Shane Acker directed the “animated fantasy epic,” ’9,’ a feature-length expansion of a short film of the same name that was made by Acker back in 2005. Produced by Tim Burton, Timur Bekmambetov, and Jim Lemley, the surreal tale takes place in a world parallel to our own, a post-apocalyptic fantasy in which a band of courageous rag dolls (raggies) battle against really nasty-scary killing machines. 9 (voiced by Elijah Wood) is created to help protect the remaining raggies, but rather than guide them to safety, 9 convinces them that their only chance of survival is to fight back.
Image promoting Tim Burton, Shane Acker appearance at Comic-Con in support of the film '9.'
New image from 9 (above) courtesy EW
Here’s a link to the ’9′ short as well as a promo for the full-length feature film.
Producer Tim Burton has spoken with MTV Movies Blog ahead of his scheduled attendance at next week’s San Diego Comic-Con panel to promote the film.
“I just love the texture and stop-motion feel to it,” Burton said. “I know animation is broadening its horizons but this just felt different… I liked the world that [Acker] created and the texture. It felt like a different type of animated film. The visuals were helping to create the story. I just felt very in tune with the look and feel of it.”
“Our goal as producers—if you see someone you like, you don’t want to suppress them—the goal was to create an environment where he can do his thing,” Burton continued. “My attitude is always to give suggestions and if he uses them fine, if not, okay. We wanted this to be grounded and slightly realistic in the similar vein to stop-motion, let the film breathe. We wanted it to have mystery and let it breathe.”
When asked what attendees at the Comic-Con could expect to see from the film Burton was careful not to give anything away.
“Probably a sequence or two,” he said.
Burton will be at the Friday July 24 panel with 9 stars Elijah Wood and Jennifer Connelly, director Shane Acker and fellow producer Timur Bekmambetov.
9 will be released in the US – September 9, 2009
Source: Interview via MTV Movies Blog
Previously released “9″ images courtesy courtesy EW
