"Dorothy of Oz" is the first in a slated series of animated feature films by Summertime Entertainment based on the writings of children's author Roger S. Baum, whose work continues the legacy of his great-grandfather L. Frank Baum, author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" series of books.
Oscar nominee and 15-time Grammy winner Bryan Adams is writing the songs and lyrics for the film along with writing partner Jim Vallance. Additional songs will be written by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Tift Merritt and lyricist Mike Himelstein. Emmy Award-winning composer Jim Dooley will also contribute to the score.
Here are a few of the stars in the studio, along with early film stills:
The roles of Wiser the Owl and the delicate China Princess will be respectively voiced by Oliver Platt and Broadway's Megan Hilty. British actor Hugh Dancy will play the soft-hearted and candy-coated Marshall Mallow, and Patrick Stewart will voice the humorous old soul and adventure-seeking Tugg. Emmy and Tony Award winner Martin Short will play the Jester, the new arch-nemesis of Dorothy and all of Oz; comedian/actor Jim Belushi will portray the Lion, who is reveling in his new role as guardian and protector of Oz; Academy Award-nominated Dan Aykroyd will be voicing the Scarecrow; and Emmy Award winner and current Tony nominee Kelsey Grammer rounds out the cast as the Tin Man.
A release date for the movie, filmed in Stereoscopic 3D, has yet to be set, but production is scheduled to finish in late 2011.
For more information visit www.dorothyofoz.com.
