The Australian animated film "Scarygirl"

Highly Spirited, in collaboration with Like A Photon Creative (LAPC) and Screen Queensland, has announced the formation of the protagonists of the adventure-packed animated film scarygirl currently in production in Queensland, Australia.

Joining the likes of Jillian Nguyen , Sam neill (Jurassic Park, Peter Rabbit), Anna torv (The Newsreader, Fringe, Mindhunter, Secret City), Rob Collins, Tim Minchin, Deb postman , Remy Hii , Mark Cole Smith e Liv Hewson , Australian of the Year 2022 and tennis luminary Dylan Alcott will make his debut as a voice actor on the big screen in the unique and colorful world of scarygirl.

scarygirl follows the adventures of Arkie (Nguyen), a young girl with a knack for technology and a tentacle-like arm, who was raised in secret by her kind but cautious father, Blister (Collins), a rare giant octopus with the ability to regenerate life. When her father is kidnapped for his precious abilities and their idyllic world is threatened by a sudden loss of sunlight, Arkie sets out on a journey to the City of Light: a dazzling modern city controlled by the mysterious Dr. Maybee. (Neill). As she tries to find Blister, Arkie discovers that not everything is as it seems and this incredible new world is a world of great danger and full of answers to questions she didn't know she had.

While contemporary issues of the climate crisis and genetic engineering are at the fore, the themes of scarygirl they are simple and timeless: identity, be 'proud of your difference', don't judge people by their looks, friendship, love and family. Through a stunning handcrafted 3D animation, Arkie's story and his diverse abilities will captivate audiences around the world. Delivery is scheduled for June 2023.

Based on the range of best-selling vinyl toys and the acclaimed wordless graphic novel by Australian author-illustrator Nathan Jurevicius, scarygirl tells a layered fantasy story filled with dark and light adventures, quirky characters and a deep secret. It has since been released as a Flash game that has attracted 1,4 million players in the first eight months of release. Inspired by the original Flash game, the innovative scarygirl the global free roaming VR experience was acquired by Zero Latency and is currently playable in over 18 countries and 33 locations around the world.

Setting out to build a rich CGI world filled with vibrant and distinct characters that "look and feel" like collectible vinyl toys, digitally animated to resemble stop-motion, scarygirl the production team is led by the creator and production designer Nathan Jurevicius (scarygirl graphic novel, Peleda), executive producer John Stevenson (Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, Madagascar), producer Sophie Byrne (the Oscar winner Il Lost Thing) and LAPC producers Kristen Souvlis (Mako Sirens, Vikings: Athelstan Travel, tales from Sanctuary City franchise), Nadine Bates (Balloon Barnyard, Sesame Street, Tales from City Shrine franchise) and Ryan Greaves.

"scarygirl it was a collaborative project that carefully built a universe in numerous mediums. Nathan and I are more than thrilled that the film is in production with the dynamic and inspiring team of Like A Photon Creative in Queensland, who share our passion for this unique and visually stunning world, ”said Highly Spirited's Byrne. "We are equally thrilled that the project has attracted a gifted and diverse ensemble cast, who have lent their exceptional vocal talent to bring our distinctive range of characters to life."

Souvlis, co-founder of LAPC, said: “Like A Photon Creative is thrilled to partner with powerful producer Sophie Byrne to bring Nathan Jurevicius' amazing work to the big screen. When we first saw the meticulously crafted world of scarygirl, we knew we wanted to be the production team to bring it to life. Sophie and Nathan's loving work is complemented by our experience in creating 3D character-based films and we are honored to be part of this global property created in Australia ”.

The film is directed by Richard Cusso (Tales from Sanctuary City franchising) and co-director Tanya Vincent (Tree Fu Tom, Wombat Fighting), with animation production services from Cosmic Dino Studio based in Brisbane. Eclectik Vision's Brett Thornquest e Steven Matusko they are co-producers.

Alceon Entertainment Partners is financing, CAA Media Finance represents North American domestic sales and scarygirl it will be distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Madman Entertainment.

“Screen Queensland is proud to support scarygirl through our Post-Production Incentive, Digital Effects and Visual Effects (PDV), which is the most competitive of its kind on the east coast of Australia, ”added Dr Belinda Burns, Chief Creative Officer of Screen Queensland. “Like A Photon Creative is a prolific Brisbane-based production company specializing in animated content such as Fighting the wombat e Daisy Quokka: the scariest animal in the world, which have been exported to all over the world. We are thrilled to support the Like A Photon Creative creative team and Highly Spirited co-producers to bring scarygirl to life, and most of all impressed by the quality of talent on and off the screen.