Bob and Doug McKenzie aren’t the only classic comedy duo getting animated. Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, who built an empire on pot humor in the ’70s and ’80s, will return in Cheech and Chong’s Smokin’ Animated Movie. Independent licensee, producer and DVD label Big Vision Ent. and animation production company Chambers Bros. Ent. have signed an exclusive deal with music mogul Lou Adler, owner of Ode Records, for the rights to the Cheech and Chong library of recorded comedy content and will give it new life through animation. The exclusive worldwide production and distribution agreement includes all theatrical, television, home video and digital rights.
Smokin’ Animated Movie will be directed by Eric and Branden Chambers, who will also produce with brother Keith Chambers and Houston Curtis of Big Vision. Adler, Curtis and the Chambers Bros. will serve as exec producers. The project will be completely financed by Big Vision Ent., which is exploring the possibilities of a theatrical release in addition to television and home video. DVD, digital and television sales will be handled through Big Vision’s TV and home video arm, which currently distributes more than 100 titles throughout the U.S. and around the world.
‘We feel that Cheech and Chong’s special brand of comedy appeals to multiple generations,’ says Eric Chambers, partner of Chambers Bros. Ent. ‘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.’
‘It’s great to be doing a movie where Cheech and I never have to get out of bed or be on-camera,’ comments Tommy 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 smoking a big fattie!”
Cheech Marin adds, ‘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. Whether you watch it smokin’ a fattie or stone-cold sober, it’s just plain funny!’
Cheech and Chong were recently roasted by Comedy Central and have kicked off a reunion comedy tour that is selling out venues worldwide. Updates and information about the project will be made available at www.smokinanimation.com.
