Companies Leverage Video Game Engines and Assets to Create 3-D-Like High-Definition Animated Series
Original Series Premieres Fall 2008 on Gameplay HD
LOS ANGELES, CA, NEW YORK, NY, February 20, 2008 – Blockade Entertainment and VOOM's Gameplay HD, the first high-definition channel solely dedicated to the world of video gaming, announced today the start of production on a groundbreaking new animated series, Sacred Road. The series is the first of its kind to leverage state-of-the-art techniques by using an existing video game engine and the game's software code to create a compelling 3-D-like high-definition animated television series. An original series, Sacred Road will feature stunning graphics and action-packed storylines, and is slated to debut on Gameplay HD in Fall 2008. Gameplay HD is one of the VOOM HD networks, the world's largest and most diverse suite of high-definition channels.
"With Sacred Road we will be able to showcase how our sophisticated production pipeline and technology platform allows us to do what was once considered impossible – producing an original, high-quality 3-D animated series for television," said Brad Foxhoven, Co-founder and CEO of Blockade Entertainment.
"Sacred Road is a perfect example of Gameplay HD's continued momentum as the premier destination for gaming fans for television programming related to the gaming industry," said Mark DeAngelis, VP of Programming and Development for Gameplay HD. "This new, innovative series will be a one-of-a-kind viewing experience for gamers, as its visually-stunning world and highly compelling storyline are brought to life in a true high-definition format."
Sacred Road tells the story of a group of "average Joes" – a squad of World War II infantrymen – who stumble upon the most demonic and dangerous plan ever conceived by the Nazi War machine. Beneath the rotted, mildewed, overgrown fortifications of the WW1 Battlefield of Verdun lie the mangled, burned, gassed corpses of a million men. A German unit specializing in the occult plans to raise these dead to create an invincible army, and the only thing standing in its way are five young Americans. Sacred Road blends action and adventure with a touch of dark humor and the compelling emotions of men faced with soul-searching questions of life, loyalty, and spiritual truth.
Sacred Road is written and director by Bill Kroyer, an Oscar®-nominated director who has served as a writer and senior animation director on several commercials and feature films. Sacred Road uses the Brothers in Arms video game assets based on the successful game franchise from Gearbox Software, and published by Ubisoft. In addition to airing on Gameplay HD, the series will also be available on mobile devices, internationally, and online at www.blockade.com and www.gameplayhd.com.
About Blockade Entertainment
Blockade Entertainment is the first animation studio of its kind to create and distribute in all media compelling 3D animated content through the utilization of video game engines and assets. The company has created a sophisticated production pipeline and technology platform that can produce high quality 3D animation for a fraction of the time and cost. The process allows television networks and online media portals to distribute animated content at a level of quality normally associated with large theatrical releases. Based in Los Angeles, California, Blockade Entertainment is a partnership between industry executive Brad Foxhoven, top independent game developer Gearbox Software, and Academy Award winning special effects and feature animation company Rhythm and Hues.
About VOOM HD Networks
The VOOM HD networks (www.voom.com) comprise the world's largest suite of high-definition channels for distribution through satellite and cable operators. Produced exclusively in true high-definition and 5.1 Dolby digital surround sound, VOOM HD networks carry programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music and art. The VOOM HD networks' 15 HDTV channels are available in the U.S. on Echostar's DISH Network and Cablevision's iO digital cable service. A 24/7 linear VOOM HD channel is available internationally in 35 countries and is currently distributed in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Building on Rainbow Media Holdings LLC's history of original programming innovation, VOOM HD was developed by Rainbow to meet the growing worldwide demand for quality high-definition programming.