Ratchet and Clank to hit the big-screen

From the film release Escape From Planet Earth, Rainmaker Entertainment has joined up with Blockade Entertainment to bring Ratchet and Clank to the big-screen.

Planned for release in early 2015, the film will be directed by Jericca Cleland and produced by Blockade’s CEO Brad Foxhoven and VP of Development David Wohl, with Rainmaker President Michael Hefferon serving as Executive Producer and Rainmaker’s Kim Dent Wilder and Kylie Ellis serving as Supervising Producer and Producer, respectively. Key talent from the game will also reprise their roles in the film, including James A. Taylor as Ratchet, David Kaye as Clank and Jim Ward as Qwark. Screenwriter and Senior Writer for Insomniac Games, TJ Fixman (One Night on the Hudson, currently in production), penned the screenplay that willmaintain the signature dialogue and irreverent humor, both of which have become staples of the franchise.

Ratchet and Clank tells the story of two unlikely heroes as they struggle to stop a vile alien named Chairman Drek from destroying every planet in the Solana Galaxy. Ratchet is the last of his kind a foolhardy ‚”lombax‚” who has grown up alone on a backwater planet with no family of his own. Clank is a pint-sized robot with more brains than brawn. When the two stumble upon a dangerous weapon capable of destroying entire planets, they must join forces with a team of colorful heroes called The Galactic Rangers in order to save the galaxy. Along the way they’ll learn about heroism, friendship, and the importance of discovering one’s own identity.

First released in November 2002, the Ratchet and Clank franchise has been a massive success, quickly becoming one of the most popular titles in the SCEA portfolio. The game has gone on to sell 26 million copies worldwide and 11.5 million copies in the United States alone.

‚”Ratchet and Clank is a world-renowned video game franchise that appeals to a broad audience. By working closely with SCEA and Insomniac, we will remain true to the game’s expansive mythology while also creating a story that will capture the imagination of those who will be new to this incredible world,‚” said Foxhoven.

‚”Following fast on the heels of our studio’s success with Escape From Planet Earth, we are excited to launch into production on the eagerly anticipated Ratchet and Clank feature film together with our partners Blockade Entertainment, SCEA and Insomniac Games. Rainmaker is dedicated to pursuing top brands for our theatrical feature properties and pursuing production associations with top creative entertainment companies to develop and produce them for worldwide release,‚” said Hefferon.

‚”We’ve always thought Ratchet and Clank would be a fantastic all-ages movie and are thrilled our intergalactic heroes will finally get their chance to shine on the big screen,‚” said Ted Price, founder and CEO of Insomniac Games. ‚”Insomniac is especially honored to play a hands-on role with the film’s production, including the screenplay, consulting on character development and animation, and adding support to the film’s marketing.‚”

Co-financing was arranged by FFS and includes Rainmaker as the lead investor along with China’s CNHK part of the Wanda family of companies.

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