Aardman Animations alumnus Darren Walsh is set to direct animated feature film “Danny Diamondback,” based on the children’s novella written by Barry Jackson. Jackson has penned the script and will be heading up production design on the project. Kaleidoscope Film Distribution is handling worldwide sales on the pic.
“Danny Diamondback” tells the story of a young rattlesnake with an oversized talent in his tail. When his parents are captured, Danny befriends Tito, a fun-loving cockroach who soon discovers that Danny’s rattle is just the beat he has been missing. Together they form a band. As word of their remarkable new sound spreads, an outdoor concert is proposed.
As the lights fade, Danny shreds his rattle. As his rolls and riffs drift far off into the darkness his parents hear them. Recognizing his unique style, they immediately begin the perilous journey to be reunited with their son.
Walsh, who is represented by Passion Pictures, has directed commercials for Peperami and Duracell, among other clients, and won best animation at Cannes Lions for the Sony Bravia “Play Doh” spot and best TV special at Annecy Film Festival. Walsh co-created and directed the Aleksandr Orlov character for the Compare the Meerkat campaign, winning a silver and three golds at the British Television Advertising Awards.
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His TV directing credits include “Angry Kid,” “Shaun the Sheep” and “Morph” for Aardman. Feature film credits include Martin Scorsese’s “Hugo” and “Paddington.”
Siege Train Studios’ Curtis Augspurger, Matthew Hampton and Cora Palfrey will produce the film alongside Jackson. Bibo Bergeron (“A Monster in Paris”) will serve as executive producer. The film is scheduled to deliver in the last quarter of 2018 or the first quarter of 2019.
