DreamWorks Animation today announced that they have just acquired the rights to develop and produce the computer-animated feature Punk Farm, inspired by Jarrett J. Krosoczka’s popular children’s book of the same name. The story was developed by producer Kevin Messick and writer Jim Hecht, the latter of whom most recently co-wrote the animated hit Ice Age: The Meltdown.
Punk Farm tells the story of a group of farm animals — a sheep, a chicken, a pig, a goat and a cow — who form an underground rock band. The film will chronicle their journey as they follow their dreams to make their mark as a band and perform at the first-ever animal band music festival: LIVESTOCK.
Messick will serve as executive producer and Hecht will write the screenplay. They will also share story credit on the film. DWA’s head of development Kristine Belson shepherded the deal and will oversee the project.
In making the announcement, DWA’s Head of Creative Development and Production, Bill Damaschke, stated, “The whole idea behind Punk Farm is new and fresh, and truly something that lends itself perfectly to becoming a CG comedy. Jim and Kevin both have a keen sense for comedy and storytelling, and we’re happy to have their talents behind this project.”
Messick said, “I loved Jarrett Krosoczka’s children’s book; it captured my imagination as something that could be a terrific music-driven animated movie. 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.”
Jim Hecht co-wrote the screenplay for Ice Age: The Meltdown, which recently enjoyed a successful opening at the box office. The film marked his first produced feature film screenplay, although he has written for television.
Kevin Messick most recently served as producer on the film A Lot Like Love, which starred Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet. Messick is currently developing several projects, including Who’s Your Mama, for 20th Century Fox; One Shot, based on the best-selling books by Lee Child, which he is producing with Cruise Wagner Productions for Paramount Pictures; and Black Hole, based on the comic book series by Charles Burns, which he is producing with Plan B and MTV Films, also for Paramount Pictures.
