DreamWorks Animation Harvests 'Punk Farm'

Zap2It.com | April 7, 2006

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Popular children's book will become a computer generated big screen comedy

DreamWorks Animation has acquired the rights to Jarrett J. Krosoczka's children's book "Punk Farm" with an eye toward transforming it into a computer-animated film.

Kevin Messick ("A Lot Like Love") will executive produce with Jim Hecht ("Ice Age 2: The Meltdown") writing the script. The pair collaborated on the story for the "Punk Farm" film.

Krosoczka's book is about an unlikely group of barnyard friends -- a sheep, a chicken, a pig, a goat and a cow -- who form a rock band and eventually make it big enough to perform at the animal band festival Livestock. Get it? Livestock?

"I loved Jarrett Krosoczka's children's book -- it captured my imagination as something that could be a terrific music-driven animated movie," Messick says in a statement. "When I approached Jim about getting involved, we both loved the idea of this group of farm animals with the rebellious spirit of punk rock. We are thrilled that the project has landed at DreamWorks -- and my five-year-old son couldn't be more excited that his dad is working with the studio behind 'Shrek.'"

In addition to "Shrek," DreamWorks Animation has provided the world with the likes of "Shark Tale," "Madagascar" and this summer's "Over the Hedge."

"The whole idea behind 'Punk Farm' is new and fresh, and truly something that lends itself perfectly to becoming a CG comedy," raves Bill Damaschke, head of creative development and production at DreamWorks Animation. "Jim and Kevin both have a keen sense for comedy and storytelling, and we're happy to have their talents behind this project."