Smurfs Production Blog

Here's a quick little press notification from Sony Pictures Animation:


Kelly Asbury (SHREK 2, GNOMEO & JULIET), director of Sony Pictures Animation's brand new all-animated computer-generated SMURFS feature film, launched his official blog this morning at www.SmurfsProductionBlog.com THE BLUE PRINT will chronicle his journey directing the animated comedy, feature guest contributors and offer exclusive glimpses at the making of film.

First up is a piece of concept art teasing the new look of the Smurfs Village, very close to Peyo's original creation. Check back for several updates every week.

The Blue Print is the latest social media initiative from Sony Pictures Animation (HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA, CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS).

The studio's Facebook page recently passed 2 million fans, all organically and without any media buy: https://www.facebook.com/SONYPicturesAnimation

Sony Pictures Animation's YouTube channel was also revamped last week and now features brand new videos every week: http://www.youtube.com/SonyAnimation

Lastly, the official Sony Pictures Animation website is debuting employee video profiles every month with more free content coming soon for animation fans: http://www.sonypicturesanimation.com/jobs.php?p=videos

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SMURFY NEWS FLASH!!

I’m happy to report that I’ve gotten confirmation from Sony Pictures Entertainment that my UNTITLED SMURFS MOVIE has a new release date: it will be coming out internationally in July 2016 and in the USA on August 5, 2016, one year later than originally planned when this project was initially conceived as a live action / animation hybrid SMURFS 3. This is a great thing for my team and me, since we are performing such a major re-imagining of the Smurf universe into a more Peyo look. We have lots of story, visual development, character designs and rigs, environments, assets, props…everything…and we need this added new production time to “get all our Smurfs in a row” and make the best movie possible.

Remember, this is not a sequel nor a prequel. It’s a whole NEW Smurf adventure! As a director, I’m very grateful to be given the proper time to make the movie I want to make and not have to compromise the quality on any front. Most all animated features, especially those from major studios, require at least 3 - 4 years to make (some far longer), and while this Smurfs movie will still be on a faster track than most, I’m really happy Sony has made this important decision. Quality is a huge priority and it is no small task to achieve, especially on an animated feature.

This all new Smurfs movie deserves the best, and Sony obviously knows and respects that.

So onward and Smurfward to summer 2016!

- KA