Tag: Animation

Lessons in Friendship and Bravery: The Magic of Gracie & Pedro: Pets to the Rescue

Gracie & Pedro: Pets to the Rescue is available in theaters starting October 18, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Animated movies have captivated audiences of all ages, blending art, storytelling, and technology to create immersive experiences. From the colorful worlds of Disney classics to the innovative styles of Studio Ghibli and Pixar, animation allows for boundless creativity. These films often explore universal themes such as friendship, bravery, and love, resonating on a deep level with viewers. Advances in CGI and animation techniques have pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling, bringing fantastical characters and landscapes to life. Whether through heartwarming tales or thrilling adventures, animated movies continue to inspire imagination and foster emotional connections, making them a cherished part of cinematic history.

Second Chance Productions is unleashing the animated adventure Gracie & Pedro: Pets to the Rescue in theaters nationwide October 18, 2024. (Gold Dust PR, 2024)

Featuring the stellar voice cast of Academy Award® winner Susan Sarandon (Thelma & Louise), Academy Award® nominee Bill Nighy (Love Actually), Brooke Shields (The Blue Lagoon), Danny Trejo (Machete), Alicia Silverstone (Clueless), and Al Franken (“Saturday Night Live”), GRACIE & PEDRO: PETS TO THE RESCUE takes audiences on a journey packed with mischief, humor, and heart, reminding us that friendship isn’t just life’s greatest reward—it’s the ultimate adventure.

Gracie & Pedro: Pets to the Rescue – Gracie and Pedro, two beloved pets who don’t get along, are thrown into an unexpected adventure after being separated from their family during a cross-country move. Stranded in an unfamiliar land, pampered show dog Gracie and street-smart alley cat Pedro must put aside their differences and rely on each other to find their way home. Along their journey, they meet colorful characters and face daunting obstacles, ultimately discovering their shared determination and love for their family. 

Gracie & Pedro: Pets to the Rescue is produced by Amy Taylor of Second Chance Productions and co-directed by Kevin Donovan (The Tuxedo) and Gottfriend Roodt. Jeff Geoffray of StoryWarrior Media Capital and Peter Wetherell of Magus Entertainment serve as executive producers. Additional voices in the film include Claire Alan, Cory Doran, Bianca Alongi, Mike Nadajewski, James Kee, Ron Pardo and John Stocker.

Popular gaming platform Roblox will be a key marketing platform ahead of the film’s wide release, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the world of Gracie & Pedro. In the Roblox game, players will be able to enter through a grand multiplex lobby where they can select VIP outfits, hair, and makeup before striking a pose on the red carpet. Each theater will offer a unique experience or game, from exploring the majesty of Las Vegas to the thrills of an abandoned amusement park, with opportunities to grab virtual snacks and challenge friends to mini-games within the Gracie & Pedro universe.

The film also emphasizes the belief that pets are an integral part of the family, and to support this message, Second Chance Productions is partnering with non-profit organizations and animal shelters nationwide to raise awareness about pet welfare and rescue efforts. 

New movie release: 5000 Space Aliens

5000 Space Aliens will be available November 21, 2023. Photo: Google

Director Scott Bateman and Producer Lucas A. Ferrara are excited to share the trailer for their new genre-bending animation, 5000 Space Aliens, which is coming to digital download worldwide on November 21, 2023. Get ready to meet a new space alien every second in this bonkers and groundbreaking one-of-a-kind animated film. (October Coast, 2023)

Imagine meeting a space alien. Now imagine meeting one space alien every second. This is what happens in Scott Bateman’s groundbreaking animated film 5000 Space Aliens. Scott Bateman has turned found footage, vintage photo studio pictures from Venezuela and Romania, scraps from a 100-year-old psychology textbook, and more into 5000 one-second shots of animated characters.

Instead of a typical narrative, 5000 Space Aliens is more like a ride: You just let the hypnotic rhythm of images wash over you. This one-of-a-kind animated extravaganza was made by just one animator, director Scott Bateman. Bateman also created the electronic-tinged soundtrack.

5000 Space Aliens was Medusa Underground Film Festival’s ‘Best Picture’ and has received multiple ‘official selections’ at a raft of international festivals. Pulled from the mind of Director Scott Bateman whose previous work includes The Bateman Lectures on Depression and You Your Brain & You. Not your average filmmaker, Bateman took the incredible leap to fund his projects via game shows, winning $100,000 (and a cruise) on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, as well as becoming a one-day Jeopardy! champion.

On making the film, Scott Bateman says, “Storytelling is everywhere these days, it’s ridiculous. But not everything has to tell a story. I believe movies can do other things as well, and still be fun and entertaining to watch. So with 5000 Space Aliens, I set out to create an entertaining, non-narrative film.

5000 Space Aliens has a visual rhythm of one shot per second, and it is an absolutely hypnotizing movie-going experience. It’s like a ride: you don’t have to think, you just let it wash over you. The music acts as a thread through the whole film, your friend who’s on the ride with you.

I’m very happy that it all worked. 5000 Space Aliens is a very fun movie to watch with a group of friends at home or in a theater. There are so many ‘What did I just see?’ moments, and it’s highly re-watchable.

But also, I wanted to make a film but had no money at the time. So I was looking for a way I could make a movie all by myself. This was a fun challenge, as it’s been one so rarely. I did all this animation, created all this music, did the editing, all of it. I had a blast making this film, and I’m so happy it’s a blast so audiences can experience this groundbreaking, one-of-a-kind film. There’s never been another film like this.”

“…If you’re looking for something quirky, off-beat, and extremely entertaining, check out this unique film. And while you’re at it, you’d best fasten your seatbelts, as you’ll likely encounter some turbulence as this mesmerizing movie takes you on a fast-paced, high-speed joyride. An engaging alternate reality awaits.” – Lucas A. Ferrara, Producer