Sega
Space Channel 5 and Comix Zone to receive film adaptations
Ulala and Sketch Turner are back! SEGA is partnering with studio PICTURESTART to develop film adaptations of SPACE CHANNEL 5 and COMIX ZONE.
The SPACE CHANNEL 5 movie is being written by Barry Battles and Nir Paniry.
Battles previously wrote and directed THE BAYTOWN OUTLAWS, a crime comedy starring Billy Bob Thornton and Eva Longoria.
Nir Paniry wrote and directed EXTRACTED, a sci-fi drama nominated for the Emerging Visions award at South by Southwest.
Dreamcast original SPACE CHANNEL 5 was originally released on the console on December 16, 1999. The franchise most recently saw a VR edition released for owners of the PlayStation VR headset in 2020.
SPACE CHANNEL 5 Film Synopsis
SPACE CHANNEL 5 – SEGA Dreamcast Japan region cover. Art courtesy of SEGA
“SPACE CHANNEL 5, a comedy/dance adaptation of the cult-classic 1999 dance game, will tell the story of a hapless fast-food worker who is recruited by a freedom reporter from the future to save the world from aliens using the one thing that unites all people on the planet: our love of silly viral dances.”
COMIX ZONE Movie Screenwriter
The COMIX ZONE movie will be written by Mae Catt, whose credits include writing on the Emmy-winning HBO MAX original, Young Justice, and the HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON spinoff series, Dragons: The Nine Realms.
COMIX ZONE was originally released on the SEGA Genesis in the United States first on August 2, 1995. It released on the Mega Drive in Japan on September 1, 1995 then Europe on October 27, 1995.
COMIX ZONE was most recently rereleased on the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack service as part of the Sega Genesis Virtual Console offering.
COMIX ZONE Film Synopsis
COMIX ZONE – Mega Drive Japan region cover. Art courtesy of SEGA
“COMIX ZONE, an adaptation of the cult console game that has been so influential to so many over the years, follows a jaded comic book creator and a young writer of color who, when sucked into the final issue of his popular series, must put aside their differences to stop a dangerous supervillain from sowing complete destruction…
And in the process wittily explore the ever-evolving power of storytelling itself.”
SEGA’s involvement in films
From SEGA, Vice President Co-COO Shuji Utsumi is overseeing both projects and Toru Nakahara, producer for the Sonic the Hedgehog movie franchise as well as executive producer for Sonic Prime TV series, will produce the two adaptations.
In addition, Takumi Yoshinaga (SEGA video game director) will join the team for SPACE CHANNEL 5 and Kagasei Shimomura (SEGA video game producer) will join the team for COMIX ZONE.
Royce Reeves-Darby and Erik Feig are overseeing both projects for PICTURESTART and will produce alongside Samie Kim Falvey, also of PICTURESTART. James McGough and Christina Tajalli brokered the deal on behalf of PICTURESTART, Toru Nakahara on behalf of SEGA.
Barry Battles is represented by Pete Stein at CAA and Jeff Portnoy at Bellevue Productions; Nir Paniry is also represented by Portnoy. Mae Catt is represented by Matthew Dartnell at Writ Large.
About PICTURESTART
“PICTURESTART, which focuses on “discovery of voice” content and storytelling, is the media company founded by producer and former studio executive Erik Feig.
Launched in May 2019, PICTURESTART has a rich and diverse slate of film, TV, and audio projects. Among seven films produced or financed since launch are UNPREGNANT, on HBO Max in 2020; AM I OK?, Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allyne’s debut directorial effort, which premiered at Sundance 2022, and CHA CHA REAL SMOOTH, the 2022 Sundance Audience Award winner, co-financed by PICTURESTART and sold to Apple.
Working with nearly every outlet from Warner Brothers to Netflix to Apple to Lionsgate; and with stars such as Jennifer Lawrence, Mila Kunis, Julianne Moore, Kevin Hart, Will Ferrell, and Jamie Foxx…
PICTURESTART is producing and shepherding such storied IP as GREASE, BORDERLANDS, and THE FUGITIVE, alongside original ideas from the top established and up and coming creatives in the business.
Continuing its history of adaptations of New York Times bestsellers with such projects as LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE, GREAT CIRCLE, and RULES OF CIVILITY.”
About SEGA CORPORATION
“SEGA CORPORATION is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and is a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home.
The company develops, publishes, and distributes a variety of games for consoles, PCs, and wireless devices, as well as developing and distributing arcade machines, merchandise, and various other products.
Moreover, SEGA distributes a range of gaming content developed by its domestic and overseas studios worldwide via its global publishing bases.
SEGA CORPORATION’s Head Office is in Shinagawa, Tokyo. Its President and COO is Yukio Sugino.”
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