AceShowbiz -

Marking his first effort in animated production, Robert Mark Kamen has taken the task of penning the screenplay for Imagi Studios' "Gatchaman", the company's Co-CEO & Chief Creative Officer Francis Kao and Co-CEO Douglas E. Glen jointly announced yesterday, June 15.

With the inclusion, Kamen thereby will work closely on the project with producer Lynne Southerland and director Kevin Munroe, fresh from his helming stint in "TMNT." A graduate of University of Pennsylvania, the man has authored over fifteen produced feature films since 1979, the most recent one being Luc Besson-produced crime comedy "Bandidas."

"We are thrilled to have Robert on the 'Gatchaman' team," Southerland commented. "His commitment to creating strong characters, as well as his vast experience in the action genre, makes him a perfect fit for this groundbreaking animated movie."

A big screen adaptation of the successful Japanese anime franchise created by Tatsuo Yoshida, "Gatchaman" follows a team of five young superhero ninjas as they must save the world from alien occupation. Scheduled for completion in late 2008, the movie is expected to expand the visual boundaries of CG animation through dynamic camera work and action sequences.