Cheech and Chong's Smokin' Animated Movie
Big Vision Entertainment, Chamber Bros. To Make Cartoon Film
Dec 17, 2008 Dominic von Riedemann
Stand-up comedy duo Richard "Cheech" Marin and Tommy Chong, who popularized drug humour during the 1970's and 80's, are now getting animated.
Big Vision Entertainment – an independent licensee, producer and DVD label for special interest programming – has hooked up with Chambers Bros. Entertainment, a television and animation production company, to make Cheech and Chong's Smokin' Animated Movie. It's a feature-length cartoon based on the duo's classic material.
From 1971 to 1985, Cheech and Chong parlayed their terminally stoned stand-up act into 9 successful albums and 7 low-budget films, including 1978's Up in Smoke, 1983's Still Smokin', and 1984's The Corsican Brothers.
After 2 decades of frosty relations following their 1985 breakup, the two recently reunited for their successful "Cheech and Chong Lights Up America" tour.
Big Vision, Chambers Bros. Produce Cheech and Chong's Smokin' Animated Movie
The two companies have signed an exclusive deal with Ode Records owner Lou Adler that gives them worldwide animation rights to Ode's collection of Cheech and Chong's comedy recordings. Adler discovered the pair in the early 70's, and he will executive produce the flick.
"Big Vision is thrilled to be working with Lou Adler, the Chambers Brothers, and of course, Cheech and Chong," said Houston Curtis, founder and CEO of Big Vision Entertainment. "While our expertise in both the television and home video space give us supreme confidence that Cheech and Chong's Smokin' Animated Movie will be a huge success in those markets, we are also excited about exploring the possibilities of a theatrical release."
Big Vision will finance and produce the film, with the Chambers Bros. handling the animation. Branden and Eric Chambers came up with the concept, and they're directing the animators.
"We feel that Cheech and Chong's special brand of comedy appeals to multiple generations," added Eric Chambers. "By lending a unique animation style to these classic and timeless bits, we are able to transform the comedy into something fresh, exciting and even more hilarious than ever before."
There's no release date set, but the producers have already put up an official website: Smokin' Animation.
"It's great to be doing a movie where Cheech and I never have to get out of bed or be on camera," commented Chong. "The fans have already shown us they love the material, and the animated bits play funnier by being able to see the character reactions. I highly suggest watching it while while smoking a big fattie!"
"During this age of feature animation everywhere, it's about time that we got animated because we've been doing animation without the animation for years" said Marin. "Whether you watch it smokin' a fattie or stone cold sober, it's just plain funny!"
Fun Fact: Cheech and Chong's "reunion" – for a 2000 South Park episode – never really happened. The duo recorded their parts separately.
The duo had planned a 2003 reunion film, but it was put on hold when Chong's California-based company, Chong's Bongs, was raided by federal officials on February 25, 2003. Chong pleaded guilty to distributing drug paraphernalia, and was sentenced to 9 months in jail, paid a $20,000 (USD) fine, and was forced to forfeit $120,000 in assets.
animated Cheech and Chong
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