Although there has been no official confirmation from the studio, word is spreading that Imagi’s computer animated adaption of the classic animae series Astro Boy has shut down today.
The official blog of The Animation Guild, Local 839 IATSE reported yesterday that animators on the project were receiving calls notice over the weekend to not report to work today.
This is not the first news that Imagi has been having financing problems, though the studio stated last month that those troubles were behind them. The studio has not released any statement. In addition to Astro Boy, Imagi hasbeen in production of a big screen adaptation of the Gatchman animae series.
It is not known how much of the film has been completed. If this shut down continues for any length of time, it could endanger the film’s planned October opening.
Imagi and Astro Boy’s distributor Summit Entertainment are scheduled to appear at the New York Comic Con next weekend to unveil some footage from the film. As of this writing, they have not cancelled their appearance.
