Hey, hey, hey… You guys are out of control. 80 comments in, like, three hours! (I guess the email blast may have helped 'prime the pump', so to speak.) Also – thanks to those of you who pointed out my typos. With friends like these, who needs editors?
Some have complained about the loss of all the stories from my old site… fear not! They shall reappear. We're just… a little busy… with this NBC stuff…
I thought I'd give you a bit of an update on the Pirate Movie. As you probably know, Big Idea and Universal are producing a new VeggieTales movie starring those loveably surly Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. I wrote the script way back in early 2003, before Big Idea Productions bankruptcy, and it sort of drifted along with the rest of the assets to Classic Media and the new Big Idea. Several studios had seen it pre-bankruptcy, and once things settled down in '04 new conversations started up again.
So what's happening now? We were all out at Universal last week to show them the storyboards for the entire film. I know big studios are supposed to be a filmmaker's "worst enemies," but they actually had some really good feedback that will make the film stronger. What do you know. They've made a movie or two. Some were even good. So right now Mike and the boys in Tennessee (isn't that a band?) are working some new ideas into the boards. Meanwhile, all the characters and sets are being built in Toronto at IDT Animation, the studio that has produced all veggie episodes post-bankruptcy. (Formerly DKP.) IDT Animation is just finishing their first feature film, Everyone's Hero, which was, until his death, being directed by Christopher Reeves. So the Pirate movie will be their second theatrical.
Anyway… things are looking good. We'll record voices sometime in September. (I'll be hoarse for a while given all of Pa Grape's lines… oi vey.) Mike and the boys are doing a great job with art and storyboards. Longtime veggie editor John Wahba returned to the company from DNA in Texas (the Jimmy Neutron studio that recently imploded after finishing Ant Bully) to edit the film. It's good to see old friends.
This is the film, of course, about which the Universal marketing team (same team that marketed King Kong) said immediately after my story pitch, "Are you sure it's Christian enough?"
Crazy times, eh? Of course, we have Mel Gibson to thank for much of this. Thanks, Mel! Get well soon! Be nice to the Jews, they're God's people! (Didn't he watch VeggieTales?)
Stay tuned…
cool, this is so exciting at the moment, do you know if the UK will get the movie?
I was wondering what they meant by “inspired by a script by Phil Vischer”.
Thanks for doing the blog! This is a much better way to keep up with you than my hermeneutic analyses of Buck Denver’s news reports.
So much activity for the veggies! I’m looking forward to the movie. I didn’t see Jonah in theaters, but I’ll be taking my daughter (now 2 1/2) to her first big-screen movie with the Pirates.
And Phil, don’t you worry about NBC’s limit on anything “too Christian.” Remember what St. Francis said: “Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” You’ve got the Holy Spirit working in what you do, and it’s HIS job to go in and touch hearts. He knows what He’s doing, and you’re doing a great job in providing Him with opportunities. Hallelujah, the Lord uses His people! You are in my prayers and I thank God for the holy influence you have had on me and my family.
-RM
P.S.- Now that John Wahba is back, will you be writing in any scenes of teenagers who know karate? 🙂
phil! this is so cool! i have little brothers and sisters that watch your stuff alll the time! i do too.. 😉 we all love it and cant wait for the movie to come out..and the NBC thing too. THANKS! God bless,
teia
I can’t wait to see this movie! I was hoping someone would be giving Universal a clue as to what a good story line is. In my opinion they forgot what it was after “Jurassic Park III”. Maybe I’m wrong, but I think you can be the reminder of what an awesome storyline looks like. Don’t worry about your hoarse voice Phil, it will all be worth it in the end. Imagine, the people you can reach with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Thanks for moving like a jellyfish in the sea of God’s will Phil.
God bless.
im glad some of the crew from the first years of Big idea are back! keep up the great work!
Trying to do 13 weekly episodes? Why should that keep you busy? 😉
For not being in VeggieTales anymore (or being in it in some complicated way beyond mortal ken), they sure keep you occupied, don’t they? But I bet you miss those guys.
Once again, amazing news. IMO, the Pirates are one of your best creations.
I’m definitely going to see this when it comes out :).
yeeeah, the IDT thing. I cant remember if I mentioned it in my last email but I have an oportunity to do some modeling for your movie, and that is awesome. But so far theyre just sending me tests. Can you model this for us? Can you model that? The internship isnt until later, so I guess they just checking my skills. Its fun though, and the IDT guys are great.
LOL, I cracked up when I saw your coment response. You think you a nobody? Prepare yourself Phil, *chuckle*. This is gonna be awesome… ^^)
This is great! I wondered what was to become of the Veggies. I’m so glad to “see” they may be around for a while longer! 🙂
(Loved the Pirates ad-libbed stuff on the Jonah special features, btw. Hilarious!)
Hey Phil its rachel from SEATTLE with the colored hair!! my gosh its been so long since i last emailed u!! im so glad things r going well… let me email u!
Yeah, what’s up with Mel? He’s acting wierd. Of course, I never saw that “Passion” movie… ’cause I read a book about it.
🙂
Anyway, cool news. I’m stoked about buying your Jelly book, tomorrow! And Pirates? Cooooool. Is that silly caterpillar in it?
(If NBC pulls the plug on Veggies… I’m BOYCOTTING Lassie!)
-Chad
YEAH! Just love that last comment form teh marketing team!
Wow, looks like this new movie is really coming along nicely. I can’t wait for it!
WOOOO HOOOO! cant wait!!!!
ive always loved the pirates and its good to see em in their own movie!!! althou they did have a big appearance in Jonah.
hoarse voice? forget about it, just remember pain is temporary, film is forever
Veggie Tales is dead! Long live Veggie Tales!
It never ceases to amaze me how God takes things that look to us like a complete and utter disaster, and make them into amazing masterpieces. Keep fighting the fight, Phil!
Chad – Actually, the company that now owns Big Idea also owns Lassie.
Hey Phil,
If the Veggies are going to be on network TV and the Pirates are getting a movie, then could my fondest wish come true next? Will I get to see the Penguins make a comeback?
Zidgel, Midgel, Fidgel, and of course, KEVINNNNNNN!!!!!
Keep up the good work!
It’s a good time for pirate movies. Would this be the first Christian pirate movie in history?
Remember, this is all about God’s will being performed.
He won’t stop if you don’t stop. Which is to say, I’m not surprised that you are still “critically” involved in the veggie productions. The vision began with you. It’s still in you. I’m glad you didn’t see the end of the original Big Idea as the end of your ministry. You’re a man of character and perseverance!!
I hope you are hoarse for a long time!!!!!!!!!
Can’t wait to see what comes out of Jellyfish (jelly????).
Be Blessed Big Time!!!
Maybe a Penguins short to go with the main film? Or even a Penguins film.
more penguins would be cool…
I`ll be one of the first people to buy tickets to the movie 🙂 I can`t wait to see a family centered movie…
Yes, the vision is still inside of you. I think only part of the vision placed inside of you was realized in the early years. There is more, so much more to be realized. Higher mountain tops to be reached. Hab. 2:3. LOVE the fact that Universal asked you if you thought it was going to be Christian enough! Get ready, this is gonna be big! God Bless!
Pirates are cool… but when do we see more puppets?
(Sorry, I know that’s just SOOOO last February!)
Hey Phil–
We’ll be praying that everything continues to go well with the movie and the television stuff and everything! Thanks for the updates… love the new blog format. Keep up the good work!
–Amy Harder
Highlands Ranch, CO
Excited about the new film. Keep up the good work.
yay! I’m so excited about the new movie!! (And also the fact that you updated the site!!!) Didn’t get to watch Jonah in theaters, so eagerly awaiting the new pirate movie.:) Talking veggies rock!!!
Oooh, more Pirate Movie news. I’ve been looking forward to it for quite some time now, and I’m glad to see that a lot of progress is being made.
It’s probably too late for suggestions, but it’d be hysterical if you could fit Buck Denver’s show in there somehow… maybe a hidden easter egg? It would certainly raise Jellyfish awarenes… ^^
Wow! Veggies on TV and back in the cinema. Well, you can’t really appreciate the heights of the mountains unless you’ve seen the depths of the valleys. I pray that this is only the beginning of more exposure of the veggie universe! I only hope that the “What We Have Learned” song stays in, I love it!
Wow Phil!!
This is so cool. I never did see “Jonah” in theaters, but I think that this should be interesting :).
Good Luck 😉
LjP
Don’t work too hard now!
I hope this is just the beginning, and there are many more veggi-phil-films to come! or even non veggi films phil-films.
( you should TM that–PHIL-PHILMS)
LOL! This is great stuff.
Keep rocking! Will the Relient K version of the Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything be in the film? I and many others absoulutly LOVED the Jonah ad-libbing. May God give you great success with PWDDA!! It seems like the greatest thing. Please say the half worm will at least make an appearance! He is so cool! I love all your work, and am sure you are changing many lives still. Keep being one of the front-line warriors on the battlefield of pie! You sure are making a difference.
Phil, someone recently gave me a copy of you speaking at the ookeboji (SP?) The timing could not have been more perfect. I relate so well. It was a blessing to me and my wife as well. As the film industry and my acting career was an idol…one of the things He used to bring to me to the end of myself…my self focus and selfish dreams/ambitions etc. My up and coming all came tumbling down. He so graciously plucked me out and brought me to Himself. It is amazing that he would ever allow me to do what I love once again. It seems as if he might and I want to be oh so careful that He is the motive always…His glory…His way. I wanted to contact you. Maybe get some input and advice in all this. There is some info about my wife and I at…
http://www.eventidefields.com
Love them lazy pirates!
Am I the only VeggieTales fan whose favorite Veggie is Mr. Lunt? Actually, he’s my daughter’s favorite, too. After Mr. Lunt comes Mr. Nezzer, then Archie, and then good, old Bob. Can you tell how much I loved “The Asparagus of La Mancha” because of this? All my favorites in one spot!
And the commentary on “Jonah” by Mr. Lunt and Larry is roll-on-the-floor funny! Oh gosh! The hushpuppies!
Phil always had the best commentary on the DVDs — I hope we hear more from him (Mike Nawrocki just doesn’t comment as funnily with any of the others they’ve paired him with — is ‘funnily’ an adverb?).
yay! it’s a bit early, but i’m glad y’all are doin a pirates film cause the pirates who don’t do anything are like my fave veggie group yet!
God Bless!
Isn’t it funny about all the comments you got on your first posting … I hadn’t been to your website in months and just happened to cruise by and see you a-bloggin’ …
Me and 80 other people got to think we were the first to comment on your blog. Ah, well, it was good while it lasted.
God tested Abraham to see if he would give up the most important thing in his life for Him. Looks like He did the same thing with you … and like Abraham, you passed the test.
Good on you, Phil. There’s lots of us believers having to leave our big ambitions in God’s hands and walk away. Like you said, it hurts. But God’s gotta come first.
Awesome! I am so excited. I imagine you will be hoarse between the television show, the dvd’s, and the movie. Tea with honey is good for sore throats. Anyway, I’m getting of subject. Have fun recording!
Hey, Phil, speaking of Pirates, have you seen the “Homeschool Moms Who Can’t Do Everything” tribute? There’s dialogue and everything . . .
Woo Hooooooo! The pirates are coming, the pirates are coming! My kids will just explode. We’ve already worn out the Silly Song countdown(1 VHS & 1 DVD which my son broke trying to get it out of the case he was so anxious to watch it), and I have repeated requests for Jonah, which is currently being held at Grandpa’s house, and then there are the Vikings–which is kind of pirate-y.
Yee hay! Man this is is going to be great. Do think it would be cool If the pirates Had an Great opening song. You know something as catchy as their original song. Altough for pirates who don’t do anything they seem to do a lot.
Glad to hear things are going & that they’re getting better & better!
on the IDT thing, I’m out at Film Roman in CA which was IDT as well – but Startz just bought us. Was DKP part of the deal as well? We have lots of Everyone’s Hero stuff up right now. I even got to go to the cast screening even though I didn’t directly work on the film (well, technically as an intern a hung a few pics on the wall – but nothing for the credits). Hopefully this means I’ll get to see Veggie Pirates too! I currently have my Ambassador window clings on my cubicle for all to see
“Crazy times, eh? Of course, we have Mel Gibson to thank for much of this. Thanks, Mel! Get well soon! Be nice to the Jews, they’re God’s people! (Didn’t he watch VeggieTales?)”
That line made my day!
” Thanks Mel! Be nice to the Jews there God’s people”
this line made my day as well. Try sucking on some hard candy like the root beer barrels that usually helps with our family.
We love ya Mr. Vischer! (My best friend: Madame Blueberry Rawks!) ^_^; (And thanks for the prayers for our family I think they’ve really made a difference)!
Hey, I saw an ad for “Me, Myself & Bob” and immediatly drove out to the nearest Christian bookstore and got it. It’s really interesting so far, and it led me to this website. Great to hear the the ball is rolling on the Pirates movie!