Call of Duty - The Movie
#1
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Call of Duty - The Movie
Video game giant Activision/Blizzard is launching a studio to create movies and television shows based on its intellectual properties, hoping to jumpstart franchises and cinematic universes, including one based on its best-selling Call of Duty game.
Named Activision Blizzard Studios, the division will be run by company CEO Bobby Kotick and co-run by Nick van Dyk, who formerly oversaw corporate strategy and was involved in the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm while an executive at Disney. Van Dyk will act as co-president. The division will also hire another senior exec soon.
“Our most important asset as a company is our audience, and in order to ensure that our audiences is always appropriately entertained at the level of excellence that we've come to be known for, we have to ensure that anything that relates to any of the company’s franchises is produced or developed with the same commitment to excellence that we have,” said Kotick. “And the only way we could see ensuring that that would happen would be to do it ourselves.”
Kotick is said by insiders to have ambitions to turn Activision into a media conglomerate and has for a long time had his eye on Hollywood. He also had an extended cameo in the Brad Pitt baseball drama Moneyball.
The first project from the studio will be an animated television series based on Skylanders, the video game series featuring magic and floating islands that was a pioneer in the toys-to-life category akin to Disney Infinity and Lego Dimensions. Skylanders is a $3 billion franchise that has a sold more than 250 million figures since 2011, according to Activision.
The show is currently in production and will feature a voice cast that includes Justin Long as Spyro, Ashley Tisdale as Stealth Elf, Jonathan Banks as Eruptor and Norm Macdonald as Glumshanks. Harland Williams and Richard Horvitz are also part of the production, which has Futurama writer Eric Rogers as showrunner.
Very high on the to-do list is adapting Call of Duty, one of the biggest video games of all time and one that the company is hoping turn into a cinematic universe. Activision said Friday that the first Call of Duty movie could be released in 2018 or 2019.
Beyond that company execs were mum on their plans, but it's easy to see how a universe could be created. When the first-person shooter games were initially released, they were set in World War II. Later, they were updated to be set in modern times. The more recent games, released in this decade, have been set in the near future.
The game has sold over 175 million copies, generating sales of over $10 billion, according to the company.
With numbers like that, it’s no surprise that Hollywood has for years tried to nab screen rights to the title, as well as others. Sony was among those vying, but Kosick said the company is not in talks with any studio at this time. Nor is he focusing on any distribution deals.
“Our focus will continue to be maintaining creative control over our content, and we’ll address distribution once we are in the place where we feel like we’re delivering the very best story-based content,” he said.
At this stage, Activision is not looking to partner on distribution (Kosick said that will be tackled on a franchise-by-franchise basis) nor on co-financing deals.
“We’re a $26 billion company,” he said. “We intend to finance through equity.”
Added van Dyk: “Unlike other forms of IP, we are part of a robust and cash-generative and financially healthy parent. That said, this IP is in such high demand that we’ll have unbelievable partnership opportunities from traditional as well as new sources.”
One reason the company isn’t worried about distribution at this stage is the unveiling of Activision Blizzard Studios follows days after the announcement of plans to acquire King Digital Entertainment, the creators of Candy Crush. King not only develops games but distributes them via social media. Activision says that, combined with their reach via platforms such as Xbox and now King's audience, the company's reach exceeds half a billion people.
"We want our audiences to experience our linear content wherever it's most convenient," said Kosick. "We're going to be very open-minded and agnostic to distribution opportunities."
And it's an audience that is actively engaged, according to van Dyk.
"Our fans spent about 13 billion hours last year with our content, which is a flabbergasting amount," he said. "That is roughly comparable to every movie seen in very theater around the world, every single ticket combined."
Named Activision Blizzard Studios, the division will be run by company CEO Bobby Kotick and co-run by Nick van Dyk, who formerly oversaw corporate strategy and was involved in the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm while an executive at Disney. Van Dyk will act as co-president. The division will also hire another senior exec soon.
“Our most important asset as a company is our audience, and in order to ensure that our audiences is always appropriately entertained at the level of excellence that we've come to be known for, we have to ensure that anything that relates to any of the company’s franchises is produced or developed with the same commitment to excellence that we have,” said Kotick. “And the only way we could see ensuring that that would happen would be to do it ourselves.”
Kotick is said by insiders to have ambitions to turn Activision into a media conglomerate and has for a long time had his eye on Hollywood. He also had an extended cameo in the Brad Pitt baseball drama Moneyball.
The first project from the studio will be an animated television series based on Skylanders, the video game series featuring magic and floating islands that was a pioneer in the toys-to-life category akin to Disney Infinity and Lego Dimensions. Skylanders is a $3 billion franchise that has a sold more than 250 million figures since 2011, according to Activision.
The show is currently in production and will feature a voice cast that includes Justin Long as Spyro, Ashley Tisdale as Stealth Elf, Jonathan Banks as Eruptor and Norm Macdonald as Glumshanks. Harland Williams and Richard Horvitz are also part of the production, which has Futurama writer Eric Rogers as showrunner.
Very high on the to-do list is adapting Call of Duty, one of the biggest video games of all time and one that the company is hoping turn into a cinematic universe. Activision said Friday that the first Call of Duty movie could be released in 2018 or 2019.
Beyond that company execs were mum on their plans, but it's easy to see how a universe could be created. When the first-person shooter games were initially released, they were set in World War II. Later, they were updated to be set in modern times. The more recent games, released in this decade, have been set in the near future.
The game has sold over 175 million copies, generating sales of over $10 billion, according to the company.
With numbers like that, it’s no surprise that Hollywood has for years tried to nab screen rights to the title, as well as others. Sony was among those vying, but Kosick said the company is not in talks with any studio at this time. Nor is he focusing on any distribution deals.
“Our focus will continue to be maintaining creative control over our content, and we’ll address distribution once we are in the place where we feel like we’re delivering the very best story-based content,” he said.
At this stage, Activision is not looking to partner on distribution (Kosick said that will be tackled on a franchise-by-franchise basis) nor on co-financing deals.
“We’re a $26 billion company,” he said. “We intend to finance through equity.”
Added van Dyk: “Unlike other forms of IP, we are part of a robust and cash-generative and financially healthy parent. That said, this IP is in such high demand that we’ll have unbelievable partnership opportunities from traditional as well as new sources.”
One reason the company isn’t worried about distribution at this stage is the unveiling of Activision Blizzard Studios follows days after the announcement of plans to acquire King Digital Entertainment, the creators of Candy Crush. King not only develops games but distributes them via social media. Activision says that, combined with their reach via platforms such as Xbox and now King's audience, the company's reach exceeds half a billion people.
"We want our audiences to experience our linear content wherever it's most convenient," said Kosick. "We're going to be very open-minded and agnostic to distribution opportunities."
And it's an audience that is actively engaged, according to van Dyk.
"Our fans spent about 13 billion hours last year with our content, which is a flabbergasting amount," he said. "That is roughly comparable to every movie seen in very theater around the world, every single ticket combined."
#2
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Call of Duty - The Movie
They're gonna make billions - a new one will be made every year..............(I know, boooooooooooo lame joke).
#3
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Call of Duty - The Movie
A cinematic universe out of Call of Duty? I guess if they make a new game every year they could find a way.
#5
Re: Call of Duty - The Movie
It would be a bigger hit if they put the elders in it
#6
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Call of Duty - The Movie
As long as it's Modern Warfare 1/2 type material I'd actually watch it.
It'd be like a modern day Red Dawn but hopefully less shitty than the last modern day Red Dawn.
It'd be like a modern day Red Dawn but hopefully less shitty than the last modern day Red Dawn.
#7
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Call of Duty - The Movie
Fuck it. I want Exo Zombies the movie with Paxton, Malkovich, McGowan, Berthnal and Campbell.
#8
Moderator
Thread Starter
Re: Call of Duty - The Movie
It has been years since video games surpassed blockbuster movies as the biggest releases in media, but that’s never stopped games makers wanting to get a slice of the action on the big screen.
Now Call of Duty’s makers Activision Blizzard are planning an assault to rival Disney’s Marvel Universe. It plans to use the multi-layered, interconnected approach that has made Marvel’s superheroes a dominant force in cinema to turn the first-person shooter into an all-conquering film franchise of its own.
Two people are tasked with pulling that off, Stacey Sher and Nick van Dyk, the co-presidents of Activision Blizzard Studios, an in-house production division that hopes to succeed where almost everyone else has failed by turning games into commercially and critically successful film and TV.
According to the pair, work on the Call of Duty films has already generated multiple scripts, and involved extensive research with military experts and retired soldiers. They are mapping out a Call of Duty universe which will draw on the feel of the different incarnations of the game rather than transposing existing plots. A first instalment could land as early as 2018 and, if all goes to plan, there will be more to follow.
“We have plotted out many years,” Sher tells the Guardian. “We put together this group of writers to talk about where we were going. There’ll be a film that feels more like Black Ops, the story behind the story. The Modern Warfare series looks at what it’s like to fight a war with the eyes of the world on you. And then maybe something that is more of a hybrid, where you are looking at private, covert operations, while a public operation is going on.”
Van Dyk adds: “It’s going to have the same sort of high-adrenaline, high-energy aesthetic as the game, but it’s not a literal adaptation. It’s a much more broad and inclusive, global in scope ... a big, tentpole Marvel-esque movie.”
Now Call of Duty’s makers Activision Blizzard are planning an assault to rival Disney’s Marvel Universe. It plans to use the multi-layered, interconnected approach that has made Marvel’s superheroes a dominant force in cinema to turn the first-person shooter into an all-conquering film franchise of its own.
Two people are tasked with pulling that off, Stacey Sher and Nick van Dyk, the co-presidents of Activision Blizzard Studios, an in-house production division that hopes to succeed where almost everyone else has failed by turning games into commercially and critically successful film and TV.
According to the pair, work on the Call of Duty films has already generated multiple scripts, and involved extensive research with military experts and retired soldiers. They are mapping out a Call of Duty universe which will draw on the feel of the different incarnations of the game rather than transposing existing plots. A first instalment could land as early as 2018 and, if all goes to plan, there will be more to follow.
“We have plotted out many years,” Sher tells the Guardian. “We put together this group of writers to talk about where we were going. There’ll be a film that feels more like Black Ops, the story behind the story. The Modern Warfare series looks at what it’s like to fight a war with the eyes of the world on you. And then maybe something that is more of a hybrid, where you are looking at private, covert operations, while a public operation is going on.”
Van Dyk adds: “It’s going to have the same sort of high-adrenaline, high-energy aesthetic as the game, but it’s not a literal adaptation. It’s a much more broad and inclusive, global in scope ... a big, tentpole Marvel-esque movie.”
The article is long, so I only copied a portion.
#9
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Call of Duty - The Movie
I just hope they figure out something special to do. If they turn it into Black Hawk Down, or some tired spectacle, who gives a shit... It'll line up right next to the other somewhat promising video game movies that turned out to be turds.
#11
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Call of Duty - The Movie
Give a nice budget and it will rock. They need to do Advance Warfare/Black Ops III/Infinity War. I think that "realistic" film they did with real soldiers a few years ago covers "Modern Warfare."
I remember the commercials with Taylor Kitsch for AW -- those rocked. If the movie is like that then count me in.
I remember the commercials with Taylor Kitsch for AW -- those rocked. If the movie is like that then count me in.
#14
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Call of Duty - The Movie
I look forward to the porn parody Call of Booty.
#16
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Call of Duty - The Movie
Too little too late. Those games aren't as hot as they used to be.
#17
Moderator
Thread Starter
#18
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Call of Duty - The Movie
It could still be a basis for a great action film. Military with a little futuristic equipment.
But again - if they're just going to ape some other military action movies, then it's destined to be a dud. I hope they find something great to do.
But again - if they're just going to ape some other military action movies, then it's destined to be a dud. I hope they find something great to do.
#20
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Re: Call of Duty - The Movie
‘Sicario 2’ Director Tapped to Helm ‘Call of Duty’ Film (EXCLUSIVE)
By Justin Kroll @krolljvar
Activision Blizzard Studios, a film division of the popular gaming company Activision Blizzard, is ramping up developing on its adaptation of its video game “Call of Duty” and looks to have a director in its sights.
Sources tell Variety that “Sicario 2: Soldado” helmer Stefano Sollima is in negotiations to direct an adaptation of the popular video game.
A rep for Activision Blizzard declined to comment.
Activision Blizzard Studios’ presidents Stacey Sher and Nick van Dyk are producing along with Activision Blizzard chief executive Bobby Kotick. Kieran Fitzgerald penned the script and will develop with Sollima. The film is currently without a distributor.
Plot details are under wraps, but when Sher traded in her veteran producing job for the new gig, she and van Dyk talked about the idea of turning this mega gaming franchise into a cinematic universe that could rival Marvel or DC.
During an interview with the Guardian last April, they both discussed how they were putting together a universe that will draw on the feel of the different incarnations of the game rather than bringing over existing plots. With that said, its unknown what era this game would focus on though its likely to stay in present day.
Sher’s eye for identifying high-quality talent after years of working with A-list directors like Quentin Tarantino and Steven Soderbergh, was a big reason Activision wanted her in this role, and Sollima’s hiring solidifies the direction the studio wants this particular video game adaptation to go.
Sollima made his name as the main director behind the popular Sky Atlantic crime series “Gomorra,” based on the critically acclaimed film. His work caught the eyes of “Sicario 2” producers, who tapped him to take over the franchise after director Denis Villeneuve left to helm “Blade Runner: 2049.”
“Sicario 2: Soldado” is set to open on June 29 with Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin returning to star. Sollima is repped by CAA and and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.
Fitzgerald is repped by WME and manager Stuart Manashil and penned “Snowden”, “The Honesman” and Netflix’s “Wormwood.”
By Justin Kroll @krolljvar
Activision Blizzard Studios, a film division of the popular gaming company Activision Blizzard, is ramping up developing on its adaptation of its video game “Call of Duty” and looks to have a director in its sights.
Sources tell Variety that “Sicario 2: Soldado” helmer Stefano Sollima is in negotiations to direct an adaptation of the popular video game.
A rep for Activision Blizzard declined to comment.
Activision Blizzard Studios’ presidents Stacey Sher and Nick van Dyk are producing along with Activision Blizzard chief executive Bobby Kotick. Kieran Fitzgerald penned the script and will develop with Sollima. The film is currently without a distributor.
Plot details are under wraps, but when Sher traded in her veteran producing job for the new gig, she and van Dyk talked about the idea of turning this mega gaming franchise into a cinematic universe that could rival Marvel or DC.
During an interview with the Guardian last April, they both discussed how they were putting together a universe that will draw on the feel of the different incarnations of the game rather than bringing over existing plots. With that said, its unknown what era this game would focus on though its likely to stay in present day.
Sher’s eye for identifying high-quality talent after years of working with A-list directors like Quentin Tarantino and Steven Soderbergh, was a big reason Activision wanted her in this role, and Sollima’s hiring solidifies the direction the studio wants this particular video game adaptation to go.
Sollima made his name as the main director behind the popular Sky Atlantic crime series “Gomorra,” based on the critically acclaimed film. His work caught the eyes of “Sicario 2” producers, who tapped him to take over the franchise after director Denis Villeneuve left to helm “Blade Runner: 2049.”
“Sicario 2: Soldado” is set to open on June 29 with Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin returning to star. Sollima is repped by CAA and and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.
Fitzgerald is repped by WME and manager Stuart Manashil and penned “Snowden”, “The Honesman” and Netflix’s “Wormwood.”
#22
Re: Call of Duty - The Movie
Sources tell Variety that “Sicario 2: Soldado” helmer Stefano Sollima is in negotiations to direct an adaptation of the popular video game.
#24
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Call of Duty - The Movie
Will it be first-person like Hardcore Henry?
#25
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Call of Duty - The Movie
If the movie is anything like the way I play CoD, it’ll be 2 hours of the main character stuck walking into a corner, lying prone and standing up over and over, throwing a grenade two feet in front of him, and then end with being repeatedly teabagged by the bad guy as it fades to black...