name.
MacNeillie is currently fine-tuning and polishing Jock in Los Angeles. The film was recently signed to Visio’ Entertainment, a Hollywood-based marketing and distribution company created to support the independent film industry.
Jock Marketing director Andy Rice says: “We have always believed that this production had the potential to be an international success, but couldn’t test that potential until we had a product as close to complete as possible. The response has been phenomenal.
“Duncan is now working alongside Visio’ Entertainment to hone the movie for international release; ensuring the narrative is appropriate for a global audience and that it gains an all ages rating for family viewing.’
Award-winning German composer Klaus Badelt is creating a full orchestral underscore to complement and link the songs specially written for Jock by Bryan Adams, Alan Menken, Johnny Clegg and others.
Rice notes that the film has had “fantastic support’ from South African marketers in terms of taking out licences. “Almost without exception they have welcomed a brand that is bound to be strong and will reach a global audience. Now that the release date is set campaigns can really begin to roll out.’
SMARTIES went to market with their Jock campaign this month and brand manager Hloni Mohope says: “It’s an honour for the Nestle SMARTIES brand to be one of the partners that have embarked on this exciting journey with Jock Marketing. Jock of the Bushveld will be the first of its kind in South Africa and we’re ecstatic to be running a promotion that engages and resonates with the South African audience.’
Merchandising partner Edgars was one of the first South African brands to align itself with the film. Edgars specialist buyer Alcora du Plessis, says: “Edgars is proud to be associated with the movie; the story forms part of our South African heritage and is one we can all relate to. As a leading South African retailer we support local initiatives and by making T shirts available in selected Edgars stores we hope to make the legend of Jock live on in people’s hearts.’
The latest partner to sign up is FNB and new head of media, Bernice Samuels, says: “Jock is a quintessentially South African story and FNB is a quintessentially South African bank. As an enthusiastically South African brand, and one that celebrates and drives innovation, we are enormously proud to be associated with the film. It is truly stand-out quality.’
The movie recently secured internationally acclaimed artists Bryan Adams as the voice of Jock and also has an A-list of local artists involved.
The professional actors are joined by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, cast appropriately in a cameo role as the voice of the spiritual leader.
The internationally acclaimed Sir Tim Rice, who has contributed lyrics to Aladdin, The Lion King and Evita, is the principal lyricist for the film and other contributors to the music include Johnny Clegg, Nianell, Craig Hinds of the band Watershed, and Marius Brouwer, who has produced many local hits.
For more information visit www.jock-animation.com http://www.jock-animation.com.
