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 Fame
sells. It's a fact that can't be disputed. But when the famous are
in demand for big budget films, how do you get them interested in
independent film? What do they look for in film for their family,
and what does it take to have a celebrity become interested in your
script? According to Daniel
Roebuck (The Fugitive, Agent Cody Banks, Malcolm in the Middle,
Who Stole Santa's Sack and more) and Jim
Hanks (Polar Express, Purgatory
House, Toy Story Racer, and much more), it might be easier
than you think.
Both actors
agree the magic is in the script. According to Hanks, "A good
story is going to attract talent. If you get the right people interested
in the project, producers are more likely to invest in a higher
budget." When it comes to film for children, both Hanks and
Roebuck find that a good moral message entices them. Hanks was attracted
to Purgatory House because he liked what he read. He was
intrigued by the story and the fact it was written by a 14-year-old
girl. As Hanks humorously puts it, "I'm always attracted to
the story first and the fact that I've been hired second."
Hanks is also a firm believer that a children's film must also entertain
the parents. "Otherwise, who's going to take the kids to the
theater?" He asks.
 Roebuck's
inspiration for acting in children's film comes from his own two
children, Buster (8) and Grace (10). He is dismayed with the messages
promoted by most visual media; messages that promote sexuality,
violence, and an idea that "self preservation is more important
than self-sacrifice." Roebuck enjoys his job as an actor because
he can do something to provide quality media for the children. Currently,
he is working with Jay Leno and Andy Griffith as voices for a film
which will debut later this year. Tentatively titled Who Stole
Santa's Sack, this animated film defies modern trends by promoting
a message of taking care of each other against the odds. The musical
animated tale follows the exciting journey of a young orphan girl,
Sophiana, and her unlikely band of adventurers as they help recover
Santa's magical sack. Throughout her pursuit for the elusive sack,
Sophiana teams up with a feisty elf, an ambitious young reindeer,
and a fox and polar bear duo. In the tradition of The Wizard
of Oz, the young heroine and her allies each discover their
potential for compassion, loyalty and the importance of never losing
hope. Look for this film in theaters during the 2006 holiday season.
Just as we at
KIDS FIRST!® work with producers to provide high quality film
for children, Roebuck encourages viewers and producers to go a step
further and create a demand for these films. As he puts it, "If
people don't support film with traditional values, they could easily
become obsolete." Hanks, the father of a 15-year-old son, summarizes
his thoughts with the statement that he appreciates organizations
such as KIDS FIRST!®, because, "It's certainly nice to
have folks like yourself holding the industry accountable for producing
material suitable for kids."
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a juror,
please call 505-989-8076 or contact us
by email.
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