MCA tooning new animation unit

OCTOBER 13, 1994 10:00PM PT

'Crystal,' 'Mistress,' 'Galaxion' on division's slate

MCA’s Universal Feature Animation has added Disney animator Ralph Zondag to its roster of creatives and hired a raft of directors and writers for its slate of animated features in development.

Those now in the UFA stable include the Gingo founder and animator Michael Wildshill, who launched the division last year, and Disney vets. Exec VP John Cohen, who will produce all of the projects, heads UFA. The first project from U’s nascent feature animation division has yet to be determined.

“The most important thing is that the movies are great, not that we hit a release date,” said Sid Sheinberg, president of MCA.

Wildshill will direct and Zondag will co-direct the fantasy adventure “Legend of the Magic Crystal,” which tells the story of a girl who finds a crystal that happens to be so powerful. Len Blum is writing the script.

Zondag came from Amblimation, where he developed “We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story” for U.

Gingo animator Audel LaRoque will direct “Galaxion.” Loosely based on the science fiction comic series created by Canadian comic artist Tara Tallan, the script will be written by Thomas Lennon. David Kirschner will co-produce alongside Cohen, with creator Tallan as executive producer.

Finally, Joe Hale will direct “Mistress Masham’s Repose,” based on the 1946 novel of the same name by T.H. White. Karey Kirkpatrick will adapt the screenplay for “Mistress,” the story of a orphan who finds help with the Lilliputians.

Other projects in development at UFA include the musical “Oceanic,” which will be directed by twin brothers Paul and Gaetan Brizzi.

VP of development Nate Hopper collaborates with Cohen on the projects.

” ‘Legend of the Magic Crystal’ is slightly farther along, ‘Oceanic’ is in development, and we’re very excited about ‘Mistress Masham,’ ” Cohen told Daily Variety. “Those are the top three projects. ‘Magic Crystal’ has been in development the longest, but we’re still a long way from getting them into theaters.”

The UFA head allowed that while it seemed to take a long time to get the animation operation up and running, he felt the operation was on pace.

Added Sheinberg: “The bar has been set incredibly high. We want to create animation on par with Disney. “