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G-FORCE in Theatre and in Disney Digital 3D
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer brings his first 3D film to the big screen with “G-FORCE,” a comedy adventure about the latest evolution of a covert government program to train animals to work in espionage. Armed with the latest high-tech spy equipment, these highly trained guinea pigs discover that the fate of the world is in their paws. Tapped for the G-Force are guinea pigs Darwin (voice of SAM ROCKWELL), the squad leader determined to succeed at all costs; Blaster (voice of TRACY MORGAN), an outrageous weapons expert with tons of attitude and a love for all things extreme; and Juarez (voice of PENÉLOPE CRUZ), a sexy martial arts pro; plus the literal fly-on-the-wall reconnaissance expert, Mooch, and a star-nosed mole, Speckles (voice of NICOLAS CAGE), the computer and information specialist. Along the way, the G-Force encounters myriad other members of the animal kingdom, including pet shop layabout Hurley (voice of JON FAVREAU) and the rabidly territorial hamster Bucky (voice of STEVE BUSCEMI).
Directed by Academy Award®-winning visual effects master Hoyt H. Yeatman Jr.—“G-FORCE” takes audiences on a high-octane thrill ride, proving once and for all that the world needs bigger heroes.
“It’s fun to take films based on familiar, even classic themes, give them a twist and see what evolves,” says Bruckheimer. “Movies about secret agents have been on screen long before James Bond, and movies in which animals speak and have personalities have also been with us for quite some time. What we’ve never seen, however, is a movie about secret agents who also happen to be animals—what’s more in a combination of live action, animation and Digital 3D.”
This next-tech combination of live action and computer generated animation also features live cast members, including Golden Globe® winner BILL NIGHY as sinister industrialist Leonard Saber, WILL ARNETT as Special Agent Kip Killian, who wants to shut down G-Force, ZACH GALIFIANAKIS as G-Force’s creator and father figure, KELLI GARNER as the team’s veterinarian, TYLER PATRICK JONES as Connor; JACK CONLEY and GABRIEL CASSEUS as the less-than-brilliant agents who Killian puts on G-Force’s trail, NIECY NASH as an ebullient pet shop owner, and LOUDON WAINWRIGHT as Grandpa Goodman.
“G-FORCE” is executive produced by Mike Stenson, Chad Oman, Duncan Henderson and David P.I. James. The screenplay is by The Wibberleys (“National Treasure: Book of Secrets”), based on a story by Hoyt H.Yeatman Jr. & David P.I. James. Pat Sandston, Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio and Ryota Kashiba are the associate producers. Behind-the-scenes talent includes director of photography Bojan Bazelli (“Hairspray,” “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”), production designer Deborah Evans (“Hostage,” “Remember the Titans”), costume designer Ellen Mirojnick (“Déjà Vu,” “Fatal Attraction,” “Wall Street”), film editors Jason Hellmann (“Enemy of the State,” “Bad Boys II”) and Mark Goldblatt (Academy Award® nominee for “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” “Armageddon”), composer Trevor Rabin (“Armageddon” and the “National Treasure” films), two-time Academy Award-winning visual effects supervisor Scott Stokdyk (“Spider-Man,” “Spider-Man 2”), and special effects coordinator Stan Parks (Academy Award nominee for “Hollow Man,” “Déjà Vu”).
BUILDING THE G-FORCE
Preschooler’s Class Guinea Pig Sparks Film Concept
“The genesis of the movie is interesting,” says director Hoyt H. Yeatman Jr. “I’d wanted to develop a project that broke new ground visually; it was actually my five-year-old son who came up with the spark of the idea. He brought home the class guinea pig from preschool and started talking about guinea pigs as soldiers, wearing uniforms and little army helmets. So I said, ‘Well, why not have a band of these guys who are secret agents?’
“We all laughed,” continues Yeatman, “but then I got on the internet and found some really interesting and bizarre stories about animals being trained by the American government for covert activities, including cats, dolphins, sharks and insects. It just lit up the imagination and off we went.”
“Out of the mouths of babes,” says producer Jerry Bruckheimer. “The idea was utterly off-the-wall, which was just fine with us, because it was also completely original. The amazing thing is that the fantasy element of ‘G-FORCE’ is based on certain realities. For years, the government has engaged in top-secret programs in which they train animals to help defend the nation—from dolphins detecting mines to cockroaches carrying recording devices. So we kicked it to the next level—what if a scientist figured out a way to not only train such animals, but to actually communicate with them?”
Building on the guinea-pigs-as-secret-agents concept, filmmakers created a G-Force that consists of three guinea pigs, a star-nosed mole and a house fly—all extremely dedicated to their work. “They know that at any given moment, the fate of the world may very well be in their paws,” says Bruckheimer.
But to make the movie work—and be somewhat believable—the animals had to communicate somehow. Enter character Dr. Ben Kendall, the genius behind the film’s G-Force. “His breakthrough is the fact that they actually have little headsets, and the headsets allow them to speak fluent English,” says Yeatman. “In the movie, animals have always been able to understand English. In their world, they speak just like we do, but to communicate with humans, they have to wear that headset.”
Dr. Kendall’s secret operation includes an amazing array of gadgetry that aids in G-Force’s efforts. From motorized exercise balls to night vision to tiny militarized PDAs, the G-Force is aptly outfitted to save the world. “They have a base-jumping low-altitude parasail,” says Yeatman. “When they need to jump to the top of the roofs they have a rocket assist. In the world of ‘G-FORCE,’ the guinea pigs have lots of really cool gizmos.”
The G-Force’s training and high-tech spy equipment are put to the test when they uncover a billionaire industrialist’s sinister plan to destroy the world. Duty calls, and the G-Force springs into action.
BEHIND THE G-FORCE
All-Star Cast Brings the ‘Force to Life
Voice Talent
Much like the fictional G-Force, the movie “G-FORCE” employs the latest technologies, taking the film to the next level. But producer Jerry Bruckheimer says there’s another aspect of the film that really makes the four-legged G-Force work. “It’s the humans who bring these animals and their world fully alive,” says Bruckheimer.
Nicolas Cage (“Knowing,” “National Treasure”), a lifelong fan of animation, provides the voice of Speckles, the blind and brilliant, star-nosed mole. “G-FORCE” was to be the actor’s sixth collaboration with Bruckheimer (with “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” soon to follow as the seventh), but one unlike any of the others. “Jerry showed me pictures of the ‘G-FORCE’ characters and said I could play any role I wanted,” says Cage. “When I saw Speckles, something about it got to me, and I thought I could do something interesting with the voice. It was important to me to create a new voice that was unrecognizable from my own vocal patterns. It was also important to me to go into an area that had kind of a zany intensity. To me, that’s what would make Speckles fun to play, and hopefully fun for the audience.
“One of my favorite actors is Mel Blanc,” continues Cage, referring to the great vocal talent behind Warner Bros. cartoon characters Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd and Yosemite Sam. “He was a marvelous character actor. We knew him only from his voices, so I thought it would be fun to create a whole new voice for this marvelous looking little mole in ‘G-FORCE.’”
“Nic Cage has created a terrific voice for Speckles, sort of going back to a 1930s kind of character,” says Bruckheimer. “Then there’s Sam Rockwell, who also has a wonderful voice, powerful and strong, as Darwin, the team leader.”
“Oh, it’s very strange,” admits Rockwell about bringing a non-human character to life. “But when they said ‘action guinea pig movie,’ I showed up—I was like, ‘I’m there!’ Darwin is a superspy and has sort of a Steve McQueen guinea-pig vibe, so it’s fun to play an action hero.”
Rockwell (“Frost/Nixon,” “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”) had experience with guinea pigs, having had one for a pet when he was a kid. “His name was Ralph and he used to bite my finger a lot,” recalls the actor. “It didn’t feel good. I don’t know if Ralph liked me or not, but I think he had some emotional issues. Darwin is much more well-adjusted.”
Rockwell was able to record some of Darwin’s scenes with his friend and colleague Jon Favreau (“The Break-Up,” “Four Christmases”). The character actor and director of the recent smash hit “Iron Man” provides the voice of the fat and happy Hurley who members of the G-Force meet up with in a pet store.
“I’m the flatulent comic relief in the film,” says Favreau. “I think that if you’re going to play a guinea pig, you want to be a funny guinea pig. Hurley thinks that Darwin is his brother, based on a birthmark that they both have, and he’s taken quite a shine to the guy. Hurley has grown up in a pet shop, never adopted by a family, and he’s a bit needy for attention and love. G-Force becomes his de facto family, and Darwin his long-lost brother, even though he probably isn’t. I think Hurley gives an emotional center to the group.”
Favreau was attracted to the material for reasons both artistic and personal. “It’s fun to do voiceover because you get to be a part of the movie but don’t have to deal with things like going out of town, living in hotels, getting into makeup. Also, I have three kids, so it was a chance to be part of something that my family could enjoy watching together.”
Tracy Morgan (TV’s “30 Rock,” “The Longest Yard”) was called on for the voice of Blaster, a key member of the G-Force who’s known for his tough attitude and weapons expertise. “Blaster is an adrenaline junkie. He’s always ready to let the fur fly,” says Yeatman. “Tracy brings the same sense of humor and comedic timing he’s used in ‘Saturday Night Live’ and ‘30 Rock.’”
Oscar® winner Penélope Cruz (Woody Allen’s “Vicky Christina Barcelona”) provides the voice of G-Force sexy martial-arts pro Juarez. “Juarez is a knockout you can’t knock out,” laughs Yeatman about the character. The director says Cruz was the perfect voice for Juarez. “Penélope Cruz is an amazing actress. I think this is the first time that she’s ever done an animated character, but she brought a lot to the role. She has a beautiful, velvety voice, which is just amazing. It was great working with her.”
Steve Buscemi (“Ghost World,” “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry”) was tapped to play Bucky. “Bucky is a fun, angry hamster,” says Bruckheimer. “Steve did it to perfection.”
“Steve Buscemi is a great, great guy,” adds Yeatman. “He’s obviously done voices before. Bucky was a character that came from the evolution of the story. In the original script, he was just one of the pet store animals off in the corner. But as we got into it, we realized that Bucky could be a very cool little nasty hamster—fun, you know? Steve Buscemi was perfect for that bipolar character. He did a very good job.”
Live-Action Talent
The live-action cast was comprised of comedic and dramatic talents who had become familiar faces on screen, television, stage and, in the case of Zach Galifianakis, the film’s Dr. Ben Kendall, clubs and the internet. One of the country’s most original and decidedly offbeat performers, Galifianakis has very recently expanded beyond cult status with his unfettered, scene-stealing turn as the dubiously lovable, quite literal wild card alongside Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms in the smash hit comedy “The Hangover.”
“When I saw Zach’s work, he struck me as being a total original,” says Bruckheimer. “I thought that along with the humor, was a keen intelligence which made him perfect to play a lovable if slightly eccentric scientist like Ben.”
Galifianakis claims to have trained hard for his role of the slightly portly scientist who creates G-Force. “I work out, I’m a gym rat, and I also go to Souplantation a lot. I know that a lot of actors talk about it, but I had to gain 35 pounds for this role. I was going to wear a prosthetic for some of the early parts of the shoot, but then I eventually gained the weight.” Galifianakis’ training regimen? “I do about three pushups a day. I think every little bit helps. I eat about ten Cliff bars a day, then I move on to six Balance Bars, then a couple of bacon smoothies.”
As for Will Arnett (TV’s “Arrested Development”), another hugely talented comedian and actor cast in the film as the utterly humorless Special Agent Kip Killian, “When asked to describe ‘G-FORCE’ to friends and family, I say, ‘Have you ever thought that guinea pigs could talk?’ Most of them say ‘no,’ and I say, ‘well, they do. It can happen, and Mr. Bruckheimer can make that happen!’”
Arnett describes his character as “a by the book guy—he’s a government man, and he believes that the American people need to be served in a very honest and forthright way. He doesn’t agree with some of the programs that have been in place, and he’s looking to cut some of the fat and do the right thing. When he comes across Dr. Kendall’s G-Force program, he’s not down with it and that really irks him. And when he tries to shut it down and Ben Kendall goes behind his back, it does not go over well with Kip Killian.”
Bill Nighy (“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”) was tapped to play Leonard Saber. “You have a choice in trying to describe what ‘G-FORCE’ is. You either go into a very long explanation which gets very technical, and they are more mystified. Or you say ‘I’m in a guinea pig movie,’ which is the quick way. Then, of course, they think you’re going to be a guinea pig, or the voice of a guinea pig, and I have to explain that no, in fact, I play an industrialist named Leonard Saber who’s bent on world domination. Then it becomes clearer.”
Kelli Garner (“Lars and the Real Girl,” “Taking Woodstock”), the gifted young actress who portrays veterinarian Marcie Hollandsworth, describes her character’s relationship to the animals of “G-FORCE” as “motherly.” “I think every good woman, no matter how old, has a maternal instinct.”
Completing the live-action line-up are Jack Conley (“Fast & Furious,” “Traffic”), Gabriel Casseus (“Black Hawk Down”) and Niecy Nash (TV’s “Reno 911!” and “Clean House”).
THE MAGIC OF “G-FORCE”
Talking Guinea Pigs in Three Dimensions
Director Hoyt H. Yeatman Jr., one of the most innovative visual effects artists in his field, had already worked in that capacity on numerous Bruckheimer productions. “I’ve known Jerry since ‘Crimson Tide,’” says Yeatman. “I went on to do ‘The Rock,’ ‘Armageddon’ and ‘Kangaroo Jack’ for him. Jerry always likes to be on the edge in everything that he does; he has no box around him.”
“Hoyt brilliantly decided to make the computer animated animals as photo realistic as possible instead of looking like cartoon critters,” says Bruckheimer. “He’s won an Academy Award®, received a technical achievement award from the Academy, and he received an Oscar® nomination for his work on Disney’s ‘Mighty Joe Young,’ in which he created one of the most authentic CG animals ever put on screen. We always push the envelope for visual effects and we encouraged Hoyt to go to the edge and beyond on ‘G-FORCE.’”
“We used the highest end computer graphics, but it was all character driven,” says Yeatman. “We used both live-action and virtual worlds, and at the end of the day, the audience won’t know the difference.”
One way in which the filmmakers ensured that audiences felt completely enveloped in the adventure and comedy of “G-FORCE” was to employ the most highly developed new form of immersive 3D from Sony Pictures Imageworks. “We looked at new 3D technologies to see what they could bring to the film, and we’re sure that audiences will have an experience unlike any they’ve had in the past,” says Bruckheimer.
“I think that what this film offers in 3D that others don’t is that it’s a live-action film with animation,” says Yeatman. “To dimensionalize a mixture of live action and animation is a big deal. I think we’re breaking new ground in that respect. 3D adds another layer; it’s almost like going from black and white to color, from silent to sound. Being on the edge is always fun, but kind of scary, too. So when the idea of 3D came up, we had to do some hard thinking and produced a lot of new tools to be able to make that happen.
“One innovation that we’ve accomplished is breaking the frame,” continues Yeatman. “Our characters are free to bust out of the aperture frame, which really brings the 3D to life. It comes right out, literally, into the audience, which is a great effect.”
“Everyone’s trying to push the boundaries,” says two-time Academy Award®-winning visual effects supervisor Scott Stokdyk of Sony Imageworks. “We want the audience to have a great experience that’s different from their home theatre. At the very start of the project, Hoyt did some 3D tests and projected it on a big screen. It was a close-up of a guinea pig and it really came to life in a way that’s not possible in two dimensions.
“Sony Imageworks has done a lot of work with fully animated features like ‘Open Season,’ ‘Surf’s Up,’ ‘Beowulf’ and ‘The Polar Express,’” Stokdyk continues. “But to do that on an action feature which combines live action and animation is a whole other ballgame. It involves a lot of advanced technology which breaks new ground. It’s a difficult process, particularly with a movie as complex visually as ‘G-FORCE,’ but I think it gives the audience a really big bang for their buck at the end of the day.”
“3D has come a long way since the 1950s,” says Sony Imageworks senior visual effects producer Buzz Hays. “Even in the last 10 years we’ve made tremendous advancements. The characters lend themselves to the 3D environment, and certainly the action does. It’s just a really fun experience.”
Adds 3D visual effects supervisor Rob Engle, “Digital technology is the reason for the great progress of 3D, as well as digital exhibition, which is superior to anything we’ve had before. The whole point of showing a 3D movie is that we’re actually showing you two movies, one for the left eye and another for the right eye. The digital technology allows us to do that in a way which is leaps and bounds better than anything we could do with film technology in the past.
“What makes ‘G-FORCE’ so wonderful for 3D,” continues Engle, “is that there are so many moments where you can get in the action and experience them the way the animals do, whether they’re driving around in their little balls, or just watching them shake a little water off their fur.”
“Building the characters and making them look like real guinea pigs which do extraordinary actions was a critical part of what we did,” explains Stokdyk. “This is a very performance-driven movie; we knew that making all of their personalities unique was crucial. We went through a series of animation tests to give them their own sensibilities, so that their looks matched their personalities.”
G-FORCE GADGETRY
Filmmakers Get Creative
In addition to the magic which Hoyt Yeatman and his team would create in the digital universe, he and director of photography Bojan Bazelli were also creating a panoply of innovative camera equipment to allow the audience to see the world from the animals’ points of view. Bazelli, an enthusiastic and energetic artist who was eager to take on the film’s challenges, already had some experience combining live action with CG animation. “I found it very helpful that I had a strong background in commercials, where we employ lots of CGI elements and post-production work. It was still more complex than anything else I had done, comprehending and visualizing things that don’t exist. Hoyt and I agreed that our approach would be to just shoot the film as if all of the characters were real.”
For the film, Yeatman and Bazelli concocted a Rube Goldberg-like menagerie of what the director admits were “very bizarre” camera rigs to essay a view of the world from the animals’ points of view. Among the innovative techniques utilized was Yeatman’s HDRI Cam invention called the “Chirpy Cam,” so named because of the tweeting sound it makes. “The Chirpy Cam shoots 360 degrees in every possible level of exposure,” explains Bazelli, “so that it re-creates every part of the set and how it was lit, so that it can be exactly matched with the CG work.”
There was also “Mooch Vision,” a camera which re-creates the point of view of Mooch as he flies. “Mooch Vision was a 35-millimeter camera with a very wide angle fisheye,” explains Yeatman.
ON LOCATION
Environments Real and Virtual
It was the task of production designer Deborah Evans, supervising art director Ramsey Avery, and their expansive art department team to create the environments, both real and virtual. “We designed the sets in close conjunction with Hoyt, because that’s his world,” says Evans. “We had a lot of meetings with Hoyt and the visual effects department to work out how to combine the real sets with their virtual needs.”
In fact, even the real sets began in virtual form. “We built virtual sets in the computer,” explains Evans, “which we would then hand off to visual effects and the pre-visualization artists so they could create animatics with Hoyt’s hand-drawn storyboards. That way, when we designed the sets, it would be perfect for the action.”
Adds Avery, “It takes a lot of going through storyboards and figuring out exactly what’s real in a frame and what’s not real in a frame.”
The largest set created for the film was Dr. Ben Kendall’s impressive, albeit jerry-built, Biological Intelligence (B.I.O.) Lab, constructed in an old, converted locomotive factory in downtown Los Angeles (in the film, the B.I.O. Lab has the false cover of “ACME Exterminators”). “We designed the lab so that it looked like it was cobbled together on a budget by Ben out of salvaged military containers and aeronautical parts,” explains Evans.
The boxy environments for the G-Force training and living spaces were all fully constructed, right down to the last simulator and beach chair. The B.I.O. Lab has a central workstation which controls the training facilities, including elliptical trainers, a mini RV driving simulator, wind tunnel and pneumatic dispatch, which resembles old-fashioned units in office buildings utilized to move mail throughout the building, but in this case, is intended for quick G-Force escape. In fact, the tubes were part of the old locomotive factory, cleverly adapted by the filmmakers.
“The whole G-Force world is in containers,” says Evans. “We built a gymnasium for Darwin and Juarez out of an executive aircraft’s fuselage. Everything was fabricated out of metals, scraps and recycled electrical components. “Speckles is the tech/communications guy,” continues Evans. “We used old cell phones and telephone parts for his environment, and unlike the other members of G-Force, who sleep in bunk beds, Speckles sleeps in an old cereal box. Blaster’s the rock-and-roll guinea pig, so he has a little boom box in his environment, rock posters and a big-screen TV.”
The theme of living and working in recycled containers extended to Ben Kendall’s house. Evans and Avery found a home in Redondo Beach, Calif., constructed entirely from shipping containers. In contrast was Leonard Saber’s mansion, which was shot at the Sharpe residence at Lucky Dog Ranch in Somis, Calif. The sleek, post-modern structure was designed by world-renowned architect Zoltan Pali. For “G-FORCE,” however, the visual effects artists amended Pali’s design by digitally adding a second story to the one-floor home.
Other locations and sets for the film included the colorful Elia’s Pet Shop, which temporarily houses G-Force and introduces them to a host of other animals, including Hurley, a delightful trio of mice and a not-so-delightful snake. The exterior of the shop was actually filmed in the real Elia’s—a neighborhood fixture in East Los Angeles—and a fully tricked-out interior set was then designed by Evans and filmed at The Culver Studios, which also housed Saber mansion interiors, Ben’s home laboratory and the interior of the command vehicle, mounted on a highly sophisticated, computer-operated, six-axis motion base. The Goodman house, where Juarez and Blaster are temporarily adopted, was on a leafy street in Pasadena. The suburban street thrown into nighttime chaos by marauding household appliances was filmed in Stevenson Ranch north of Los Angeles.
TAKING TECHNOLOGY TO THE BIG SCREEN
Gizmos, Gadgets and Scary Household Appliances Invade “G-FORCE”
Every secret agent has to have his gear, and the members of G-Force are no exception. Never mind that they’re a fraction of the customary size for such accoutrements. “G-Force is all tricked out,” says Bruckheimer. “They have parachutes, blowtorches, their own communication system. Mooch the Fly has the latest in surveillance technology. James Bond would be envious.”
“Ben Kendall is a tinkerer and an adventurer at heart,” says Yeatman. “He has the equipment to build the more advanced technology that the government maybe wouldn’t have funded. So he firmly believes in equipping G-Force with the latest and best equipment, not to mention a Rapid Deployment Vehicle, or RDV, which looks like the militarized version of the transparent balls that hamsters and guinea pigs roll around in for exercise. We use them in a terrific chase scene.”
Each member of G-Force has their preferred gears and gadgets. Darwin utilizes night-vision goggles, a plasma cutter and an all-important PDA. Blaster has his scuba equipment (including a nifty aqua scooter) and grappling hooks, and is a beast for commandeering toy remote-controlled cars. Juarez, as a martial arts expert, generally relies on her own skills, but has a more than passing familiarity with scuba gear, whirling bolos and parasailing. Speckles, of course, has his computer. And Mooch, a genius at surveillance and communication, has his nano-camera, which can transmit fly-on-the-wall imagery to the rest of the team.
No detail went unexplored by Yeatman and his design team. “Speckles has a very unique work station,” says the director. “As a star-nosed mole, he has very unique digging claws, so we knew that a normal computer keyboard wouldn’t work. We had to ergonomically design something that a mole could use.”
Deborah Evans and her department were also responsible for the design of G-Force’s gadgets, gizmos and gear, as well as the Sabersense household appliances, with their retro look which give way to monstrous manifestations once Saber puts his sinister plan into action. In the world of “G-FORCE,” Saberling brand electric coffee makers, refrigerators, mixers, waffle makers, blenders, toasters, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, dryers and microwave ovens all have a terrifying (and terrifyingly funny) flip side when the right (or wrong) buttons are pushed. “The appliances reference classic industrial design when everything was made out of metal,” explains Evans.
Adds supervising art director Avery, “Each of the appliances, when they come to life, has a little bit of animal feel to it. The washer and dryer are like a gorilla. The toaster spits its heating coils at you. The coffee maker sprouts legs and walks around in a very strange kind of Frankenstein manner. The microwave tries to lure one of our characters into it with some cake.”
Having a field day with the monstrous appliances and other action elements of the film were stunt coordinators Brian Machleit and Doug Coleman, and second unit director Kenny Bates. Machleit orchestrated such mayhem as an FBI Hostage Rescue Team assault on Leonard Saber’s futuristic mansion, while Bates coordinated and shot a car-chase scene between Agents Carter and Trigstad in a black SUV and Darwin, Juarez and Hurley in the G-Force Rapid Deployment Vehicle. “The car chase is a classic mainstay of action movies,” says Bruckheimer. “But we never like to repeat ourselves. Bullitt and Popeye Doyle never had to chase three guinea pigs in an RDV.”
For Bruckheimer, Yeatman and their talented group of actors and behind-the-scenes artists, it was all in a day’s work.
“I think that ‘G-FORCE’ is built for the whole family,” says Yeatman. “People will love seeing these animals in an action movie setting, and will probably look sideways every time they turn on a blender!”
ABOUT THE CAST
Voice Talent:
Academy Award®-winner NICOLAS CAGE (voice of Speckles) is one of the most versatile actors of all time, equally known for his poignant portrayals in both drama and comedy. “G- FORCE” marks the sixth of Cage’s seven collaborations with producer Jerry Bruckheimer, following “The Rock,” “Con Air,” “Gone in 60 Seconds,” “National Treasure,” “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” which recently got underway at New York locations with “National Treasure” director Jon Turteltaub at the helm.
Cage last appeared in the thriller “Knowing,” which opened as the No. 1 film in the U.S. in March 2009. His memorable performance as an alcoholic drinking himself to death in the MGM drama “Leaving Las Vegas,” directed by Mike Figgis, earned him an Academy Award® as well as Golden Globe® and Best Actor awards from the New York Film Critics Circle, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, the Chicago Film Critics and the National Board of Review. Cage further solidified his leading man status when he received Academy Award, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) nominations for his dual role as twin brothers Charlie and Donald Kaufman in Spike Jonze’s quirky comedy, “Adaptation,” which also co-starred Meryl Streep and Chris Cooper.
SAM ROCKWELL (voice of Darwin) has emerged as one of the most dynamic actors of his generation by continuing to take on challenging roles in both independent and studio productions.
Rockwell can currently be seen starring in Duncan Jones’ “Moon” for Sony Pictures Classics which just won the Michael Powell Award at the 63rd Edinburgh International Film Festival.
He is currently filming “Iron Man 2” opposite Robert Downey Jr. and recently wrapped production on “Betty Anne Waters” opposite Hilary Swank. He can next be seen in “Everybody’s Fine” opposite Robert DeNiro for Miramax and “The Winning Season” for Lions Gate.
Rockwell has created memorable characters in several films, including Andrew Dominik’s critically acclaimed film “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” David Gordon Green’s acclaimed film “Snow Angels,” the Russo brothers’ comedy “Welcome to Collinwood,” David Mamet’s “Heist,” the blockbuster “Charlie’s Angels,” and Frank Darabont’s Oscar®-nominated “The Green Mile.”
JON FAVREAU (voice of Hurley) is a true multi-hyphenate. After getting his break as an actor in “Rudy,” Favreau went on to establish himself as a writer of considerable talent with the acclaimed hipster comedy “Swingers.” Since then, he has continued to challenge himself with a variety of eclectic projects.
Favreau’s most recent triumph as a director and executive producer was on the blockbuster “Iron Man,” which grossed more than $570 million worldwide. He is currently preparing the upcoming “Iron Man 2,” due in 2010, which he will also direct. Favreau recently wrapped production on “Couples Retreat,” which he wrote and starred in.
Prior to “Iron Man,” Favreau directed “Zathura,” a children’s adventure film starring Tim Robbins, for Radar Pictures and Sony Entertainment. In 2003, Favreau directed the acclaimed holiday smash hit “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell, for New Line Cinema. Favreau made his feature film directorial debut with “Made,” a script he wrote and starred in opposite Vince Vaughn and Sean “Puffy” Combs for Artisan Entertainment.
In front of the camera, Favreau was recently seen in “I Love You, Man” with Paul Rudd, Rashida Jones and Jason Segel; and opposite Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston in Universal Pictures’ “The Break-Up.” He also recently appeared in “Four Christmases” opposite Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon. Favreau was also seen alongside Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany in Universal Pictures’ “Wimbledon,” in Sony Pictures Entertainment’s “Something’s Gotta Give” with Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton and Keanu Reeves, and in the Mark Steven Johnson film “Daredevil” with Ben Affleck, an adaptation of the Marvel Comics franchise for 20th Century Fox-Regency Enterprises. He also portrayed the legendary heavyweight champion in the MGM biopic “Rocky Marciano.”
Academy Award® winner PENÉLOPE CRUZ (voice of Juarez) has proven herself to be one of the most versatile young actresses by playing a variety of compelling characters and most recently becoming the first actress from Spain to be nominated for and win an Academy Award, for Woody Allen’s “Vicky Christina Barcelona.”
First introduced to American audiences in the Spanish films “Jamon, Jamon” and “Belle Epoque,” in 1998 she starred in her first English language film, “The Hi-Lo Country,” for director Stephen Frears opposite Woody Harrelson, Patricia Arquette and Billy Crudup. In 1999, Cruz won the Best Actress award at the 13th annual Goya Awards given by the Spanish Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for her role in Fernando Trueba’s “The Girl of Your Dreams.”
Next up for Cruz was New Line Cinema’s “Blow” for director Ted Demme and “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” opposite Nicolas Cage. After that, she starred opposite Tom Cruise in the erotic thriller “Vanilla Sky.” She then tackled “Masked & Anonymous,” “Fan Fan la Tulipe,” which opened the 2003 Cannes Film Festival, and “Don’t Tempt Me.” She received rave reviews for her performance in “Don’t Move,” for which she was honored with a David di Donatello Award (the Italian equivalent of the Academy Awards®) and European Film Award for Best Actress.
STEVE BUSCEMI (voice of Bucky) has built a career out of portraying some of the most unique and unforgettable characters in recent cinema.
Buscemi won the Independent Spirit Award, the New York Film Critics Award and was nominated for a Golden Globe® for his role in MGM’s “Ghost World,” directed by Terry Zwigoff and co-starring Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson.
He was also nominated for an Emmy® and DGA Award for directing the “Pine Barrens” episode during the fourth season of HBO’s “The Sopranos.” He then followed it up with a Best Supporting Actor Emmy nomination for his role as Tony Blundetto in season five of the cable series.
IFC released his third directorial feature, “Lonesome Jim,” a comedy-drama about a dysfunctional family, which was named one of the year’s top 10 independent films by the National Board of Review. His last film, in which he also starred, was “Interview” with Sienna Miller, which premiered at last year’s Sundance Film Festival.
NAACP Image Award nominee TRACY MORGAN (voice of Blaster) plays wild and unpredictable movie star Tracy Jordan in NBC’s two-time Emmy Award®-winning “30 Rock,” a workplace comedy where the workplace exists behind the scenes of a live variety show.
Morgan’s feature film credits include “The Longest Yard,” “Little Man,” “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” and “Head of State.” He most recently starred in “First Sunday,” opposite Ice Cube and Katt Williams, for Sony Pictures. He was most recently seen in “Superhero Movie,” and his upcoming projects include “Nailed,” directed by David O. Russell, in which he stars alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and Jessica Biel.
In addition to his two individual NAACP Image Award nominations, Morgan, along with the “30 Rock” cast, won a 2009 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
Live-Action Talent:
BILL NIGHY (Leonard Saber) was born in Caterham, Surrey, in 1949 and trained for the stage at the Guildford School of Acting. He made his professional stage debut at Newbury’s Watermill Theatre and subsequently gained experience at regional theaters like the Edinburgh Traverse, the Chester Gateway and the Liverpool Everyman. It was in Liverpool that he formed a touring theater company with Julie Walters and Peter Postlewaite, which played at a variety of venues. He made his first appearance in London in “Comings and Goings” at the Hampstead Theatre in November 1978.
Nighy made his movie debut in the early 1980s in “The Little Drummer Girl.” It was “The Constant Gardener,” another John le Carre screen adaptation, which won him Best Supporting Actor at the British Independent Film Awards in 2005. But it was “Still Crazy” and his performance as aging rock vocalist Ray Simms that established Nighy’s cinema profile and earned him the Peter Sellers Award for Best Comedy Performance, given by the London Evening Standard. Nighy won a second Peter Sellers Award for his unforgettably washed-up pop star Billy Mack in “Love Actually,” a popular performance that also won him a London Film Critics Award and a Best Supporting BAFTA Award.
In the past year, Nighy has filmed “Valkyrie” with Tom Cruise, “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans,” Richard Curtis’s “The Boat That Rocked” and “Wild Target,” opposite Emily Blunt and Rupert Grint. He has recently finished filming Stephen Poliakoff’s “Glorious 39.”
WILL ARNETT (Special Agent Kip Killian) has been an extremely busy man of late. He will soon be seen starring in the Walt Disney Pictures’ romantic comedy “When in Rome,” opposite Kristen Bell and Anjelica Huston. He will play a suitor who is aggressively trying to win the heart of a young girl (Bell) after she steals coins from a Roman fountain of love. He also just began production on the Warner Bros. and Legendary western action film “Jonah Hex,” based on the DC comic of the same name. In the film, which is set to release next summer, Arnett will star opposite Megan Fox, Josh Brolin and John Malkovich.
Earlier this year, Arnett voiced a character in the hugely successful Dreamworks 3-D animated adventure film, “Monsters vs. Aliens,” alongside Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd and Seth Rogen, which opened No. 1 at the box office. Last year, he starred in the basketball comedy “Semi-Pro,” opposite Will Ferrell and Woody Harrelson, and also lent his voice to the hugely successful animated comedy “Horton Hears a Who,” with Jim Carrey and Steve Carell. In 2007, he was seen opposite Will Ferrell and his wife, Amy Poehler, in the figure skating comedy “Blades of Glory,” and also co-starred opposite Will Forte in “The Brothers Solomon.”
ZACH GALIFIANAKIS (Dr. Ben Kendall) is an actor, comedian and writer who starred in the smash-hit comedy “The Hangover” with Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms.
Born in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, he attended North Carolina State University, pursuing a degree in communication and film. Galifianakis left before graduation, moving to New York City in 1992 to pursue acting. He soon found himself on stage as a stand-up comedian, delighting audiences with his offbeat, off-kilter routines which at times approached performance art. In 1996, Galifianakis made his move into television, portraying the recurring role of Bobby in the situation comedy “Boston Commons.” He made his feature film debut in 2001 in “Out Cold,” which was followed by roles in “Corky Romano,” “Below,” “Bubble Boy” and “Heartbreakers.”
In March 2007, a DVD featuring Galifianakis’ work, “Live at the Purple Onion,” was released, and three months later, Kanye West summoned him to perform in a new video for his song “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” released on West’s website, which was filmed at Galifianakis’ farm in North Carolina.
Galifianakis was recently seen in Sean Penn’s critically acclaimed “Into the Wild,” followed by “Visioneers,” “What Happens in Vegas,” “Gigantic,” “Rogue’s Gallery,” “Little Fish, Strange Pond” and “Youth in Revolt.” He currently divides his time between residences in Venice, California, and in the foothills of North Carolina, a 60-acre farm which he hopes to turn into a writer’s retreat.
KELLI GARNER (Marcie Hollandsworth) is one of today’s rising stars, having already impressed audiences in her film and stage work spanning both dramatic and comedic portrayals.
On-screen, she has notably starred as real-life actress Faith Domergue, opposite Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes, in Martin Scorsese’s award-winning “The Aviator,” and opposite Ryan Gosling in Craig Gillespie’s “Lars and the Real Girl.”
Her other film credits include Stephen Herek’s “Man of the House,” Larry Clark’s “Bully,” Mike Mills’ “Thumbsucker,” “Dreamland” and “Love Liza,” with Philip Seymour Hoffman.
TYLER PATRICK JONES (Connor) appeared in “Judging Amy,” “Family Law,” and “So Little Time,” in addition to several commercials before launching his feature film career.
In 2002, he won the role of Tom Cruise’s kidnapped son in the Steven Spielberg blockbuster “Minority Report.” Jones next took on his most intense role as Edward Norton’s son in Brett Ratner’s “Red Dragon.” Jones won his second Young Artist Award for his portrayal (he earned the first a year earlier for his work in a Hallmark Commercial).
Jones is featured in the remake of the comedy classic Lucille Ball/Henry Fonda starrer “Yours, Mine and Ours,” depicting the crazy, hectic life of a father of eight (Dennis Quaid) who meets and falls in love with the mother of ten (Rene Russo). He spent nearly two seasons recurring as Ned in the Jennifer Love Hewitt CBS show “Ghost Whisperer.” He also appeared in “Private Practice” and “Ben 10 Live” and can be seen in several TV commercials.
JACK CONLEY (Agent Trigstad) is one of the most sought-after character actors in film and television. His feature film appearances have included “Fast & Furious,” “Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay,” “Fun with Dick and Jane,” “Collateral Damage,” “Criminal,” “Traffic,” “The Cell,” “Payback,” “Mercury Rising,” “L.A. Confidential,” “The Chamber,” “Get Shorty” and “Heaven’s Gate.”
GABRIEL CASSEUS (Agent Carter) has previously worked for producer Jerry Bruckheimer as one of the U.S. Rangers embroiled in the Battle of Mogadishu in Ridley Scott’s “Black Hawk Down,” and in guest-starring roles on all three “C.S.I.” television series.
Following his role in “G-FORCE,” Casseus turned to the other side of the camera, as executive producer and co-writer of the feature film “Takers,” starring Paul Walker, Hayden Christensen and Idris Elba.
He’s also enjoyed numerous guest-starring roles on such series as “Justice,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Law & Order: Trial by Jury,” “Line of Fire,” “Skin,” “The Practice,” “The Crow: Stairway to Heaven,” “New York Undercover,” “Silk Stalkings” and “Law & Order.”
NIECY NASH (Rosalita) stars in two successful TV projects at the same time. She is the host of the Style Network’s home makeover show, “Clean House,” which has become the network’s No. 1 rated program. In addition, she stars as no-nonsense Officer Raineesha Williams on the Comedy Central hit, “Reno 911!,” which was spun off into a feature film, “Reno 911: Miami.” Nash recently starred in the Fox comedy series “Do Not Disturb,” opposite Jerry O’Connell.
LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III (Grandpa Goodman) was touted as “the new Bob Dylan” back in the late ’60s, when he began plying his trade in the folk clubs of Boston and New York. His self-effacing wit and broad humor earned a cult following—and, in 1972, a bona fide top-40 hit “Dead Skunk.” By the middle of that decade, his reputation as one of the folk-rock scene’s true characters—in contrast to his peers, he had a fondness for Brooks Brothers’ flannels and neatly shorn hair—had spread far enough that he was tabbed as a recurring character on the CBS series “M*A*S*H,” on which he portrayed “singing surgeon” Calvin Spaulding.
While Wainwright has maintained a parallel career in front of the cameras—appearing in such flicks as “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” “The Slugger’s Wife” and “Elizabethtown”—he’s always been most at home with guitar—or, even more accurately, a pen. Always one for unsparing detail, he spent the ’80s turning out stinging, critically acclaimed discs like Fame and Wealth and 1989’s Therapy.
In recent years, Wainwright’s been reaching new sets of ears, thanks in part to a plethora of soundtrack work—like the compositions he and Joe Henry contributed to the blockbuster “Knocked Up.”
ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS
HOYT H. YEATMAN JR. (Director/Story by) has contributed to the conception, design, supervision and production of special effects for more than 100 motion picture, television and commercial projects. He was also one of the original founders of Dream Quest Images, an Academy Award-winning visual effects company.
Yeatman’s conceptual and innovative approach to special visual effects embodies his commitment to high-quality creative, technical and visual performance. He has always been drawn to the visually artistic, the technically complex and the challenge in blending these two worlds seamlessly.
His dramatic use of miniatures and underwater bluescreen photography in the 1989 film “The Abyss” won Yeatman an Oscar® for Best Achievement in Visual Effects. He was responsible for the visual effects and the photo-realistic 3D character animation for the Jerry Bruckheimer production “Kangaroo Jack.” He was also visual effects supervisor on the 1998 Academy Award-nominated “Mighty Joe Young,” as well as the feature films “The Rock,” “Crimson Tide” and “Armageddon,” all produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. In March 2000, Yeatman and the Eastman Kodak Company were honored with a Scientific and Technical Achievement Certificate from the Academy for their joint development of a new visual effects film stock, SFX 200T. Additionally, he has directed special attraction films for Warner Bros. Recreation, Sony Wonder, Imax Corp. and Samsung.
Yeatman attended UCLA where he studied animation and film. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in 1977, Yeatman joined the effects crew of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” an experience which springboarded him into work on the animation and special effects for NBC’s “Laugh-In” specials, “Buck Rogers” and “Battlestar Galactica.” Following this, Yeatman was recruited by the production team of Paramount Pictures for “Star Trek: The Motion Picture,” the first of a series of highly successful films based on Gene Roddenberry’s television series phenomenon.
It was on this film that he and the co-founders of Dream Quest first met and planned the creation of their own visual effects company in 1979. Dream Quest Images was acquired by The Walt Disney Company in 1996 and, in 1999, became The Secret Lab, the digital production studio of Walt Disney Feature Animation.
MARIANNE and CORMAC WIBBERLEY (Screenplay by) are a husband-wife writing team who both grew up in Southern California and attended the same high school. They also both attended UCLA where they earned bachelor’s degrees—Marianne in Mathematics and Cormac in Economics. Marianne then went on to UCLA’s graduate film school.
In 1993, they sold their first spec script to Disney and have been writing together ever since. “The 6th Day,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, was their first major motion picture. Since then, the Wibberleys have also penned “I Spy,” “Bad Boys II,” “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle,” “The Shaggy Dog” and “National Treasure.” They also received “story by” credit on “National Treasure: Book of Secrets.”
JERRY BRUCKHEIMER (Producer) Great stories, well told. They can be for audiences in darkened movie theatres or home living rooms. They can feature great movie stars or introduce new talent. They can be true adventure, broad comedy, heartbreaking tragedy, epic history, joyous romance or searing drama. They can be set in the distant or recent past, an only-imagined future or a familiar present. Whatever their elements, though, if they begin with a lightning bolt, they are stories being told by Jerry Bruckheimer, and they will be great stories, well told.
The numbers—of dollars and honors—are a matter of often-reported record. Bruckheimer’s films have earned worldwide revenues of over $15 billion in box-office, video and recording receipts. In the 2005-6 season he had a record-breaking 10 series on network television, a feat unprecedented in nearly 60 years of television history.
But the numbers exist only because of Bruckheimer’s uncanny ability to find the stories and tell them on film. He is, according to The Washington Post, “the man with the golden gut.” He may have been born that way, but more likely, his natural gifts were polished to laser focus in the early years of his career. His first films were the 60-second tales he told as an award-winning commercial producer in his native Detroit. One of those mini-films, a parody of “Bonnie and Clyde” created for Pontiac, was noted for its brilliance in Time Magazine and brought the 23-year-old producer to the attention of world-renowned ad agency BBDO, which lured him to New York.
February 2009 brought audiences “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” based on the best-selling Sophie Kinsella novels, which won critical and audience acclaim for its star, Isla Fisher, as Rebecca Bloomwood. Directed by P.J. Hogan (“My Best Friend’s Wedding”), the romantic comedy also starred Hugh Dancy, Joan Cusack, John Goodman, John Lithgow, Kristin Scott Thomas, Leslie Bibb and a large supporting cast.
Next up from Jerry Bruckheimer Films are “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time,” an epic fantasy adventure directed by Mike Newell (“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”) and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, newcomer Gemma Arterton, Sir Ben Kingsley and Alfred Molina; and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” a romantic adventure comedy directed by Jon Turteltaub (the two “National Treasure” films) and starring Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Alfred Molina, Teresa Palmer, Monica Bellucci and Toby Kebbell.
Jerry Bruckheimer has been successful in many genres and multiple mediums because he’s a great storyteller, takes dares…and almost always wins.
Look for the lightning bolt. The best stories are right behind it.
MIKE STENSON (Executive Producer) is president of Jerry Bruckheimer Films, for which he supervises all aspects of film development and production. Before joining the company, he was an executive in charge of production at Disney, responsible for many Bruckheimer films including “Armageddon,” “The Rock,” “Crimson Tide” and “Dangerous Minds.”
Born and raised in Boston, Stenson graduated from Harvard University with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master of business administration. After his undergraduate stint, he started as a production assistant in New York and worked for two years in independent film and television as an assistant director and production manager before returning to Boston to complete his graduate education.
After completing business school, Stenson moved to Los Angeles where he began his tenure at Walt Disney Studios in Special Projects for two years before moving into the production department at Hollywood Pictures as a creative executive. He was promoted to vice president and subsequently executive vice president during his eight years with the company, overseeing development and production for Hollywood Pictures as well as Touchstone Pictures. In addition to the many Bruckheimer films, Stenson also developed several other films and nurtured them through production, including “Rush Hour,” “Instinct,” “Six Days, Seven Nights” and “Mr. Holland’s Opus.”
While at Disney, many filmmakers attempted to woo Stenson away from the studio, but not until 1998 did he entertain leaving. With his newest position at the helm of Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Stenson spearheaded Bruckheimer’s plan to expand the company’s film production schedule.
CHAD OMAN (Executive Producer) is the president of production for Jerry Bruckheimer Films, for which he oversees all aspects of film development and production. Oman produced, along with Bruckheimer, “Remember the Titans,” starring Denzel Washington for Walt Disney Pictures, and “Coyote Ugly,” starring Piper Perabo and John Goodman for Touchstone Pictures.
His most recent executive producer credits for Jerry Bruckheimer Films include “Confessions of a Shopaholic” and the upcoming “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” He also executive produced the critically acclaimed “Veronica Guerin” as well as the blockbuster hits “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,” “Bad Boys II,” “Black Hawk Down,” “Pearl Harbor,” “Gone in 60 Seconds,” “Enemy of the State,” “Armageddon,” “Con Air,” “Glory Road,” “Déjà Vu,” “National Treasure: Book of Secrets,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.”
Oman graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in finance. He also attended the University of California at Los Angeles, where he studied screenwriting, and New York University, where he participated in the undergraduate film production program.
DUNCAN HENDERSON (Executive Producer) began his long and fruitful career in motion pictures as a trainee assistant director on “American Gigolo.” He then served as an assistant director on such films as “My Favorite Year,” “Staying Alive,” “The Star Chamber,” “Racing with the Moon,” “Rhinestone,” “Rocky IV” and “Cobra” before ascending to associate producer/unit production manager on “Three Fugitives” and Peter Weir’s “Dead Poets Society,” and then co-producer of “Taking Care of Business,” Weir’s “Green Card” and “Dying Young.”
DAVID P.I. JAMES (Executive Producer/Story By) is the ninth of ten children and credits his unique upbringing with preparing him for a life in the animation production industry. James has worked for the top animation/VFX houses in Hollywood including Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), Dream Quest/Secret Lab (Disney), and Digital Domain. His credits in the family genre include “102 Dalmatians,” “Inspector Gadget,” “The Princess Diaries,” and “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
Academy Award®-nominated writers TED ELLIOTT and TERRY ROSSIO (Associate Producers) last returned to the blockbuster Jerry Bruckheimer-produced trilogy for “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” following their esteemed work on “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.” Elliott and Rossio also wrote the DreamWorks animated feature “Shrek,” winner of the first Academy Award for Best Animated Film in 2002.
Elliott and Rossio have been members of the Writers Guild of America, West since 1986.
RYOTA KASHIBA (Associate Producer) began his film career working as a story editor for directors Ridley and Tony Scott. Later, he went to work for web content portal IFILM and ran their ScriptShark unit, which introduced new writers into the Hollywood system. After leaving IFILM, Kashiba worked on the visual effects team at Sony Pictures Imageworks where he met executive producer David James and director Hoyt Yeatman. He joined their group as a creative consultant and helped craft the story and characters that would eventually lead to the production of “G-Force.” Kashiba is a native of Seattle, Wash., and holds a BA in Broadcast Communications from the University of Washington.
Directed by Academy Award®-winning visual effects master Hoyt H. Yeatman Jr.—“G-FORCE” takes audiences on a high-octane thrill ride, proving once and for all that the world needs bigger heroes.
“It’s fun to take films based on familiar, even classic themes, give them a twist and see what evolves,” says Bruckheimer. “Movies about secret agents have been on screen long before James Bond, and movies in which animals speak and have personalities have also been with us for quite some time. What we’ve never seen, however, is a movie about secret agents who also happen to be animals—what’s more in a combination of live action, animation and Digital 3D.”
This next-tech combination of live action and computer generated animation also features live cast members, including Golden Globe® winner BILL NIGHY as sinister industrialist Leonard Saber, WILL ARNETT as Special Agent Kip Killian, who wants to shut down G-Force, ZACH GALIFIANAKIS as G-Force’s creator and father figure, KELLI GARNER as the team’s veterinarian, TYLER PATRICK JONES as Connor; JACK CONLEY and GABRIEL CASSEUS as the less-than-brilliant agents who Killian puts on G-Force’s trail, NIECY NASH as an ebullient pet shop owner, and LOUDON WAINWRIGHT as Grandpa Goodman.
“G-FORCE” is executive produced by Mike Stenson, Chad Oman, Duncan Henderson and David P.I. James. The screenplay is by The Wibberleys (“National Treasure: Book of Secrets”), based on a story by Hoyt H.Yeatman Jr. & David P.I. James. Pat Sandston, Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio and Ryota Kashiba are the associate producers. Behind-the-scenes talent includes director of photography Bojan Bazelli (“Hairspray,” “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”), production designer Deborah Evans (“Hostage,” “Remember the Titans”), costume designer Ellen Mirojnick (“Déjà Vu,” “Fatal Attraction,” “Wall Street”), film editors Jason Hellmann (“Enemy of the State,” “Bad Boys II”) and Mark Goldblatt (Academy Award® nominee for “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” “Armageddon”), composer Trevor Rabin (“Armageddon” and the “National Treasure” films), two-time Academy Award-winning visual effects supervisor Scott Stokdyk (“Spider-Man,” “Spider-Man 2”), and special effects coordinator Stan Parks (Academy Award nominee for “Hollow Man,” “Déjà Vu”).
BUILDING THE G-FORCE
Preschooler’s Class Guinea Pig Sparks Film Concept
“The genesis of the movie is interesting,” says director Hoyt H. Yeatman Jr. “I’d wanted to develop a project that broke new ground visually; it was actually my five-year-old son who came up with the spark of the idea. He brought home the class guinea pig from preschool and started talking about guinea pigs as soldiers, wearing uniforms and little army helmets. So I said, ‘Well, why not have a band of these guys who are secret agents?’
“We all laughed,” continues Yeatman, “but then I got on the internet and found some really interesting and bizarre stories about animals being trained by the American government for covert activities, including cats, dolphins, sharks and insects. It just lit up the imagination and off we went.”
“Out of the mouths of babes,” says producer Jerry Bruckheimer. “The idea was utterly off-the-wall, which was just fine with us, because it was also completely original. The amazing thing is that the fantasy element of ‘G-FORCE’ is based on certain realities. For years, the government has engaged in top-secret programs in which they train animals to help defend the nation—from dolphins detecting mines to cockroaches carrying recording devices. So we kicked it to the next level—what if a scientist figured out a way to not only train such animals, but to actually communicate with them?”
Building on the guinea-pigs-as-secret-agents concept, filmmakers created a G-Force that consists of three guinea pigs, a star-nosed mole and a house fly—all extremely dedicated to their work. “They know that at any given moment, the fate of the world may very well be in their paws,” says Bruckheimer.
But to make the movie work—and be somewhat believable—the animals had to communicate somehow. Enter character Dr. Ben Kendall, the genius behind the film’s G-Force. “His breakthrough is the fact that they actually have little headsets, and the headsets allow them to speak fluent English,” says Yeatman. “In the movie, animals have always been able to understand English. In their world, they speak just like we do, but to communicate with humans, they have to wear that headset.”
Dr. Kendall’s secret operation includes an amazing array of gadgetry that aids in G-Force’s efforts. From motorized exercise balls to night vision to tiny militarized PDAs, the G-Force is aptly outfitted to save the world. “They have a base-jumping low-altitude parasail,” says Yeatman. “When they need to jump to the top of the roofs they have a rocket assist. In the world of ‘G-FORCE,’ the guinea pigs have lots of really cool gizmos.”
The G-Force’s training and high-tech spy equipment are put to the test when they uncover a billionaire industrialist’s sinister plan to destroy the world. Duty calls, and the G-Force springs into action.
BEHIND THE G-FORCE
All-Star Cast Brings the ‘Force to Life
Voice Talent
Much like the fictional G-Force, the movie “G-FORCE” employs the latest technologies, taking the film to the next level. But producer Jerry Bruckheimer says there’s another aspect of the film that really makes the four-legged G-Force work. “It’s the humans who bring these animals and their world fully alive,” says Bruckheimer.
Nicolas Cage (“Knowing,” “National Treasure”), a lifelong fan of animation, provides the voice of Speckles, the blind and brilliant, star-nosed mole. “G-FORCE” was to be the actor’s sixth collaboration with Bruckheimer (with “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” soon to follow as the seventh), but one unlike any of the others. “Jerry showed me pictures of the ‘G-FORCE’ characters and said I could play any role I wanted,” says Cage. “When I saw Speckles, something about it got to me, and I thought I could do something interesting with the voice. It was important to me to create a new voice that was unrecognizable from my own vocal patterns. It was also important to me to go into an area that had kind of a zany intensity. To me, that’s what would make Speckles fun to play, and hopefully fun for the audience.
“One of my favorite actors is Mel Blanc,” continues Cage, referring to the great vocal talent behind Warner Bros. cartoon characters Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd and Yosemite Sam. “He was a marvelous character actor. We knew him only from his voices, so I thought it would be fun to create a whole new voice for this marvelous looking little mole in ‘G-FORCE.’”
“Nic Cage has created a terrific voice for Speckles, sort of going back to a 1930s kind of character,” says Bruckheimer. “Then there’s Sam Rockwell, who also has a wonderful voice, powerful and strong, as Darwin, the team leader.”
“Oh, it’s very strange,” admits Rockwell about bringing a non-human character to life. “But when they said ‘action guinea pig movie,’ I showed up—I was like, ‘I’m there!’ Darwin is a superspy and has sort of a Steve McQueen guinea-pig vibe, so it’s fun to play an action hero.”
Rockwell (“Frost/Nixon,” “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”) had experience with guinea pigs, having had one for a pet when he was a kid. “His name was Ralph and he used to bite my finger a lot,” recalls the actor. “It didn’t feel good. I don’t know if Ralph liked me or not, but I think he had some emotional issues. Darwin is much more well-adjusted.”
Rockwell was able to record some of Darwin’s scenes with his friend and colleague Jon Favreau (“The Break-Up,” “Four Christmases”). The character actor and director of the recent smash hit “Iron Man” provides the voice of the fat and happy Hurley who members of the G-Force meet up with in a pet store.
“I’m the flatulent comic relief in the film,” says Favreau. “I think that if you’re going to play a guinea pig, you want to be a funny guinea pig. Hurley thinks that Darwin is his brother, based on a birthmark that they both have, and he’s taken quite a shine to the guy. Hurley has grown up in a pet shop, never adopted by a family, and he’s a bit needy for attention and love. G-Force becomes his de facto family, and Darwin his long-lost brother, even though he probably isn’t. I think Hurley gives an emotional center to the group.”
Favreau was attracted to the material for reasons both artistic and personal. “It’s fun to do voiceover because you get to be a part of the movie but don’t have to deal with things like going out of town, living in hotels, getting into makeup. Also, I have three kids, so it was a chance to be part of something that my family could enjoy watching together.”
Tracy Morgan (TV’s “30 Rock,” “The Longest Yard”) was called on for the voice of Blaster, a key member of the G-Force who’s known for his tough attitude and weapons expertise. “Blaster is an adrenaline junkie. He’s always ready to let the fur fly,” says Yeatman. “Tracy brings the same sense of humor and comedic timing he’s used in ‘Saturday Night Live’ and ‘30 Rock.’”
Oscar® winner Penélope Cruz (Woody Allen’s “Vicky Christina Barcelona”) provides the voice of G-Force sexy martial-arts pro Juarez. “Juarez is a knockout you can’t knock out,” laughs Yeatman about the character. The director says Cruz was the perfect voice for Juarez. “Penélope Cruz is an amazing actress. I think this is the first time that she’s ever done an animated character, but she brought a lot to the role. She has a beautiful, velvety voice, which is just amazing. It was great working with her.”
Steve Buscemi (“Ghost World,” “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry”) was tapped to play Bucky. “Bucky is a fun, angry hamster,” says Bruckheimer. “Steve did it to perfection.”
“Steve Buscemi is a great, great guy,” adds Yeatman. “He’s obviously done voices before. Bucky was a character that came from the evolution of the story. In the original script, he was just one of the pet store animals off in the corner. But as we got into it, we realized that Bucky could be a very cool little nasty hamster—fun, you know? Steve Buscemi was perfect for that bipolar character. He did a very good job.”
Live-Action Talent
The live-action cast was comprised of comedic and dramatic talents who had become familiar faces on screen, television, stage and, in the case of Zach Galifianakis, the film’s Dr. Ben Kendall, clubs and the internet. One of the country’s most original and decidedly offbeat performers, Galifianakis has very recently expanded beyond cult status with his unfettered, scene-stealing turn as the dubiously lovable, quite literal wild card alongside Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms in the smash hit comedy “The Hangover.”
“When I saw Zach’s work, he struck me as being a total original,” says Bruckheimer. “I thought that along with the humor, was a keen intelligence which made him perfect to play a lovable if slightly eccentric scientist like Ben.”
Galifianakis claims to have trained hard for his role of the slightly portly scientist who creates G-Force. “I work out, I’m a gym rat, and I also go to Souplantation a lot. I know that a lot of actors talk about it, but I had to gain 35 pounds for this role. I was going to wear a prosthetic for some of the early parts of the shoot, but then I eventually gained the weight.” Galifianakis’ training regimen? “I do about three pushups a day. I think every little bit helps. I eat about ten Cliff bars a day, then I move on to six Balance Bars, then a couple of bacon smoothies.”
As for Will Arnett (TV’s “Arrested Development”), another hugely talented comedian and actor cast in the film as the utterly humorless Special Agent Kip Killian, “When asked to describe ‘G-FORCE’ to friends and family, I say, ‘Have you ever thought that guinea pigs could talk?’ Most of them say ‘no,’ and I say, ‘well, they do. It can happen, and Mr. Bruckheimer can make that happen!’”
Arnett describes his character as “a by the book guy—he’s a government man, and he believes that the American people need to be served in a very honest and forthright way. He doesn’t agree with some of the programs that have been in place, and he’s looking to cut some of the fat and do the right thing. When he comes across Dr. Kendall’s G-Force program, he’s not down with it and that really irks him. And when he tries to shut it down and Ben Kendall goes behind his back, it does not go over well with Kip Killian.”
Bill Nighy (“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”) was tapped to play Leonard Saber. “You have a choice in trying to describe what ‘G-FORCE’ is. You either go into a very long explanation which gets very technical, and they are more mystified. Or you say ‘I’m in a guinea pig movie,’ which is the quick way. Then, of course, they think you’re going to be a guinea pig, or the voice of a guinea pig, and I have to explain that no, in fact, I play an industrialist named Leonard Saber who’s bent on world domination. Then it becomes clearer.”
Kelli Garner (“Lars and the Real Girl,” “Taking Woodstock”), the gifted young actress who portrays veterinarian Marcie Hollandsworth, describes her character’s relationship to the animals of “G-FORCE” as “motherly.” “I think every good woman, no matter how old, has a maternal instinct.”
Completing the live-action line-up are Jack Conley (“Fast & Furious,” “Traffic”), Gabriel Casseus (“Black Hawk Down”) and Niecy Nash (TV’s “Reno 911!” and “Clean House”).
THE MAGIC OF “G-FORCE”
Talking Guinea Pigs in Three Dimensions
Director Hoyt H. Yeatman Jr., one of the most innovative visual effects artists in his field, had already worked in that capacity on numerous Bruckheimer productions. “I’ve known Jerry since ‘Crimson Tide,’” says Yeatman. “I went on to do ‘The Rock,’ ‘Armageddon’ and ‘Kangaroo Jack’ for him. Jerry always likes to be on the edge in everything that he does; he has no box around him.”
“Hoyt brilliantly decided to make the computer animated animals as photo realistic as possible instead of looking like cartoon critters,” says Bruckheimer. “He’s won an Academy Award®, received a technical achievement award from the Academy, and he received an Oscar® nomination for his work on Disney’s ‘Mighty Joe Young,’ in which he created one of the most authentic CG animals ever put on screen. We always push the envelope for visual effects and we encouraged Hoyt to go to the edge and beyond on ‘G-FORCE.’”
“We used the highest end computer graphics, but it was all character driven,” says Yeatman. “We used both live-action and virtual worlds, and at the end of the day, the audience won’t know the difference.”
One way in which the filmmakers ensured that audiences felt completely enveloped in the adventure and comedy of “G-FORCE” was to employ the most highly developed new form of immersive 3D from Sony Pictures Imageworks. “We looked at new 3D technologies to see what they could bring to the film, and we’re sure that audiences will have an experience unlike any they’ve had in the past,” says Bruckheimer.
“I think that what this film offers in 3D that others don’t is that it’s a live-action film with animation,” says Yeatman. “To dimensionalize a mixture of live action and animation is a big deal. I think we’re breaking new ground in that respect. 3D adds another layer; it’s almost like going from black and white to color, from silent to sound. Being on the edge is always fun, but kind of scary, too. So when the idea of 3D came up, we had to do some hard thinking and produced a lot of new tools to be able to make that happen.
“One innovation that we’ve accomplished is breaking the frame,” continues Yeatman. “Our characters are free to bust out of the aperture frame, which really brings the 3D to life. It comes right out, literally, into the audience, which is a great effect.”
“Everyone’s trying to push the boundaries,” says two-time Academy Award®-winning visual effects supervisor Scott Stokdyk of Sony Imageworks. “We want the audience to have a great experience that’s different from their home theatre. At the very start of the project, Hoyt did some 3D tests and projected it on a big screen. It was a close-up of a guinea pig and it really came to life in a way that’s not possible in two dimensions.
“Sony Imageworks has done a lot of work with fully animated features like ‘Open Season,’ ‘Surf’s Up,’ ‘Beowulf’ and ‘The Polar Express,’” Stokdyk continues. “But to do that on an action feature which combines live action and animation is a whole other ballgame. It involves a lot of advanced technology which breaks new ground. It’s a difficult process, particularly with a movie as complex visually as ‘G-FORCE,’ but I think it gives the audience a really big bang for their buck at the end of the day.”
“3D has come a long way since the 1950s,” says Sony Imageworks senior visual effects producer Buzz Hays. “Even in the last 10 years we’ve made tremendous advancements. The characters lend themselves to the 3D environment, and certainly the action does. It’s just a really fun experience.”
Adds 3D visual effects supervisor Rob Engle, “Digital technology is the reason for the great progress of 3D, as well as digital exhibition, which is superior to anything we’ve had before. The whole point of showing a 3D movie is that we’re actually showing you two movies, one for the left eye and another for the right eye. The digital technology allows us to do that in a way which is leaps and bounds better than anything we could do with film technology in the past.
“What makes ‘G-FORCE’ so wonderful for 3D,” continues Engle, “is that there are so many moments where you can get in the action and experience them the way the animals do, whether they’re driving around in their little balls, or just watching them shake a little water off their fur.”
“Building the characters and making them look like real guinea pigs which do extraordinary actions was a critical part of what we did,” explains Stokdyk. “This is a very performance-driven movie; we knew that making all of their personalities unique was crucial. We went through a series of animation tests to give them their own sensibilities, so that their looks matched their personalities.”
G-FORCE GADGETRY
Filmmakers Get Creative
In addition to the magic which Hoyt Yeatman and his team would create in the digital universe, he and director of photography Bojan Bazelli were also creating a panoply of innovative camera equipment to allow the audience to see the world from the animals’ points of view. Bazelli, an enthusiastic and energetic artist who was eager to take on the film’s challenges, already had some experience combining live action with CG animation. “I found it very helpful that I had a strong background in commercials, where we employ lots of CGI elements and post-production work. It was still more complex than anything else I had done, comprehending and visualizing things that don’t exist. Hoyt and I agreed that our approach would be to just shoot the film as if all of the characters were real.”
For the film, Yeatman and Bazelli concocted a Rube Goldberg-like menagerie of what the director admits were “very bizarre” camera rigs to essay a view of the world from the animals’ points of view. Among the innovative techniques utilized was Yeatman’s HDRI Cam invention called the “Chirpy Cam,” so named because of the tweeting sound it makes. “The Chirpy Cam shoots 360 degrees in every possible level of exposure,” explains Bazelli, “so that it re-creates every part of the set and how it was lit, so that it can be exactly matched with the CG work.”
There was also “Mooch Vision,” a camera which re-creates the point of view of Mooch as he flies. “Mooch Vision was a 35-millimeter camera with a very wide angle fisheye,” explains Yeatman.
ON LOCATION
Environments Real and Virtual
It was the task of production designer Deborah Evans, supervising art director Ramsey Avery, and their expansive art department team to create the environments, both real and virtual. “We designed the sets in close conjunction with Hoyt, because that’s his world,” says Evans. “We had a lot of meetings with Hoyt and the visual effects department to work out how to combine the real sets with their virtual needs.”
In fact, even the real sets began in virtual form. “We built virtual sets in the computer,” explains Evans, “which we would then hand off to visual effects and the pre-visualization artists so they could create animatics with Hoyt’s hand-drawn storyboards. That way, when we designed the sets, it would be perfect for the action.”
Adds Avery, “It takes a lot of going through storyboards and figuring out exactly what’s real in a frame and what’s not real in a frame.”
The largest set created for the film was Dr. Ben Kendall’s impressive, albeit jerry-built, Biological Intelligence (B.I.O.) Lab, constructed in an old, converted locomotive factory in downtown Los Angeles (in the film, the B.I.O. Lab has the false cover of “ACME Exterminators”). “We designed the lab so that it looked like it was cobbled together on a budget by Ben out of salvaged military containers and aeronautical parts,” explains Evans.
The boxy environments for the G-Force training and living spaces were all fully constructed, right down to the last simulator and beach chair. The B.I.O. Lab has a central workstation which controls the training facilities, including elliptical trainers, a mini RV driving simulator, wind tunnel and pneumatic dispatch, which resembles old-fashioned units in office buildings utilized to move mail throughout the building, but in this case, is intended for quick G-Force escape. In fact, the tubes were part of the old locomotive factory, cleverly adapted by the filmmakers.
“The whole G-Force world is in containers,” says Evans. “We built a gymnasium for Darwin and Juarez out of an executive aircraft’s fuselage. Everything was fabricated out of metals, scraps and recycled electrical components. “Speckles is the tech/communications guy,” continues Evans. “We used old cell phones and telephone parts for his environment, and unlike the other members of G-Force, who sleep in bunk beds, Speckles sleeps in an old cereal box. Blaster’s the rock-and-roll guinea pig, so he has a little boom box in his environment, rock posters and a big-screen TV.”
The theme of living and working in recycled containers extended to Ben Kendall’s house. Evans and Avery found a home in Redondo Beach, Calif., constructed entirely from shipping containers. In contrast was Leonard Saber’s mansion, which was shot at the Sharpe residence at Lucky Dog Ranch in Somis, Calif. The sleek, post-modern structure was designed by world-renowned architect Zoltan Pali. For “G-FORCE,” however, the visual effects artists amended Pali’s design by digitally adding a second story to the one-floor home.
Other locations and sets for the film included the colorful Elia’s Pet Shop, which temporarily houses G-Force and introduces them to a host of other animals, including Hurley, a delightful trio of mice and a not-so-delightful snake. The exterior of the shop was actually filmed in the real Elia’s—a neighborhood fixture in East Los Angeles—and a fully tricked-out interior set was then designed by Evans and filmed at The Culver Studios, which also housed Saber mansion interiors, Ben’s home laboratory and the interior of the command vehicle, mounted on a highly sophisticated, computer-operated, six-axis motion base. The Goodman house, where Juarez and Blaster are temporarily adopted, was on a leafy street in Pasadena. The suburban street thrown into nighttime chaos by marauding household appliances was filmed in Stevenson Ranch north of Los Angeles.
TAKING TECHNOLOGY TO THE BIG SCREEN
Gizmos, Gadgets and Scary Household Appliances Invade “G-FORCE”
Every secret agent has to have his gear, and the members of G-Force are no exception. Never mind that they’re a fraction of the customary size for such accoutrements. “G-Force is all tricked out,” says Bruckheimer. “They have parachutes, blowtorches, their own communication system. Mooch the Fly has the latest in surveillance technology. James Bond would be envious.”
“Ben Kendall is a tinkerer and an adventurer at heart,” says Yeatman. “He has the equipment to build the more advanced technology that the government maybe wouldn’t have funded. So he firmly believes in equipping G-Force with the latest and best equipment, not to mention a Rapid Deployment Vehicle, or RDV, which looks like the militarized version of the transparent balls that hamsters and guinea pigs roll around in for exercise. We use them in a terrific chase scene.”
Each member of G-Force has their preferred gears and gadgets. Darwin utilizes night-vision goggles, a plasma cutter and an all-important PDA. Blaster has his scuba equipment (including a nifty aqua scooter) and grappling hooks, and is a beast for commandeering toy remote-controlled cars. Juarez, as a martial arts expert, generally relies on her own skills, but has a more than passing familiarity with scuba gear, whirling bolos and parasailing. Speckles, of course, has his computer. And Mooch, a genius at surveillance and communication, has his nano-camera, which can transmit fly-on-the-wall imagery to the rest of the team.
No detail went unexplored by Yeatman and his design team. “Speckles has a very unique work station,” says the director. “As a star-nosed mole, he has very unique digging claws, so we knew that a normal computer keyboard wouldn’t work. We had to ergonomically design something that a mole could use.”
Deborah Evans and her department were also responsible for the design of G-Force’s gadgets, gizmos and gear, as well as the Sabersense household appliances, with their retro look which give way to monstrous manifestations once Saber puts his sinister plan into action. In the world of “G-FORCE,” Saberling brand electric coffee makers, refrigerators, mixers, waffle makers, blenders, toasters, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, dryers and microwave ovens all have a terrifying (and terrifyingly funny) flip side when the right (or wrong) buttons are pushed. “The appliances reference classic industrial design when everything was made out of metal,” explains Evans.
Adds supervising art director Avery, “Each of the appliances, when they come to life, has a little bit of animal feel to it. The washer and dryer are like a gorilla. The toaster spits its heating coils at you. The coffee maker sprouts legs and walks around in a very strange kind of Frankenstein manner. The microwave tries to lure one of our characters into it with some cake.”
Having a field day with the monstrous appliances and other action elements of the film were stunt coordinators Brian Machleit and Doug Coleman, and second unit director Kenny Bates. Machleit orchestrated such mayhem as an FBI Hostage Rescue Team assault on Leonard Saber’s futuristic mansion, while Bates coordinated and shot a car-chase scene between Agents Carter and Trigstad in a black SUV and Darwin, Juarez and Hurley in the G-Force Rapid Deployment Vehicle. “The car chase is a classic mainstay of action movies,” says Bruckheimer. “But we never like to repeat ourselves. Bullitt and Popeye Doyle never had to chase three guinea pigs in an RDV.”
For Bruckheimer, Yeatman and their talented group of actors and behind-the-scenes artists, it was all in a day’s work.
“I think that ‘G-FORCE’ is built for the whole family,” says Yeatman. “People will love seeing these animals in an action movie setting, and will probably look sideways every time they turn on a blender!”
ABOUT THE CAST
Voice Talent:
Academy Award®-winner NICOLAS CAGE (voice of Speckles) is one of the most versatile actors of all time, equally known for his poignant portrayals in both drama and comedy. “G- FORCE” marks the sixth of Cage’s seven collaborations with producer Jerry Bruckheimer, following “The Rock,” “Con Air,” “Gone in 60 Seconds,” “National Treasure,” “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” which recently got underway at New York locations with “National Treasure” director Jon Turteltaub at the helm.
Cage last appeared in the thriller “Knowing,” which opened as the No. 1 film in the U.S. in March 2009. His memorable performance as an alcoholic drinking himself to death in the MGM drama “Leaving Las Vegas,” directed by Mike Figgis, earned him an Academy Award® as well as Golden Globe® and Best Actor awards from the New York Film Critics Circle, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, the Chicago Film Critics and the National Board of Review. Cage further solidified his leading man status when he received Academy Award, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) nominations for his dual role as twin brothers Charlie and Donald Kaufman in Spike Jonze’s quirky comedy, “Adaptation,” which also co-starred Meryl Streep and Chris Cooper.
SAM ROCKWELL (voice of Darwin) has emerged as one of the most dynamic actors of his generation by continuing to take on challenging roles in both independent and studio productions.
Rockwell can currently be seen starring in Duncan Jones’ “Moon” for Sony Pictures Classics which just won the Michael Powell Award at the 63rd Edinburgh International Film Festival.
He is currently filming “Iron Man 2” opposite Robert Downey Jr. and recently wrapped production on “Betty Anne Waters” opposite Hilary Swank. He can next be seen in “Everybody’s Fine” opposite Robert DeNiro for Miramax and “The Winning Season” for Lions Gate.
Rockwell has created memorable characters in several films, including Andrew Dominik’s critically acclaimed film “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” David Gordon Green’s acclaimed film “Snow Angels,” the Russo brothers’ comedy “Welcome to Collinwood,” David Mamet’s “Heist,” the blockbuster “Charlie’s Angels,” and Frank Darabont’s Oscar®-nominated “The Green Mile.”
JON FAVREAU (voice of Hurley) is a true multi-hyphenate. After getting his break as an actor in “Rudy,” Favreau went on to establish himself as a writer of considerable talent with the acclaimed hipster comedy “Swingers.” Since then, he has continued to challenge himself with a variety of eclectic projects.
Favreau’s most recent triumph as a director and executive producer was on the blockbuster “Iron Man,” which grossed more than $570 million worldwide. He is currently preparing the upcoming “Iron Man 2,” due in 2010, which he will also direct. Favreau recently wrapped production on “Couples Retreat,” which he wrote and starred in.
Prior to “Iron Man,” Favreau directed “Zathura,” a children’s adventure film starring Tim Robbins, for Radar Pictures and Sony Entertainment. In 2003, Favreau directed the acclaimed holiday smash hit “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell, for New Line Cinema. Favreau made his feature film directorial debut with “Made,” a script he wrote and starred in opposite Vince Vaughn and Sean “Puffy” Combs for Artisan Entertainment.
In front of the camera, Favreau was recently seen in “I Love You, Man” with Paul Rudd, Rashida Jones and Jason Segel; and opposite Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston in Universal Pictures’ “The Break-Up.” He also recently appeared in “Four Christmases” opposite Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon. Favreau was also seen alongside Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany in Universal Pictures’ “Wimbledon,” in Sony Pictures Entertainment’s “Something’s Gotta Give” with Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton and Keanu Reeves, and in the Mark Steven Johnson film “Daredevil” with Ben Affleck, an adaptation of the Marvel Comics franchise for 20th Century Fox-Regency Enterprises. He also portrayed the legendary heavyweight champion in the MGM biopic “Rocky Marciano.”
Academy Award® winner PENÉLOPE CRUZ (voice of Juarez) has proven herself to be one of the most versatile young actresses by playing a variety of compelling characters and most recently becoming the first actress from Spain to be nominated for and win an Academy Award, for Woody Allen’s “Vicky Christina Barcelona.”
First introduced to American audiences in the Spanish films “Jamon, Jamon” and “Belle Epoque,” in 1998 she starred in her first English language film, “The Hi-Lo Country,” for director Stephen Frears opposite Woody Harrelson, Patricia Arquette and Billy Crudup. In 1999, Cruz won the Best Actress award at the 13th annual Goya Awards given by the Spanish Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for her role in Fernando Trueba’s “The Girl of Your Dreams.”
Next up for Cruz was New Line Cinema’s “Blow” for director Ted Demme and “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” opposite Nicolas Cage. After that, she starred opposite Tom Cruise in the erotic thriller “Vanilla Sky.” She then tackled “Masked & Anonymous,” “Fan Fan la Tulipe,” which opened the 2003 Cannes Film Festival, and “Don’t Tempt Me.” She received rave reviews for her performance in “Don’t Move,” for which she was honored with a David di Donatello Award (the Italian equivalent of the Academy Awards®) and European Film Award for Best Actress.
STEVE BUSCEMI (voice of Bucky) has built a career out of portraying some of the most unique and unforgettable characters in recent cinema.
Buscemi won the Independent Spirit Award, the New York Film Critics Award and was nominated for a Golden Globe® for his role in MGM’s “Ghost World,” directed by Terry Zwigoff and co-starring Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson.
He was also nominated for an Emmy® and DGA Award for directing the “Pine Barrens” episode during the fourth season of HBO’s “The Sopranos.” He then followed it up with a Best Supporting Actor Emmy nomination for his role as Tony Blundetto in season five of the cable series.
IFC released his third directorial feature, “Lonesome Jim,” a comedy-drama about a dysfunctional family, which was named one of the year’s top 10 independent films by the National Board of Review. His last film, in which he also starred, was “Interview” with Sienna Miller, which premiered at last year’s Sundance Film Festival.
NAACP Image Award nominee TRACY MORGAN (voice of Blaster) plays wild and unpredictable movie star Tracy Jordan in NBC’s two-time Emmy Award®-winning “30 Rock,” a workplace comedy where the workplace exists behind the scenes of a live variety show.
Morgan’s feature film credits include “The Longest Yard,” “Little Man,” “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” and “Head of State.” He most recently starred in “First Sunday,” opposite Ice Cube and Katt Williams, for Sony Pictures. He was most recently seen in “Superhero Movie,” and his upcoming projects include “Nailed,” directed by David O. Russell, in which he stars alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and Jessica Biel.
In addition to his two individual NAACP Image Award nominations, Morgan, along with the “30 Rock” cast, won a 2009 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
Live-Action Talent:
BILL NIGHY (Leonard Saber) was born in Caterham, Surrey, in 1949 and trained for the stage at the Guildford School of Acting. He made his professional stage debut at Newbury’s Watermill Theatre and subsequently gained experience at regional theaters like the Edinburgh Traverse, the Chester Gateway and the Liverpool Everyman. It was in Liverpool that he formed a touring theater company with Julie Walters and Peter Postlewaite, which played at a variety of venues. He made his first appearance in London in “Comings and Goings” at the Hampstead Theatre in November 1978.
Nighy made his movie debut in the early 1980s in “The Little Drummer Girl.” It was “The Constant Gardener,” another John le Carre screen adaptation, which won him Best Supporting Actor at the British Independent Film Awards in 2005. But it was “Still Crazy” and his performance as aging rock vocalist Ray Simms that established Nighy’s cinema profile and earned him the Peter Sellers Award for Best Comedy Performance, given by the London Evening Standard. Nighy won a second Peter Sellers Award for his unforgettably washed-up pop star Billy Mack in “Love Actually,” a popular performance that also won him a London Film Critics Award and a Best Supporting BAFTA Award.
In the past year, Nighy has filmed “Valkyrie” with Tom Cruise, “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans,” Richard Curtis’s “The Boat That Rocked” and “Wild Target,” opposite Emily Blunt and Rupert Grint. He has recently finished filming Stephen Poliakoff’s “Glorious 39.”
WILL ARNETT (Special Agent Kip Killian) has been an extremely busy man of late. He will soon be seen starring in the Walt Disney Pictures’ romantic comedy “When in Rome,” opposite Kristen Bell and Anjelica Huston. He will play a suitor who is aggressively trying to win the heart of a young girl (Bell) after she steals coins from a Roman fountain of love. He also just began production on the Warner Bros. and Legendary western action film “Jonah Hex,” based on the DC comic of the same name. In the film, which is set to release next summer, Arnett will star opposite Megan Fox, Josh Brolin and John Malkovich.
Earlier this year, Arnett voiced a character in the hugely successful Dreamworks 3-D animated adventure film, “Monsters vs. Aliens,” alongside Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd and Seth Rogen, which opened No. 1 at the box office. Last year, he starred in the basketball comedy “Semi-Pro,” opposite Will Ferrell and Woody Harrelson, and also lent his voice to the hugely successful animated comedy “Horton Hears a Who,” with Jim Carrey and Steve Carell. In 2007, he was seen opposite Will Ferrell and his wife, Amy Poehler, in the figure skating comedy “Blades of Glory,” and also co-starred opposite Will Forte in “The Brothers Solomon.”
ZACH GALIFIANAKIS (Dr. Ben Kendall) is an actor, comedian and writer who starred in the smash-hit comedy “The Hangover” with Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms.
Born in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, he attended North Carolina State University, pursuing a degree in communication and film. Galifianakis left before graduation, moving to New York City in 1992 to pursue acting. He soon found himself on stage as a stand-up comedian, delighting audiences with his offbeat, off-kilter routines which at times approached performance art. In 1996, Galifianakis made his move into television, portraying the recurring role of Bobby in the situation comedy “Boston Commons.” He made his feature film debut in 2001 in “Out Cold,” which was followed by roles in “Corky Romano,” “Below,” “Bubble Boy” and “Heartbreakers.”
In March 2007, a DVD featuring Galifianakis’ work, “Live at the Purple Onion,” was released, and three months later, Kanye West summoned him to perform in a new video for his song “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” released on West’s website, which was filmed at Galifianakis’ farm in North Carolina.
Galifianakis was recently seen in Sean Penn’s critically acclaimed “Into the Wild,” followed by “Visioneers,” “What Happens in Vegas,” “Gigantic,” “Rogue’s Gallery,” “Little Fish, Strange Pond” and “Youth in Revolt.” He currently divides his time between residences in Venice, California, and in the foothills of North Carolina, a 60-acre farm which he hopes to turn into a writer’s retreat.
KELLI GARNER (Marcie Hollandsworth) is one of today’s rising stars, having already impressed audiences in her film and stage work spanning both dramatic and comedic portrayals.
On-screen, she has notably starred as real-life actress Faith Domergue, opposite Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes, in Martin Scorsese’s award-winning “The Aviator,” and opposite Ryan Gosling in Craig Gillespie’s “Lars and the Real Girl.”
Her other film credits include Stephen Herek’s “Man of the House,” Larry Clark’s “Bully,” Mike Mills’ “Thumbsucker,” “Dreamland” and “Love Liza,” with Philip Seymour Hoffman.
TYLER PATRICK JONES (Connor) appeared in “Judging Amy,” “Family Law,” and “So Little Time,” in addition to several commercials before launching his feature film career.
In 2002, he won the role of Tom Cruise’s kidnapped son in the Steven Spielberg blockbuster “Minority Report.” Jones next took on his most intense role as Edward Norton’s son in Brett Ratner’s “Red Dragon.” Jones won his second Young Artist Award for his portrayal (he earned the first a year earlier for his work in a Hallmark Commercial).
Jones is featured in the remake of the comedy classic Lucille Ball/Henry Fonda starrer “Yours, Mine and Ours,” depicting the crazy, hectic life of a father of eight (Dennis Quaid) who meets and falls in love with the mother of ten (Rene Russo). He spent nearly two seasons recurring as Ned in the Jennifer Love Hewitt CBS show “Ghost Whisperer.” He also appeared in “Private Practice” and “Ben 10 Live” and can be seen in several TV commercials.
JACK CONLEY (Agent Trigstad) is one of the most sought-after character actors in film and television. His feature film appearances have included “Fast & Furious,” “Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay,” “Fun with Dick and Jane,” “Collateral Damage,” “Criminal,” “Traffic,” “The Cell,” “Payback,” “Mercury Rising,” “L.A. Confidential,” “The Chamber,” “Get Shorty” and “Heaven’s Gate.”
GABRIEL CASSEUS (Agent Carter) has previously worked for producer Jerry Bruckheimer as one of the U.S. Rangers embroiled in the Battle of Mogadishu in Ridley Scott’s “Black Hawk Down,” and in guest-starring roles on all three “C.S.I.” television series.
Following his role in “G-FORCE,” Casseus turned to the other side of the camera, as executive producer and co-writer of the feature film “Takers,” starring Paul Walker, Hayden Christensen and Idris Elba.
He’s also enjoyed numerous guest-starring roles on such series as “Justice,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Law & Order: Trial by Jury,” “Line of Fire,” “Skin,” “The Practice,” “The Crow: Stairway to Heaven,” “New York Undercover,” “Silk Stalkings” and “Law & Order.”
NIECY NASH (Rosalita) stars in two successful TV projects at the same time. She is the host of the Style Network’s home makeover show, “Clean House,” which has become the network’s No. 1 rated program. In addition, she stars as no-nonsense Officer Raineesha Williams on the Comedy Central hit, “Reno 911!,” which was spun off into a feature film, “Reno 911: Miami.” Nash recently starred in the Fox comedy series “Do Not Disturb,” opposite Jerry O’Connell.
LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III (Grandpa Goodman) was touted as “the new Bob Dylan” back in the late ’60s, when he began plying his trade in the folk clubs of Boston and New York. His self-effacing wit and broad humor earned a cult following—and, in 1972, a bona fide top-40 hit “Dead Skunk.” By the middle of that decade, his reputation as one of the folk-rock scene’s true characters—in contrast to his peers, he had a fondness for Brooks Brothers’ flannels and neatly shorn hair—had spread far enough that he was tabbed as a recurring character on the CBS series “M*A*S*H,” on which he portrayed “singing surgeon” Calvin Spaulding.
While Wainwright has maintained a parallel career in front of the cameras—appearing in such flicks as “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” “The Slugger’s Wife” and “Elizabethtown”—he’s always been most at home with guitar—or, even more accurately, a pen. Always one for unsparing detail, he spent the ’80s turning out stinging, critically acclaimed discs like Fame and Wealth and 1989’s Therapy.
In recent years, Wainwright’s been reaching new sets of ears, thanks in part to a plethora of soundtrack work—like the compositions he and Joe Henry contributed to the blockbuster “Knocked Up.”
ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS
HOYT H. YEATMAN JR. (Director/Story by) has contributed to the conception, design, supervision and production of special effects for more than 100 motion picture, television and commercial projects. He was also one of the original founders of Dream Quest Images, an Academy Award-winning visual effects company.
Yeatman’s conceptual and innovative approach to special visual effects embodies his commitment to high-quality creative, technical and visual performance. He has always been drawn to the visually artistic, the technically complex and the challenge in blending these two worlds seamlessly.
His dramatic use of miniatures and underwater bluescreen photography in the 1989 film “The Abyss” won Yeatman an Oscar® for Best Achievement in Visual Effects. He was responsible for the visual effects and the photo-realistic 3D character animation for the Jerry Bruckheimer production “Kangaroo Jack.” He was also visual effects supervisor on the 1998 Academy Award-nominated “Mighty Joe Young,” as well as the feature films “The Rock,” “Crimson Tide” and “Armageddon,” all produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. In March 2000, Yeatman and the Eastman Kodak Company were honored with a Scientific and Technical Achievement Certificate from the Academy for their joint development of a new visual effects film stock, SFX 200T. Additionally, he has directed special attraction films for Warner Bros. Recreation, Sony Wonder, Imax Corp. and Samsung.
Yeatman attended UCLA where he studied animation and film. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in 1977, Yeatman joined the effects crew of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” an experience which springboarded him into work on the animation and special effects for NBC’s “Laugh-In” specials, “Buck Rogers” and “Battlestar Galactica.” Following this, Yeatman was recruited by the production team of Paramount Pictures for “Star Trek: The Motion Picture,” the first of a series of highly successful films based on Gene Roddenberry’s television series phenomenon.
It was on this film that he and the co-founders of Dream Quest first met and planned the creation of their own visual effects company in 1979. Dream Quest Images was acquired by The Walt Disney Company in 1996 and, in 1999, became The Secret Lab, the digital production studio of Walt Disney Feature Animation.
MARIANNE and CORMAC WIBBERLEY (Screenplay by) are a husband-wife writing team who both grew up in Southern California and attended the same high school. They also both attended UCLA where they earned bachelor’s degrees—Marianne in Mathematics and Cormac in Economics. Marianne then went on to UCLA’s graduate film school.
In 1993, they sold their first spec script to Disney and have been writing together ever since. “The 6th Day,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, was their first major motion picture. Since then, the Wibberleys have also penned “I Spy,” “Bad Boys II,” “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle,” “The Shaggy Dog” and “National Treasure.” They also received “story by” credit on “National Treasure: Book of Secrets.”
JERRY BRUCKHEIMER (Producer) Great stories, well told. They can be for audiences in darkened movie theatres or home living rooms. They can feature great movie stars or introduce new talent. They can be true adventure, broad comedy, heartbreaking tragedy, epic history, joyous romance or searing drama. They can be set in the distant or recent past, an only-imagined future or a familiar present. Whatever their elements, though, if they begin with a lightning bolt, they are stories being told by Jerry Bruckheimer, and they will be great stories, well told.
The numbers—of dollars and honors—are a matter of often-reported record. Bruckheimer’s films have earned worldwide revenues of over $15 billion in box-office, video and recording receipts. In the 2005-6 season he had a record-breaking 10 series on network television, a feat unprecedented in nearly 60 years of television history.
But the numbers exist only because of Bruckheimer’s uncanny ability to find the stories and tell them on film. He is, according to The Washington Post, “the man with the golden gut.” He may have been born that way, but more likely, his natural gifts were polished to laser focus in the early years of his career. His first films were the 60-second tales he told as an award-winning commercial producer in his native Detroit. One of those mini-films, a parody of “Bonnie and Clyde” created for Pontiac, was noted for its brilliance in Time Magazine and brought the 23-year-old producer to the attention of world-renowned ad agency BBDO, which lured him to New York.
February 2009 brought audiences “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” based on the best-selling Sophie Kinsella novels, which won critical and audience acclaim for its star, Isla Fisher, as Rebecca Bloomwood. Directed by P.J. Hogan (“My Best Friend’s Wedding”), the romantic comedy also starred Hugh Dancy, Joan Cusack, John Goodman, John Lithgow, Kristin Scott Thomas, Leslie Bibb and a large supporting cast.
Next up from Jerry Bruckheimer Films are “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time,” an epic fantasy adventure directed by Mike Newell (“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”) and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, newcomer Gemma Arterton, Sir Ben Kingsley and Alfred Molina; and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” a romantic adventure comedy directed by Jon Turteltaub (the two “National Treasure” films) and starring Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Alfred Molina, Teresa Palmer, Monica Bellucci and Toby Kebbell.
Jerry Bruckheimer has been successful in many genres and multiple mediums because he’s a great storyteller, takes dares…and almost always wins.
Look for the lightning bolt. The best stories are right behind it.
MIKE STENSON (Executive Producer) is president of Jerry Bruckheimer Films, for which he supervises all aspects of film development and production. Before joining the company, he was an executive in charge of production at Disney, responsible for many Bruckheimer films including “Armageddon,” “The Rock,” “Crimson Tide” and “Dangerous Minds.”
Born and raised in Boston, Stenson graduated from Harvard University with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master of business administration. After his undergraduate stint, he started as a production assistant in New York and worked for two years in independent film and television as an assistant director and production manager before returning to Boston to complete his graduate education.
After completing business school, Stenson moved to Los Angeles where he began his tenure at Walt Disney Studios in Special Projects for two years before moving into the production department at Hollywood Pictures as a creative executive. He was promoted to vice president and subsequently executive vice president during his eight years with the company, overseeing development and production for Hollywood Pictures as well as Touchstone Pictures. In addition to the many Bruckheimer films, Stenson also developed several other films and nurtured them through production, including “Rush Hour,” “Instinct,” “Six Days, Seven Nights” and “Mr. Holland’s Opus.”
While at Disney, many filmmakers attempted to woo Stenson away from the studio, but not until 1998 did he entertain leaving. With his newest position at the helm of Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Stenson spearheaded Bruckheimer’s plan to expand the company’s film production schedule.
CHAD OMAN (Executive Producer) is the president of production for Jerry Bruckheimer Films, for which he oversees all aspects of film development and production. Oman produced, along with Bruckheimer, “Remember the Titans,” starring Denzel Washington for Walt Disney Pictures, and “Coyote Ugly,” starring Piper Perabo and John Goodman for Touchstone Pictures.
His most recent executive producer credits for Jerry Bruckheimer Films include “Confessions of a Shopaholic” and the upcoming “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” He also executive produced the critically acclaimed “Veronica Guerin” as well as the blockbuster hits “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,” “Bad Boys II,” “Black Hawk Down,” “Pearl Harbor,” “Gone in 60 Seconds,” “Enemy of the State,” “Armageddon,” “Con Air,” “Glory Road,” “Déjà Vu,” “National Treasure: Book of Secrets,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.”
Oman graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in finance. He also attended the University of California at Los Angeles, where he studied screenwriting, and New York University, where he participated in the undergraduate film production program.
DUNCAN HENDERSON (Executive Producer) began his long and fruitful career in motion pictures as a trainee assistant director on “American Gigolo.” He then served as an assistant director on such films as “My Favorite Year,” “Staying Alive,” “The Star Chamber,” “Racing with the Moon,” “Rhinestone,” “Rocky IV” and “Cobra” before ascending to associate producer/unit production manager on “Three Fugitives” and Peter Weir’s “Dead Poets Society,” and then co-producer of “Taking Care of Business,” Weir’s “Green Card” and “Dying Young.”
DAVID P.I. JAMES (Executive Producer/Story By) is the ninth of ten children and credits his unique upbringing with preparing him for a life in the animation production industry. James has worked for the top animation/VFX houses in Hollywood including Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), Dream Quest/Secret Lab (Disney), and Digital Domain. His credits in the family genre include “102 Dalmatians,” “Inspector Gadget,” “The Princess Diaries,” and “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
Academy Award®-nominated writers TED ELLIOTT and TERRY ROSSIO (Associate Producers) last returned to the blockbuster Jerry Bruckheimer-produced trilogy for “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” following their esteemed work on “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.” Elliott and Rossio also wrote the DreamWorks animated feature “Shrek,” winner of the first Academy Award for Best Animated Film in 2002.
Elliott and Rossio have been members of the Writers Guild of America, West since 1986.
RYOTA KASHIBA (Associate Producer) began his film career working as a story editor for directors Ridley and Tony Scott. Later, he went to work for web content portal IFILM and ran their ScriptShark unit, which introduced new writers into the Hollywood system. After leaving IFILM, Kashiba worked on the visual effects team at Sony Pictures Imageworks where he met executive producer David James and director Hoyt Yeatman. He joined their group as a creative consultant and helped craft the story and characters that would eventually lead to the production of “G-Force.” Kashiba is a native of Seattle, Wash., and holds a BA in Broadcast Communications from the University of Washington.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
thursday night magic @ dusitD2 baraquda pattaya
every thursday night @ s.e.a restaurant
what do matt damon, brad pitt, jay leno, dustin hoffman, prince charles, and the president of the united states have in common? they all agree with what sir yehudi menuhin said about the magic of howard posener.
"i never thought magic could be raised to such an ethereal and enchanting art form."
magic is, at its best, unbelievable! now at dusitD2 baraquda pattaya -- even more unbelievably, you can enjoy an evening of good food laced with magic as s.e.a. restaurant brings you the world class magician “magic howard” who will perform jaw dropping magic right at your dining table.
no admission fee, simply join us for an enjoyable dinner with our everyday a la carte menu
from 7pm onwards
every thursday night throughout the month of february advance reservation is highly recommended
what do matt damon, brad pitt, jay leno, dustin hoffman, prince charles, and the president of the united states have in common? they all agree with what sir yehudi menuhin said about the magic of howard posener.
"i never thought magic could be raised to such an ethereal and enchanting art form."
magic is, at its best, unbelievable! now at dusitD2 baraquda pattaya -- even more unbelievably, you can enjoy an evening of good food laced with magic as s.e.a. restaurant brings you the world class magician “magic howard” who will perform jaw dropping magic right at your dining table.
no admission fee, simply join us for an enjoyable dinner with our everyday a la carte menu
from 7pm onwards
every thursday night throughout the month of february advance reservation is highly recommended
Sunday, November 22, 2009
THAILAND IS AMONG TOP 5 IN THREE CATEGORIES IN 2009 COUNTRY BRAND INDEX RANKINGS
- Holds #4 Spot for Friendly Locals, #3 for Value for Money and #5 for Nightlife –
Given the genuinely warm and hospitable nature of its people as reflected in its reputation as the “Land of Smiles”, it is not surprising that Thailand is ranked #4 in the Friendly Locals category of the latest Country Brand Index (CBI). Adding to this commendable standing is Thailand’s position in #3 of the Value for Money category and #5 of the Nightlife category. These three pillars stand out among Thailand’s strengths, as recognized by the approximately 3,000 international business and leisure travelers from nine countries who were covered in the comprehensive study. The CBI examines how countries are branded and ranked, and identifies emerging global trends in the world’s fastest-growing economic sector – travel and tourism – which accounted for US$944 billion in international tourism receipts in 2008. In the case of Thailand, this sector makes up 6.7% of its economy and 7% of its workforce.
In the overall Top Country Brand rankings, Japan represents Asia by holding the #7 title.
2009 CBI Top Country Brands
This year’s index, conducted by FutureBrand, a leading global brand consultancy, in conjunction with public relations firm Weber Shandwick’s Global Travel & Lifestyle Practice, includes rankings and trends, themes in nation building and marketing issues, as well as more in-depth analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the Top 10 country brands and a look at the “Next 10,” those top country brands ranking 11-20. Additionally, research was expanded to cover 102 country brands, which allowed a breakdown of regional rankings to be included. Other new topics include: the political and economic sides of country branding; discrepancies between perception and reality of a country brand; and “A New Focus on Value,” which speaks to one of the chief motivators in travel and tourism this year, (visit www.futurebrand.com/cbi for complete results).
“This is the fifth year we have been able to continue to innovate around country brand thinking, methodology and findings. This category remains one with tremendous potential not only for tourism but investment, trade and policy. Even with the global economic circumstances facing many nations, the need to maximize opportunity and present a cohesive identity is critical,” said Rina Plapler, senior executive director, FutureBrand.
"The days of countries marketing themselves with travel posters are over. Wise governments harness, propel and amplify their country as a brand, given it also encompasses culture, exports retail, real estate and of course tax revenue. The popular phrase says ‘tourism is too big to fail,’ but if no one is paying attention or if it is undervalued or taken for granted, the competition will benefit,” said Rene A. Mack, president, Weber Shandwick Travel & Lifestyle Practice. “The United States fared extremely well this year in part due to the change in administrations.”
This year’s CBI also touches on a variety of topics relevant to travelers and tourism professionals including: how small nations can compete with much larger countries; the different ways destinations can communicate value; and the year’s best and worst country brand marketing. Other notable topics focus on the use of social media in country branding and how icons, national companies and sports drive the development of country brand image.
The following are highlights from this year’s Country Brand Index, listing the top five countries in rank order for each category:
2009 Country Brand Index Ranking Highlights
The 2009 Country Brand Index reports a number of emerging trends in travel and tourism that include:
Value-Oriented Mindset – The global economic downturn has led consumers to think about travel from a financial standpoint and make decisions accordingly. The concept of value, as defined by more for less, continues to flourish in this environment. Whatever type of vacation travelers are able to afford, whether this be basic or luxury accommodations, consumers expect a bargain. Consumers are thinking like financial analysts in choosing destinations and properties that are undervalued and booking trips that allow them to maintain the style they were accustomed to in boom times.
Attitudes Towards Travel Planning – With the plethora of last-minute travel bargains and new internet tools allowing for instant bargain bookings, there is a growing divide between those favoring impromptu trips and others prone to careful organization and advanced planning to account for more meaningful and structured travel experiences. This being true, the study also finds that even in the downturn, must-do travel—whether attending a milestone event like a wedding or taking an event-driven trip like attending the Super Bowl to support a local team—still persists. Additionally, semi-permanent and open road trips are also aspects of the travel landscape that are expanding as technology permits passengers to plan on the go and hotels largely have vacancies and thus the ability to accommodate travelers at the last minute.
The Mystery of Authenticity – The importance of authenticity is well-known — but the differing attitudes toward and different definitions of the idea mean that there is some discrepancy on why some destinations are thriving and other travel experiences are reinventing the concept. Below are four trends emerging from this larger conversation:
Synthetic Destinations – Destinations conscious of “classic” places of the past—like Paris, Rome and London—are desperate for a piece of this tourism business and are subsequently planning and buying their ways onto the map by upgrading infrastructure and building attractions to build the number of foreign visitors and investors. Examples of new synthetic destinations include United Arab Emirates’ man-made islands and Qatar’s Museum of Islamic Arts.
Fauxthentic Travel – Travelers looking for authentic experiences yet would prefer not to put in the leg work and expense are turning to “faux authentic” hotels and tours for a simulated experience replicating the originals. Some travel to the Mayan Temple at Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas and take gondola rides at The Venetian Las Vegas to have “real” experiences from afar, while others pretend to rough it in luxury “tents” at places like the Molori Safari Lodge in South Africa while guides give them a real taste of the destination.
Tomorrow’s Hidden Jewels – For those constantly seeking out the next destination untouched by tourism, an authentic travel experience is an off-the-beaten path adventure. Destinations such as Croatia and Thailand used to top the list of uncharted spots, but the study predicts Azerbaijan, Ghana and the Balkans will be next to hit adventure seekers’ radars. Cradles of Civilization – Though many of the world’s most historic places are currently immersed in civil unrest, making them unsafe for most visitors, this study predicts an upsurge in visitors to these cradles of civilization as the zones become safer. Examples are the Fertile Crescent in Iraq, the Indus Valley in Pakistan and the ancient kingdoms of Mali and Songhai in modern-day Mali and Niger.
Rising Stars
CBI also identified the United Arab Emirates (UAE), China, and Vietnam, respectively, as the top three “rising stars” – those likely to become major tourist destinations in the next five years. Also making the list this year are Croatia, South Africa, and India.
Study Methodology
FutureBrand has developed a three-tiered system for examining and ranking country brands. The Country Brand Index incorporates global quantitative research, expert opinions, and relevant secondary sources for statistics that link brand equity to assets, growth and expansion. The result is a unique evaluation system that provides the basis of our rankings and insights about the complexities and dynamics of country brands. The 2009 survey tracks the perceptions of approximately 3,000 international business and leisure travelers from nine countries—the US, the UK, China, Australia, Japan, Brazil, UAE, Germany and Russia. Participants were screened to include frequent international travelers (who travel internationally more than once a year) between the ages of 21 and 65, with a balanced split between men and women. Respondent perceptions of 102 country brands were quantified through questions about behavior around destination selection; country associations across an array of 29 image attributes; and overall awareness, familiarity, past visits, intent to visit, and willingness to recommend destinations to others. Survey results were aggregated and weighted in proportion to regional volume of travel consumption. This was done in order to minimize potential bias around preferred locations from respondents from regions that may have been over-represented in the sample. Our 2009 expert panel consists of 47 travel, tourism and hospitality professionals who are not associated with one specific destination.
About Weber Shandwick
Weber Shandwick is a leading global public relations agency with offices in 77 markets around the world. The firm’s success is built on its deep commitment to client service, creativity, collaboration and harnessing the power of Advocates - engaging stakeholders in new and creative ways to build brands and reputation. Weber Shandwick provides strategy and execution across practices such as consumer marketing, healthcare, technology, public affairs, corporate/financial and crisis management. Its specialized services include digital/social media, advocacy advertising, market research, and corporate responsibility. Weber Shandwick was recognized as PRWeek’s 2009 Global Agency Report Card Gold Medal Winner, named Global Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report and Large PR Firm of the Year by PR News in 2008. The firm also won the United Nations Grand Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Relations for a lifestyles educational campaign in India. Weber Shandwick is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). For more information, visit http://www.webershandwick.com.
About FutureBrand
FutureBrand (www.futurebrand.com), part of the Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (NYSE: IPG – News), is a leading brand consultancy within IPG that commands a global presence spanning 24 major cities around the world. Partnering with the world’s leading companies, FutureBrand helps its clients to develop profitable brands both today and into the future. Offering a full range of services from consumer branding and corporate identity, to brand identity, brand management and beyond, FutureBrand works with clients to measure and increase brand value, define breakthrough brand strategies and create powerful brand experiences. Clients include ArcelorMittal, P&G, Microsoft, Dubai World, Intel, Barclays Premier, Nokia, Nestle, MasterCard, UPS and Unilever.
Given the genuinely warm and hospitable nature of its people as reflected in its reputation as the “Land of Smiles”, it is not surprising that Thailand is ranked #4 in the Friendly Locals category of the latest Country Brand Index (CBI). Adding to this commendable standing is Thailand’s position in #3 of the Value for Money category and #5 of the Nightlife category. These three pillars stand out among Thailand’s strengths, as recognized by the approximately 3,000 international business and leisure travelers from nine countries who were covered in the comprehensive study. The CBI examines how countries are branded and ranked, and identifies emerging global trends in the world’s fastest-growing economic sector – travel and tourism – which accounted for US$944 billion in international tourism receipts in 2008. In the case of Thailand, this sector makes up 6.7% of its economy and 7% of its workforce.
In the overall Top Country Brand rankings, Japan represents Asia by holding the #7 title.
2009 CBI Top Country Brands
This year’s index, conducted by FutureBrand, a leading global brand consultancy, in conjunction with public relations firm Weber Shandwick’s Global Travel & Lifestyle Practice, includes rankings and trends, themes in nation building and marketing issues, as well as more in-depth analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the Top 10 country brands and a look at the “Next 10,” those top country brands ranking 11-20. Additionally, research was expanded to cover 102 country brands, which allowed a breakdown of regional rankings to be included. Other new topics include: the political and economic sides of country branding; discrepancies between perception and reality of a country brand; and “A New Focus on Value,” which speaks to one of the chief motivators in travel and tourism this year, (visit www.futurebrand.com/cbi for complete results).
“This is the fifth year we have been able to continue to innovate around country brand thinking, methodology and findings. This category remains one with tremendous potential not only for tourism but investment, trade and policy. Even with the global economic circumstances facing many nations, the need to maximize opportunity and present a cohesive identity is critical,” said Rina Plapler, senior executive director, FutureBrand.
"The days of countries marketing themselves with travel posters are over. Wise governments harness, propel and amplify their country as a brand, given it also encompasses culture, exports retail, real estate and of course tax revenue. The popular phrase says ‘tourism is too big to fail,’ but if no one is paying attention or if it is undervalued or taken for granted, the competition will benefit,” said Rene A. Mack, president, Weber Shandwick Travel & Lifestyle Practice. “The United States fared extremely well this year in part due to the change in administrations.”
This year’s CBI also touches on a variety of topics relevant to travelers and tourism professionals including: how small nations can compete with much larger countries; the different ways destinations can communicate value; and the year’s best and worst country brand marketing. Other notable topics focus on the use of social media in country branding and how icons, national companies and sports drive the development of country brand image.
The following are highlights from this year’s Country Brand Index, listing the top five countries in rank order for each category:
2009 Country Brand Index Ranking Highlights
The 2009 Country Brand Index reports a number of emerging trends in travel and tourism that include:
Value-Oriented Mindset – The global economic downturn has led consumers to think about travel from a financial standpoint and make decisions accordingly. The concept of value, as defined by more for less, continues to flourish in this environment. Whatever type of vacation travelers are able to afford, whether this be basic or luxury accommodations, consumers expect a bargain. Consumers are thinking like financial analysts in choosing destinations and properties that are undervalued and booking trips that allow them to maintain the style they were accustomed to in boom times.
Attitudes Towards Travel Planning – With the plethora of last-minute travel bargains and new internet tools allowing for instant bargain bookings, there is a growing divide between those favoring impromptu trips and others prone to careful organization and advanced planning to account for more meaningful and structured travel experiences. This being true, the study also finds that even in the downturn, must-do travel—whether attending a milestone event like a wedding or taking an event-driven trip like attending the Super Bowl to support a local team—still persists. Additionally, semi-permanent and open road trips are also aspects of the travel landscape that are expanding as technology permits passengers to plan on the go and hotels largely have vacancies and thus the ability to accommodate travelers at the last minute.
The Mystery of Authenticity – The importance of authenticity is well-known — but the differing attitudes toward and different definitions of the idea mean that there is some discrepancy on why some destinations are thriving and other travel experiences are reinventing the concept. Below are four trends emerging from this larger conversation:
Synthetic Destinations – Destinations conscious of “classic” places of the past—like Paris, Rome and London—are desperate for a piece of this tourism business and are subsequently planning and buying their ways onto the map by upgrading infrastructure and building attractions to build the number of foreign visitors and investors. Examples of new synthetic destinations include United Arab Emirates’ man-made islands and Qatar’s Museum of Islamic Arts.
Fauxthentic Travel – Travelers looking for authentic experiences yet would prefer not to put in the leg work and expense are turning to “faux authentic” hotels and tours for a simulated experience replicating the originals. Some travel to the Mayan Temple at Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas and take gondola rides at The Venetian Las Vegas to have “real” experiences from afar, while others pretend to rough it in luxury “tents” at places like the Molori Safari Lodge in South Africa while guides give them a real taste of the destination.
Tomorrow’s Hidden Jewels – For those constantly seeking out the next destination untouched by tourism, an authentic travel experience is an off-the-beaten path adventure. Destinations such as Croatia and Thailand used to top the list of uncharted spots, but the study predicts Azerbaijan, Ghana and the Balkans will be next to hit adventure seekers’ radars. Cradles of Civilization – Though many of the world’s most historic places are currently immersed in civil unrest, making them unsafe for most visitors, this study predicts an upsurge in visitors to these cradles of civilization as the zones become safer. Examples are the Fertile Crescent in Iraq, the Indus Valley in Pakistan and the ancient kingdoms of Mali and Songhai in modern-day Mali and Niger.
Rising Stars
CBI also identified the United Arab Emirates (UAE), China, and Vietnam, respectively, as the top three “rising stars” – those likely to become major tourist destinations in the next five years. Also making the list this year are Croatia, South Africa, and India.
Study Methodology
FutureBrand has developed a three-tiered system for examining and ranking country brands. The Country Brand Index incorporates global quantitative research, expert opinions, and relevant secondary sources for statistics that link brand equity to assets, growth and expansion. The result is a unique evaluation system that provides the basis of our rankings and insights about the complexities and dynamics of country brands. The 2009 survey tracks the perceptions of approximately 3,000 international business and leisure travelers from nine countries—the US, the UK, China, Australia, Japan, Brazil, UAE, Germany and Russia. Participants were screened to include frequent international travelers (who travel internationally more than once a year) between the ages of 21 and 65, with a balanced split between men and women. Respondent perceptions of 102 country brands were quantified through questions about behavior around destination selection; country associations across an array of 29 image attributes; and overall awareness, familiarity, past visits, intent to visit, and willingness to recommend destinations to others. Survey results were aggregated and weighted in proportion to regional volume of travel consumption. This was done in order to minimize potential bias around preferred locations from respondents from regions that may have been over-represented in the sample. Our 2009 expert panel consists of 47 travel, tourism and hospitality professionals who are not associated with one specific destination.
About Weber Shandwick
Weber Shandwick is a leading global public relations agency with offices in 77 markets around the world. The firm’s success is built on its deep commitment to client service, creativity, collaboration and harnessing the power of Advocates - engaging stakeholders in new and creative ways to build brands and reputation. Weber Shandwick provides strategy and execution across practices such as consumer marketing, healthcare, technology, public affairs, corporate/financial and crisis management. Its specialized services include digital/social media, advocacy advertising, market research, and corporate responsibility. Weber Shandwick was recognized as PRWeek’s 2009 Global Agency Report Card Gold Medal Winner, named Global Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report and Large PR Firm of the Year by PR News in 2008. The firm also won the United Nations Grand Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Relations for a lifestyles educational campaign in India. Weber Shandwick is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). For more information, visit http://www.webershandwick.com.
About FutureBrand
FutureBrand (www.futurebrand.com), part of the Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (NYSE: IPG – News), is a leading brand consultancy within IPG that commands a global presence spanning 24 major cities around the world. Partnering with the world’s leading companies, FutureBrand helps its clients to develop profitable brands both today and into the future. Offering a full range of services from consumer branding and corporate identity, to brand identity, brand management and beyond, FutureBrand works with clients to measure and increase brand value, define breakthrough brand strategies and create powerful brand experiences. Clients include ArcelorMittal, P&G, Microsoft, Dubai World, Intel, Barclays Premier, Nokia, Nestle, MasterCard, UPS and Unilever.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
SALES OF AMULETS ARE THRIVING
Sales of Jatukarm Ramathep amulets are thriving in Nakhon Si Thammarat's Muang district, with many sellers earning more money than they ever dreamed of. Duangchanok Amornsak closed down her traditional dance school in August last year and began trading Jatukarm Ramathep talismans.
She admits to making a good profit as demand for the amulets _ which are priced from 199 to 150,000 baht _ has surged. She also sells T-shirts bearing the image of the talisman, and books and pictures.
''I used to get about 10,000 baht a month as a dance teacher. Now I earn from 100,000 to 200,000 baht a month from selling the amulets,'' she said.
Stalls selling the amulets are on almost every road in downtown Muang district. Although the amulets were introduced in the province 20 years ago, Ms Duangchanok believes their popularity jumped only recently, with the funeral of Pol Maj-Gen Khun Phantharak Rajadej, a well-respected local aristocrat.
Thousands of people flocked to the cremation of Khun Phantharak to obtain the amulets, which were distributed by his children as keepsakes.
Sales of the amulets have stimulated the local economy, putting an estimated 100 million baht into circulation.
Pailin Arunjit also quit her job to become a talisman vendor.
Ms Pailin said she invested 30,000 baht to open her business three months ago. Now she earns about 100,000 baht a month.
''I had never thought that I would have what I have today. My monthly salary as a department store worker was a few thousand baht,'' she said, adding that she is now able to pay off her debts.
Ms Duangchanok said she believed the talisman would sell well for the next two to three years before dying down, as was ''the law of nature''.
She personally believed in the magical powers of Jatukarm Ramathep and had various versions of the amulets in stock.
''I don't try to persuade anyone to believe me or to buy the talismans from me. There is no point in owning the amulet but not behaving well. Jatukarm Ramathep will only protect decent people, bringing them good luck,'' she said.
She admits to making a good profit as demand for the amulets _ which are priced from 199 to 150,000 baht _ has surged. She also sells T-shirts bearing the image of the talisman, and books and pictures.
''I used to get about 10,000 baht a month as a dance teacher. Now I earn from 100,000 to 200,000 baht a month from selling the amulets,'' she said.
Stalls selling the amulets are on almost every road in downtown Muang district. Although the amulets were introduced in the province 20 years ago, Ms Duangchanok believes their popularity jumped only recently, with the funeral of Pol Maj-Gen Khun Phantharak Rajadej, a well-respected local aristocrat.
Thousands of people flocked to the cremation of Khun Phantharak to obtain the amulets, which were distributed by his children as keepsakes.
Sales of the amulets have stimulated the local economy, putting an estimated 100 million baht into circulation.
Pailin Arunjit also quit her job to become a talisman vendor.
Ms Pailin said she invested 30,000 baht to open her business three months ago. Now she earns about 100,000 baht a month.
''I had never thought that I would have what I have today. My monthly salary as a department store worker was a few thousand baht,'' she said, adding that she is now able to pay off her debts.
Ms Duangchanok said she believed the talisman would sell well for the next two to three years before dying down, as was ''the law of nature''.
She personally believed in the magical powers of Jatukarm Ramathep and had various versions of the amulets in stock.
''I don't try to persuade anyone to believe me or to buy the talismans from me. There is no point in owning the amulet but not behaving well. Jatukarm Ramathep will only protect decent people, bringing them good luck,'' she said.
Magnificent seven
In the most important, most revered event since the invention of the brontosaurus trap,Microsoft shipped the most incredibly fabulous operating system ever made; the release of Windows 7 also spurred a new generation of personal computers of all sizes at prices well below last month's offers.The top reason Windows 7 does not suck: There is no registered website called Windows7Sucks.com
Kindle e-book reader maker Amazon.com and new Nook e-book reader vendor Barnes and Noble got it on; B&N got great reviews for the "Kindle killer"Nook, with dual screens and touch controls so you can "turn" pages, plays MP3s and allows many non-B&N book formats, although not the Kindle one;Amazon then killed the US version of its Kindle in favour of the international one, reduced its price to $260(8,700 baht), same as the Nook; it's not yet clear what you can get in Thailand with a Nook, but you sure can't (yet) get much, relatively speaking, with a Kindle;but here's the biggest difference so far,which Amazon.com has ignored: the Nook lets you lend e-books to any other Nook owner, just as if they were paper books; the borrowed books expire on the borrower's Nook in two weeks.
Phone maker Nokia of Finland announced it is suing iPhone maker Apple of America for being a copycat; lawyers said they figure Nokia can get at least one, probably two per cent (retail) for every iPhone sold by Steve "President for Life" Jobs and crew via the lawsuit,which sure beats working for it -$6 (200 baht) to $12(400 baht) on 30 million phones sold so far, works out to $400 million or 25 percent of the whole Apple empire profits during the last quarter;there were 10 patent thefts, the Finnish executives said, on everything from moving data to security and encryption.
Nokia of Finland announced that it is one month behind on shipping its new flagship N900 phone, the first to run on Linux software; delay of the $750(25,000 baht) phone had absolutely no part in making Nokia so short that it had to sue Apple, slap yourself for such a thought.
Tim Berners-Lee, who created the World Wide Web, said he had one regret:the double slash that follows the "http:"in standard web addresses; he estimated that 14.2 gazillion users have wasted 48.72 bazillion hours typing those two keystrokes, and he's sorry; of course there's no reason to ever type that, since your browser does it for you when you type "www.bangkokpost.com" but Tim needs to admit he made one error in his lifetime.
The International Telecommunication Union of the United Nations, which doesn't sell any phones or services, announced that there should be a mobile phone charger that will work with any phone; now who would ever have thought of that, without a UN body to wind up a major study on the subject?;the GSM Association estimates that 51,000 tonnes of chargers are made each year in order to keep companies able to have their own unique ones.
The Well, Doh Award of the Week was presented at arm's length to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development; the group's deputy secretary-general Petko Draganov said that developing countries will miss some of the stuff available on the Internet if they don't install more broadband infrastructure; a report that used your tax baht to compile said that quite a few people use mobile phones but companies are more likely to invest in countries with excellent broadband connections; no one ever had thought of this before, right?
Sun Microsystems , as a result of the Oracle takeover, said it will allow 3,000 current workers never to bother coming to work again; Sun referred to the losses as "jobs," not people; now the fourth largest server maker in the world, Sun said it lost $2.2 billion in its last fiscal year; European regulators are holding up approval of the Oracle purchase in the hope of getting some money in exchange for not involving Oracle in court cases.
The multi-gazillionaire and very annoying investor Carl Icahn resigned from the board at Yahoo ; he spun it as a vote of confidence, saying current directors are taking the formerly threatened company seriously; Yahoo reported increased profits but smaller revenues in the third quarter.
The US House of Representatives voted to censure Vietnam for jailing bloggers; the non-binding resolution sponsored by southern California congresswoman Loretta Sanchez said the Internet is "a crucial tool for the citizens of Vietnam to be able to exercise their freedom of expression and association;"Hanoi has recently jailed at least nine activists for up to six years apiece for holding pro-democracy banners. Iran jailed blogger Hossein "Hoder" Derakshan for 10 months - in solitary confinement.
Kindle e-book reader maker Amazon.com and new Nook e-book reader vendor Barnes and Noble got it on; B&N got great reviews for the "Kindle killer"Nook, with dual screens and touch controls so you can "turn" pages, plays MP3s and allows many non-B&N book formats, although not the Kindle one;Amazon then killed the US version of its Kindle in favour of the international one, reduced its price to $260(8,700 baht), same as the Nook; it's not yet clear what you can get in Thailand with a Nook, but you sure can't (yet) get much, relatively speaking, with a Kindle;but here's the biggest difference so far,which Amazon.com has ignored: the Nook lets you lend e-books to any other Nook owner, just as if they were paper books; the borrowed books expire on the borrower's Nook in two weeks.
Phone maker Nokia of Finland announced it is suing iPhone maker Apple of America for being a copycat; lawyers said they figure Nokia can get at least one, probably two per cent (retail) for every iPhone sold by Steve "President for Life" Jobs and crew via the lawsuit,which sure beats working for it -$6 (200 baht) to $12(400 baht) on 30 million phones sold so far, works out to $400 million or 25 percent of the whole Apple empire profits during the last quarter;there were 10 patent thefts, the Finnish executives said, on everything from moving data to security and encryption.
Nokia of Finland announced that it is one month behind on shipping its new flagship N900 phone, the first to run on Linux software; delay of the $750(25,000 baht) phone had absolutely no part in making Nokia so short that it had to sue Apple, slap yourself for such a thought.
Tim Berners-Lee, who created the World Wide Web, said he had one regret:the double slash that follows the "http:"in standard web addresses; he estimated that 14.2 gazillion users have wasted 48.72 bazillion hours typing those two keystrokes, and he's sorry; of course there's no reason to ever type that, since your browser does it for you when you type "www.bangkokpost.com" but Tim needs to admit he made one error in his lifetime.
The International Telecommunication Union of the United Nations, which doesn't sell any phones or services, announced that there should be a mobile phone charger that will work with any phone; now who would ever have thought of that, without a UN body to wind up a major study on the subject?;the GSM Association estimates that 51,000 tonnes of chargers are made each year in order to keep companies able to have their own unique ones.
The Well, Doh Award of the Week was presented at arm's length to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development; the group's deputy secretary-general Petko Draganov said that developing countries will miss some of the stuff available on the Internet if they don't install more broadband infrastructure; a report that used your tax baht to compile said that quite a few people use mobile phones but companies are more likely to invest in countries with excellent broadband connections; no one ever had thought of this before, right?
Sun Microsystems , as a result of the Oracle takeover, said it will allow 3,000 current workers never to bother coming to work again; Sun referred to the losses as "jobs," not people; now the fourth largest server maker in the world, Sun said it lost $2.2 billion in its last fiscal year; European regulators are holding up approval of the Oracle purchase in the hope of getting some money in exchange for not involving Oracle in court cases.
The multi-gazillionaire and very annoying investor Carl Icahn resigned from the board at Yahoo ; he spun it as a vote of confidence, saying current directors are taking the formerly threatened company seriously; Yahoo reported increased profits but smaller revenues in the third quarter.
The US House of Representatives voted to censure Vietnam for jailing bloggers; the non-binding resolution sponsored by southern California congresswoman Loretta Sanchez said the Internet is "a crucial tool for the citizens of Vietnam to be able to exercise their freedom of expression and association;"Hanoi has recently jailed at least nine activists for up to six years apiece for holding pro-democracy banners. Iran jailed blogger Hossein "Hoder" Derakshan for 10 months - in solitary confinement.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Magic, mobs and millennialism
Thailand has often been termed the "Magic Kingdom," but few actually recognise how pervasive magic has become in Thai politics, very much including in the present crisis.
A recent book Lap Luang Prang (the title of which might be translated as "The Secrets that Deceive") by Bangkok Post reporter Wassana Nanuam provides a detailed and fascinating account of the use of astrologers and black magic not only by Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister who was removed from office in a military coup in 2006, but also by many other high officials and especially military officers, including General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, the army commander-in-chief who led the coup against Thaksin. Gen Sonthi is a particularly interesting case because, as Ms Wassana observes, as a Muslim, the general should not engage in superstitious practice.
Ms Wassana discusses how Thaksin, the 21st century politician, has sought to "channel," as mediums do, the spirit of Taksin, the late 18th century king who reigned at Thon Buri and was deposed by the founder of the present dynasty. Perhaps Thaksin, like King Taksin, also seeks to be a future Buddha.
Ms Wassana further examines the magical identification made between Thaksin's nemesis, Sondhi Limthongkul, and the famous King Narai of Ayutthaya. If Mr Sondhi is known to have been wearing an amulet during his miraculous escape from a barrage of bullets, one can expect copies of that amulet to be widely sought after.
One chapter of Ms Wassana's book is entitled Newin: Spirit Doctor of the Khmer. Newin Chidchob, a political boss from Buri Ram in northeastern Thailand and the scion of a Thai Khmer family whose men were often mahouts working with elephants, was once a major backer of Thaksin.
In 2005 when Thaksin visited Buri Ram, Mr Newin guided him in a ritual use of an elephant prod belonging to Mr Newin's grandfather to magically attack Thaksin's opponents. Since in 2009 Mr Newin abandoned Thaksin and led his supporters in parliament to back a Democrat-led government, one wonders whether the elephant prod was passed on to Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Democrat leader who is now prime minister.
Ms Wasssana is not the only one to have noted the significant role magic plays in Thai politics. Surasak Tumcharoen, another Bangkok Post reporter, observed in an article published on June 2, 2007, that the Democrat party as well as Thai Rak Thai party leaders gave considerable credence to the interpretation of omens and the predictions of astrologers. Mr Surasak wrote: "Horoscopes and astrology may sound unbelievable to some, but many politicians secretly rely on such superstition. Apparently, some politicians consult their astrologers before making any major political decisions. Some military officers even consulted their ajarn [masters] on the right timing to stage a coup."
Speaking about the present crisis, Thanong Khanthong, a staff member of The Nation, in his blog (http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/thanong/2009/04/13/entry-1) of April 13, 2009, "Crisis Soon Over: Thank the Stars," wrote that "my amateur astrologer has told me that duang muang [the City's star] is in trouble, with the stars aligned in a complicated position. When King Yodfa [Rama I] founded Bangkok in 1782, the lakh[s]ana duang muang [the character of the City of Angels] was represented by the sun, which exemplified strength, boldness and grandeur."
Another blog-writer who uses the name "Siam Report" (http://siamreport.blogspot.com/2009/04/crisis-soon-over-thank-stars.html), in commenting on Thanong's blog, notes that Thaksin had also consulted an astrologer in anticipation of the events that have constituted Thailand's latest political crisis.
Both bloggers have pointed to the role that astrologers such as Mor Lak have played in advising Thaksin during the recent crisis.
I became fascinated with the role of magic in 2006 when the destruction of the shrine to Brahma (Thao Maha Phrom) at the Erawan Hotel was seen by astrologers advising Thaksin to be a very bad omen. In a paper I wrote about this incident (http://www.ari.nus.edu.sg/showfile.asp?pubid=638&type=2), I concluded that: "Both private and public discourses about spirits, omens and horoscopes contribute to the understandings Thai have about the personal and public political crises. The destruction of the Erawan Shrine did not lead directly to Thaksin's being overthrown by a coup, but the interpretation of this destruction being an ill omen for him did contribute to the perception that his political authority was deeply compromised."
So, too, today the turn to magic raises doubts about the legitimacy of political authority.
Magical thinking is not found only among political leaders. The mob psychology that impelled the Yellow Shirts to occupy government offices and take over the Suvarnabhumi Airport and the Red Shirts to also occupy government offices, disrupt the Asean-East Asian summit, and take to the streets of Bangkok also entails magical thinking. The donning of coloured clothing and waving of hand or foot clappers echoes the acts of mobs in northeastern Thailand in the early part of the 20th century who wore white clothes and engaged in ritual acts in their efforts to resist the imposition of the authority of the Thai state. Like the earlier mobs which followed men who were seen as phu mi bun, "men with Buddhist merit," the more recent mobs have also turned to non-elected leaders whom they acclaim as having moral authority.
One can recognise that the Thai movements are similar to movements in Christian countries in which magical actions were undertaken to hasten the establishment of a millennium of rule by Christ.
The term "millennialism" has been widely adopted for understanding any movement that seeks an imminent and magical establishment of a new political order.
Those who have joined millennial movements have often paid with their lives or limbs for their trust in the occult. In 1902, those who followed the phu mi bun in seeking to turn back the expansion of the modern Thai state were killed in the hundreds by troops using gatling guns, the pre-modern equivalent of assault rifles. In 2004, 107 young Thai-Malay men whom Professor Nidhi Eoseewong characterises as having embraced a Muslim version of millennialism were killed at the Krue Se mosque in Pattani province. Some in both the yellow shirt and red shirt mobs have also died in violent confrontations on the streets of Bangkok and many more could also die if the crisis continues.
Why have magic, mob psychology and millennialism become so significant in Thai political life today?
The answer to the question is that there is a notable lack of consensus among the populace and their leaders regarding the basic premises on which political order can rest in Thailand.
This lack of consensus can be traced to the subversion of the 1997 Constitution by the Thaksin governments and by the abrogation of the constitution following the 2006 coup. It also stems from the deep anxieties many Thai of all colours of clothing have about the future.
There was no need to consult an astrologer to read the results of the referendum in August 2007 on a new constitution drafted during the period when a military-backed government was in power. While a slight majority of those voting favoured the new constitution, fewer than 60% of the people actually voted. More significantly, more than 60% of those who voted in northeastern Thailand rejected it. The Northeast is home to most of those who have joined the red shirts.
The division that the 2007 constitutional referendum revealed underlies the rise of the yellow shirts and the red shirts.
Without an agreed on set of new rules for politics in Thailand, magic, mob psychology and millennialist movements will continue to perpetuate the political crisis.
Charles Keyes is Professor Emeritus of Anthropology and International Studies, University of Washington. He is the author of numerous books and articles about Thailand.
A recent book Lap Luang Prang (the title of which might be translated as "The Secrets that Deceive") by Bangkok Post reporter Wassana Nanuam provides a detailed and fascinating account of the use of astrologers and black magic not only by Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister who was removed from office in a military coup in 2006, but also by many other high officials and especially military officers, including General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, the army commander-in-chief who led the coup against Thaksin. Gen Sonthi is a particularly interesting case because, as Ms Wassana observes, as a Muslim, the general should not engage in superstitious practice.
Ms Wassana discusses how Thaksin, the 21st century politician, has sought to "channel," as mediums do, the spirit of Taksin, the late 18th century king who reigned at Thon Buri and was deposed by the founder of the present dynasty. Perhaps Thaksin, like King Taksin, also seeks to be a future Buddha.
Ms Wassana further examines the magical identification made between Thaksin's nemesis, Sondhi Limthongkul, and the famous King Narai of Ayutthaya. If Mr Sondhi is known to have been wearing an amulet during his miraculous escape from a barrage of bullets, one can expect copies of that amulet to be widely sought after.
One chapter of Ms Wassana's book is entitled Newin: Spirit Doctor of the Khmer. Newin Chidchob, a political boss from Buri Ram in northeastern Thailand and the scion of a Thai Khmer family whose men were often mahouts working with elephants, was once a major backer of Thaksin.
In 2005 when Thaksin visited Buri Ram, Mr Newin guided him in a ritual use of an elephant prod belonging to Mr Newin's grandfather to magically attack Thaksin's opponents. Since in 2009 Mr Newin abandoned Thaksin and led his supporters in parliament to back a Democrat-led government, one wonders whether the elephant prod was passed on to Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Democrat leader who is now prime minister.
Ms Wasssana is not the only one to have noted the significant role magic plays in Thai politics. Surasak Tumcharoen, another Bangkok Post reporter, observed in an article published on June 2, 2007, that the Democrat party as well as Thai Rak Thai party leaders gave considerable credence to the interpretation of omens and the predictions of astrologers. Mr Surasak wrote: "Horoscopes and astrology may sound unbelievable to some, but many politicians secretly rely on such superstition. Apparently, some politicians consult their astrologers before making any major political decisions. Some military officers even consulted their ajarn [masters] on the right timing to stage a coup."
Speaking about the present crisis, Thanong Khanthong, a staff member of The Nation, in his blog (http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/thanong/2009/04/13/entry-1) of April 13, 2009, "Crisis Soon Over: Thank the Stars," wrote that "my amateur astrologer has told me that duang muang [the City's star] is in trouble, with the stars aligned in a complicated position. When King Yodfa [Rama I] founded Bangkok in 1782, the lakh[s]ana duang muang [the character of the City of Angels] was represented by the sun, which exemplified strength, boldness and grandeur."
Another blog-writer who uses the name "Siam Report" (http://siamreport.blogspot.com/2009/04/crisis-soon-over-thank-stars.html), in commenting on Thanong's blog, notes that Thaksin had also consulted an astrologer in anticipation of the events that have constituted Thailand's latest political crisis.
Both bloggers have pointed to the role that astrologers such as Mor Lak have played in advising Thaksin during the recent crisis.
I became fascinated with the role of magic in 2006 when the destruction of the shrine to Brahma (Thao Maha Phrom) at the Erawan Hotel was seen by astrologers advising Thaksin to be a very bad omen. In a paper I wrote about this incident (http://www.ari.nus.edu.sg/showfile.asp?pubid=638&type=2), I concluded that: "Both private and public discourses about spirits, omens and horoscopes contribute to the understandings Thai have about the personal and public political crises. The destruction of the Erawan Shrine did not lead directly to Thaksin's being overthrown by a coup, but the interpretation of this destruction being an ill omen for him did contribute to the perception that his political authority was deeply compromised."
So, too, today the turn to magic raises doubts about the legitimacy of political authority.
Magical thinking is not found only among political leaders. The mob psychology that impelled the Yellow Shirts to occupy government offices and take over the Suvarnabhumi Airport and the Red Shirts to also occupy government offices, disrupt the Asean-East Asian summit, and take to the streets of Bangkok also entails magical thinking. The donning of coloured clothing and waving of hand or foot clappers echoes the acts of mobs in northeastern Thailand in the early part of the 20th century who wore white clothes and engaged in ritual acts in their efforts to resist the imposition of the authority of the Thai state. Like the earlier mobs which followed men who were seen as phu mi bun, "men with Buddhist merit," the more recent mobs have also turned to non-elected leaders whom they acclaim as having moral authority.
One can recognise that the Thai movements are similar to movements in Christian countries in which magical actions were undertaken to hasten the establishment of a millennium of rule by Christ.
The term "millennialism" has been widely adopted for understanding any movement that seeks an imminent and magical establishment of a new political order.
Those who have joined millennial movements have often paid with their lives or limbs for their trust in the occult. In 1902, those who followed the phu mi bun in seeking to turn back the expansion of the modern Thai state were killed in the hundreds by troops using gatling guns, the pre-modern equivalent of assault rifles. In 2004, 107 young Thai-Malay men whom Professor Nidhi Eoseewong characterises as having embraced a Muslim version of millennialism were killed at the Krue Se mosque in Pattani province. Some in both the yellow shirt and red shirt mobs have also died in violent confrontations on the streets of Bangkok and many more could also die if the crisis continues.
Why have magic, mob psychology and millennialism become so significant in Thai political life today?
The answer to the question is that there is a notable lack of consensus among the populace and their leaders regarding the basic premises on which political order can rest in Thailand.
This lack of consensus can be traced to the subversion of the 1997 Constitution by the Thaksin governments and by the abrogation of the constitution following the 2006 coup. It also stems from the deep anxieties many Thai of all colours of clothing have about the future.
There was no need to consult an astrologer to read the results of the referendum in August 2007 on a new constitution drafted during the period when a military-backed government was in power. While a slight majority of those voting favoured the new constitution, fewer than 60% of the people actually voted. More significantly, more than 60% of those who voted in northeastern Thailand rejected it. The Northeast is home to most of those who have joined the red shirts.
The division that the 2007 constitutional referendum revealed underlies the rise of the yellow shirts and the red shirts.
Without an agreed on set of new rules for politics in Thailand, magic, mob psychology and millennialist movements will continue to perpetuate the political crisis.
Charles Keyes is Professor Emeritus of Anthropology and International Studies, University of Washington. He is the author of numerous books and articles about Thailand.
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