Lilliputian Brides and Grooms

NOTE: In honor of the upcoming Valentine's Day I'm going to post a few fairy tale romance related posts in the next week. There are also some blogs with wonderful fairy tale themed romance posts right now too.

1) Supernatural Fairy Tales has an awesome line-up for the month with movies, reviews, stories and more - all on the fairy tale love theme.
2) Heidi has just announced the SurLaLune Blog will be having a fairy tale romance week too and I'm really looking forward to seeing what she has to show us.

Fairy tales have a lot to teach us about true love - and I'm not talking about love-at-first-sight, though there's that too, along with consequences! - so Valentine's Day is a good time to focus on this aspect and find the good stuff normally overlooked (it's not ALL about happily-ever-after, or at least, not in the way many people think. ;)

It appears there's a new-ish trend in Asian wedding photography: using false perspective in wedding photos to turn brides into Thumbelinas and grooms into Tom Thumbs.

Via Trendhunter:

Girls are always dreaming of a fairytale wedding, and false perspective wedding photos are a way to weave a fairytale-like story through art.

Here's a different couple - the photography isn't quite as good in quality but the photos are still lovely, fun and memorable:

Stylish, sweet and humorous. I love it!

King of the Elves Canceled, Snow Queen Canceled, Rapunzel Getting A Name Change - What's Happening at Disney?

Looks like Disney Feature Animation is having second thoughts about a lot of things right now. Here's a summary:

"King of the Elves", a CG feature that's been on the Disney Animation projects' site for a while, quietly disappeared at the end of last year. (See HERE for a discussion on KotE - there's also discussion on the "Snow Queen" thread linked to below.)

Rumors of "Snow Queen" getting the axe (again) surfaced on February 3rd and seem to be confirmed now (see this enormous forum discussion - lots pages/entries - following the announcement of SQ getting greenlit, then cut HERE, as well as the TAG blog HERE, though I can't find the reference in a quick search.) This is despite a very recent public confirmation in early December 2009 by Disney Producer Peter del Vecho that "Snow Queen" was to be the next hand-drawn feature after the Pooh movie (see my post HERE).

And, also surfacing on February 3rd, it appears "Rapunzel" may be about to have (another) name change, though it should be noted, insiders are quick to say "Rapunzel" has always been a working title. See above for the initial change. (See HERE for the article.)

No official sword from the Mouse House on any of these yet but we're unlikely to hear anything official about the cancellations. Regarding the name change we should know in the next few months.

You, like many others, may be asking why? (Or: "WHY?!") Because there's no official, announcement reasons are vague and can only be considered rumors at this stage (even when information seems to be coming from the inside).King of the Elves disappeared very quietly and as not much information was released about the project in the first place there doesn't seem to be much discussion on the subject.

Snow Queen, on the other hand, has been getting a lot of attention by Disney watchers. From what I'm reading, many people picked up Hans Christian Andersen's story to read for the first time when Disney announced it was the next 2D project less than two months ago. Skepticism turned to excitement in the potential of the story, especially for animation, so the main rumor that Disney couldn't settle on a story approach have left people with their jaws dropped in shock. (Stay tuned for some glimpses at past attempts in the next few posts.)

The "Rapunzel" name change seems to be a reaction to 'too many girly pictures' and an attempt to attract more boys to the film/Disney product. Initially titled "Rapunzel Unbraided" then changed to just "Rapunzel" the proposed names take a different approach. The current possibilities are: "The Thief and the Tower", "The Hidden Tower" or perhaps even "Tangle" or "The Switch", though the last name may something else altogether.
There seems to be concern about Disney only being about fairy tales (again) and that there are already too many 'Princess pictures' in a row. The other factor, especially in SQ's cancellation, seems to be how "Princess and the Frog" 'underperformed' at the box office (read, it wasn't a blockbuster like "Avatar", though the current earnings would be considered an outstanding success by most film companies).

So what's next?

The answer to that is barely anything. "Rapunzel" will still be released and after that is a "Winnie the Pooh" feature. "Ramayana" has been bandied about for a while as a possible project and I read that it's mentioned in the introduction of the book "The Art of the Princess and the Frog", something I can't confirm as I haven't read the book yet myself. After that, nothing is confirmed or even rumored anymore. "The Ballad of Nessie" still remains on the shorts project list but this means not only are no more fairy tales planned and no more 2D but that a whole lot of people just lost their jobs. If Enchanted 2 wants animators (see my post earlier in the week HERE) there are a LOT to choose from this week!

Ramayana Concept Art
by Hans Bacher

Regarding the future of animated fairy tale films, not just by Disney, the response to "Rapunzel" will be telling but possibly not as much as when Pixar release their first fairy tale "The Bear and the Bow" (see my post on the exciting sounding movie HERE), which has a very different approach (ie. not a musical princess film).

If I find out any updates you can be certain I will post them.

Sequel to Disney's Enchanted In The Works

The big news yesterday, courtesy of Variety, was that Disney has finally* greenlit a sequel to the animation/live action combo hit "Enchanted" AND that they'd like it to hit theaters as early as next year. (Can I get a yikes from anyone who's worked in Production?)

Choreographer-turned-director Anne Fletcher is confirmed as attached to the project (she's been busy with successful films such as "27 Dresses", "Step Up" and "The Proposal") with the writer, Jessie Nelson, already reportedly working on penning the next chapter in Giselle's life as wife and mother (Giselle was the animated heroine who was banished from Andalasia to present-day New York and became real, played by Amy Adams).
The plan is to bring back the entire cast for the sequel, though it seems the challenge will be working around Amy Adams (who is popularly considered to be the crucial cast member in making the sequel work) as she's getting ready to have her first baby. To get the film into theaters next year they'll need to begin filming as soon as possible this year. No word on whether there will be any animation, though I can't imagine they could include very much, if any, on this current schedule (though there are plenty of out-of-work animators to choose from right now if they needed to assemble a crew - hint, hint Disney!).
* I say 'finally' because it was a huge box office/financial success in 2007 so a sequel has been expected ever since.

Hermés Dresses Karlie Kloss in Fairy Tales

For their Spring 2010 collection Hermés Paris have chosen a fairy tale theme. Photographer Paolo Roversi shot the currently 'hot' model, Karlie Kloss, in what appears to be Greece (or the Greek Islands) with quite a fresh approach to the theme. The men's campaign also draws on fairy tales (a couple of pics of which you can see HERE if you scroll down the page).Karlie is dressed as Cinderella, Alice (having tea), the Genie of the lamp, the Little Mermaid and the Princess (who managed to sleep despite the pea!). I'm not sure about the headshot with the flowers but it puts me in mind of Tinkerbell.

What a lovely campaign.

The Neverending Story: Fairy Tale Art Exhibition Opening TONIGHT in LA

*STOP THE PRESSES * STOP THE PRESSES * STOP THE PRESSES*


The Neverending Story: Fairytale, Fantasy, Obsession Exhibition TONIGHT

Thursday, 2-4-10
Royal-T: Culver City, CA (U.S.A.)

I just read about this exhibition opening and thought I'd add a quick post in case any of you can get there or want to follow up on it.

From Hustler of Culture:

Inspired by the collection of Susan Hancock, this exhibition reflects the interests of an international group of artists over the past ten years, taking as its theme, fairy tales, and it's contemporary expression, fantasy.

The Never Ending Story: Fairytale, Fantasy, Obsession focuses on the singular trait that can be identified in a vast majority of contemporary art produced in the U.S., Europe, and Asia over the past decade, which is a renewed interest in narrative and the depiction of recognizable objects to tell a story. The exhibit draws on the Surrealist tradition, but also equally important, on popular cultural traditions, including book illustrations and comics, showcasing contemporary artists who create works that are accessible and familiar, yet at the same time, gothic and out-of-the-ordinary.

The Never Ending Story's curator, Laura Hoptman, is Senior Curator of the New Museum of Contemporary Art, NY.

YOU'RE INVITED!

The Never Ending Story: Fairytale, Fantasy, Obsession
Opening Reception at Royal/T
8910 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA, 90232
Thursday, February 4th, 6-11 pm

"Fall down the rabbit hole" and emerge in an Alice in Wonderland-themed opening event!

**Complimentary Absinthe cocktail!**Alice and Rabbit characters, oh my!**Full cash bar**Themed tray-passed hors d'oeuvres**Renowned Artist and DJ Dave Mueller!**

The exhibition continues till August 4th 2010, so there's a little time to plan a visit if you can't get to the fairy tale themed opening. I'll be keeping an eye out for reviews (and please feel free to link me to any if you see them).

Royal-T sounds like a very different and interesting gallery. Here's a description of the space & set-up:

Royal/T is a playful blending of café, concept shop and art exhibition space. The space reflects the interior realm of fantasy that strongly influences the artists included in owner Susan Hancock's collection. Royal/T Cafe is inspired by the meido kissa (maid café) phenomena of Akihabara--Tokyo's electronic district. Recontextualizing the underground culture of Japan that celebrates cosplay (costume play) waitresses dress in maid uniforms, with a Lolita-esque touch and the café serves a fusion of French and Japanese cuisine with local and organic California style.

You can find more information and learn more about the fairy tale extras in the Alice-themed opening HERE.

Syfy Fairy Tale Line-Up - Update

I just read this news in a blog and haven't been able to substantiate it with other reliable sources but here's the list of tales to be adapted (including the ones I announced a couple of days ago):

• Beauty and the Beast
• Red Riding Hood
• Hansel & Gretel
• The Voyage of Sinbad
• Aladdin and the Magic Lamp
• Enchanted Forest (this is likely to be either a Babes In the Wood adaptation or use multiple tales as sources)

Shot with Emily Blunt from the remake of "The Wolfman" due for release in 2010

Here's an excerpt from Get Addicted: TV News explaining the premises:

o "Beauty & the Beast" — In this gritty celebration of Valentine’s Day, a young Beauty with a gift for healing helps a deformed Prince regain his throne and defeat the ruthless nobleman who wants to be king — and then together they try to destroy a power-hungry witch.
o "Red" — A young woman who is a descendant of the real Little Red Riding Hood brings her fiancé home, where he meets the family and learns about their business – hunting werewolves. He’s skeptical until bitten by a werewolf. When her family insists he must be killed, Red tries saving him.

o "Hansel" — Twenty years after his encounter with the witch, a grown-up Hansel returns to the haunted forest, seeking revenge. But there’s a surprise waiting – his sister Gretel (who he thought had been killed) is the witch’s protégée.
 (Edit by FTNH: Doesn't this sound similar to the Hansel & Gretel-as-witch-hunters movie currently in production? I like the twist with Gretel though.)

Origami unicorns from an ad for the re-branded Syfy Channel

o "8TH Voyage of Sinbad" — Sinbad searches for the golden head of the long lost Colossus of Rhodes and, instead, discovers an island where the mythical Minotaur still rules, protecting a vast treasure. Sinbad and his crew have to battle the creature and its minions to get the treasure and save their own lives.

o "Aladdin" (working title) — After accidentally releasing an evil genie from an ancient lamp, Aladdin must find a way to imprison the genie again before it wreaks havoc on the world.
o "Black Forest" — A group of naïve tourists take a sightseeing tour into a supposed enchanted forest, where they encounter evil creatures from the world of fantasy. Trapped in the Black Forest, their only hope of survival is fighting their way out.

Sounds like we have some interesting viewing coming our way! All this follows (and is propelled by) the success of "Tin Man" and the recently aired "Alice". The good news about this is that Syfy strongly believe (backed up by ratings and other statistics) that the general cable-viewing public enjoy fairy tale adaptations. Let's hope this series of movies proves the point and that we'll see even more fairy tales given the movie-of-the-week treatment in the future.

What's Happened To "Hoodwinked Too!"?

If you didn't see Hoodwinked when it came to theaters in 2005, do yourself a favor and have a little movie night. Despite the cheap look (especially now we've gotten used to the Pixar films) the story is wonderful, funny and surprisingly tight and entertaining. It did far better at the box office than anyone expected, especially once word-of-mouth got around that this was worth a looksee. I even know people who have added it to their favorite kids movies list who don't normally go for fairy tales. The news that a sequel was in the works was good news but there's been a hitch...
You may not have noticed, unless you were eagerly anticipating the release of this movie in mid-January, but not only has Hoodwinked Too: Hood vs Evil not hit theaters yet, it's quietly disappeared from release schedules in theaters. In fact it seems that even the creator himself, Cory Edwards, has no idea when it will now be coming out (according to his personal blog).


BUT that hasn't stopped Burger King from releasing the Hoodwinked Too toys on the original schedule. I was alerted to the toys via a TV ad but a visit to the website didn't have nay information. I took the plunge and walked into a Burger King last week (first time ever!) and sure enough, there were the toys on display and we got one in the kid's meal.Turns out it was the best one (the others are rather 'plas-tacky' - see images in this post) so our timing was excellent and I highly recommend grabbing one while they're out. It's a little plastic gingerbread house that you open and inside is a double-sided soft toy of Hansel and Gretel. Double-sided play toys! (My just-3 yr old loves it by the way). As I haven't been able to find any photos of the product online, I've taken & uploaded photos of our prize so you can look out for it.

In the meantime, with the movie being delayed till who-knows-when, those toys aren't likely to be at BK's very long.
If I hear an update on the movie's release I'll be sure to let you know. Whatever the holdup is (speculation is it's the parent company & money, rather than anything to do with the movie's production, so even if it doesn't come to theaters - which would be a real shame) it should be available on DVD sometime in the future.

Sources: Cartoon Brew & Cory's Curiosities

Fairy Tales Going To 82nd Oscars!

The Oscar nominations have been announced and you'll be glad to hear... *drum roll*
.. fairy tales are going to the Oscars!

So here are the movies that are fairy tale or fairy tale/myth based and which category they're nominated for:

Best Animated Feature Film:

Coraline
(I know it's not a fairy tale exactly but it has a lot of fairy tale tropes and is often likened to Hansel & Gretel)

The Princess and the Frog

The Secret of Kells
(myth based and making much use of European/Celtic myths/tales - see HERE for interesting article written today about the film)

Also of interest is The Fantastic Mr. Fox - based on the Roald Dahl book, it has a definite Beatrix Potter feel to it.

Art Direction:

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
(see The Fairy Tale Cupboard's review for reasons why you should be aware of this film as a fairy tale enthusiast)

Costume Design:

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

Music (Original Song):

The Princess and the Frog - twice

Short Film (Animated):

Granny O' Grimm's Sleeping Beauty

The Lady and the Reaper (La Dama y la Muerte)
(not officially a fairy tale adaptation but if you watch it - or an available excerpt, you'll see why I include it here)

You may also want to note that Up in the Air, nominated for Best Picture, gives The Velveteen Rabbit a little cameo too. Just a lovely extra for fairy tale people.

Congratulations to our friends at Brown Bag Films! Can't wait to see what Granny will be wearing. ;)

Syfy Adapting Fairy Tales for Movie-of-the-Week Franchise

"fairy tales"
by Vincent Grey

Before I get to the news I wanted to encourage you to take a look at the full size version of this illustration, which I thought fit the theme of 'sci-fi-ed' fairy tales (click on image for full size). It references many tales and the more you look, the more you see. This is, of course, one example of how fairy tales can represent different things different people - something which I always find very interesting.
Which ones can you identify?

You know by now that there are many fairy tale adaptations in the works in the movie industry this year, some of which we will actually see in 2010 but it seems Cable TV is getting on board too.

Syfy is currently working on a new made-for-TV movie franchise with a Saturday night time slot and it's starting this month.

First up is Beauty & the Beast, airing on February 27th.

Here's the details from The Hollywood Reporter & Dread Central:

Syfy is reinventing fairy tales and pop culture characters as part of its Saturday night TV movie franchise.

The network is airing five titles that give a contemporary twist on a classic story, from Hansel & Gretel (years after escaping the witch in the haunted forest, Hansel returns seeking revenge) to Little Red Riding Hood (a descendant of Little Red discovers her family secretly hunts werewolves).

Piper
by Avijit/Avi Das

(Please note: There is no mention of The Pied Piper being adapted by Syfy at this time)

"It's exciting to take a treasured brand and put our own sideways spin on it," said Thomas Vitale, executive vp programming and original movies at Syfy. "By turning familiar timeless stories inside out, we're creating an entertaining new genre for our popular Saturday night movie franchise."

You can find a little more info HERE.

A 'fairy tale movie of the week'? Nice. As a bonus, it looks like there's a good chance these will make it to DVD eventually as well. Very nice.

I knew 2010 was going to be a good year for fairy tales!

Note: The illustration at the head is by German concept artist Vincent Grey. You can see his gallery HERE. The other illustration is by Avi Das. You can see his portfolio HERE. If you're interested in how he came to illustrate The Piper in this manner, you can see his inspiration & thought process HERE.