Jock of the Bushveld in 3D

Thanks to a tireless efforts of a group of South African animators and South African born producer Duncan MacNeillie (who worked on the 1986 film) Jock finally gets to tell the story from his point of view in 3D in 2011.

The 3D animation was put together on a considerably smaller budget compared to animated movies from Disney, Pixar and DreamWorks, but it is expected that the movie will put South Africa on the map.

Reports are that Visio Entertainment, a top marketing and distribution company, joined the team to finance the film's internationally release. To make the film appealing to an international audience they requested that the lead characters voiced to be changed from the South African actor Damon Barry to rock idol, Bryan Adams. Other famous actors making their appearances are Helen Hunt (Jess) and Ted Danson (Pezula). Then there is the voice of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, lending his voice to Tata, a resident spiritual leader.

It is expected that Johnny Clegg will reprise his role from the 1986 film in providing the music for the movie, and with the help of Tim Rice and a handful of South African music artists, will produce the soundtrack. Tim Rice previously contributed the lyrics for Disney's Aladdin and the Lion King. Nianell and lead singer of Watershed, Craig Hinds will also add their voices to the soundtrack.

The animation is set in the late 1880s in the Bushveld near the world famous Kruger National Park region of South Africa. The story is about Jock and his adventures with his master, Fitz. During the animation Jock escapes death, builds crazy friendships and displays his unrivalled loyalty to Fitz. With the love and guidance of his mother, Jess, he turns into one of Africa’s great heroes.

The storyline focuses on the animals, and it is from their point of view that the story unfolds…..some of the characters you will meet are:

-          Jess, Jock’s mom who is fiercely loyal and protective

-          Fitz, Jock’s human partner and friend

-          Pezulu, the colourful rooster, a comic character who’s over the top, noisy and who ‘shoots from the hip’

-          George, the antagonistic baboon – a villain with a mission to destroy Jock

-          Basil, a flamboyant, gossiping monkey whose one liners epitomize his wit

-          Jim, a powerful Zulu warrior who respects and admires Jock’s loyalty and bravery

-          Snarly, an opportunistic witty mongrel

-          Polly, a beautiful French poodle who, although she can be rather snobbish, is the desire of both Jock and Snarly

-          Seedlings dislike for Fitz and Jock is immediate, intimidating Fitz and does what he can to disrupt his search for gold

-          Lillian is the love of Fitz and Seedling. She is a school teacher and Polly is her dog. She is also the daughter of Mr Morris

-          Tata is a wise old man and a respected leader in the community. He is Jess’s mentor and guardian

-          Mr Morris made it big in Pilgrims Rest and enjoys the status of mayor who enjoys the odd gambling.

-          Claude is an Australian hunter. He is on Seedling’s payroll and is essentially a harmless villain. Claude is his dog.

The story mainly focuses on Jock as a pup and hopefully a sad ending as in the original film will not be on the cards. It has been confirmed that the animation will be released in South Africa on the 29^th of July 2011.

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