Zack Snyder, Movie Multi-Tasker

I'm not sure Zack Snyder sleeps at night. Not only is he in the thick of post-production on Watchmen, but he is currently in pre-production on two other films. He must have a lifetime supply of Red Bull. Because I lack his energy, I'm combining two news items into one.

First, Snyder has found a director for his epic zombie movie, Army of the Dead. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Snyder is giving the reins to first time director Matthijs van Heijningen. Van Heijningen has only commercial work to his credit so far, but Snyder praised his ability to "create compelling stories in 30 seconds." You can watch many of van Heijningen's commercials on YouTube. Judge for yourselves if he is up to the task of helming the most ambitious zombie movie in history.

Secondly, there are more details on his animated children's movie, Guardians of Ga'Hoole, courtesy of producer Donald De Line and Collider. (Even he is surprised at Snyder's energy, referring to him as an "animal" who can lay down a scratch track and character designs in his spare time.) According to De Line, Ga'Hoole is going to be more along the lines of Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter than Happy Feet.

"Well, you know he brings his aesthetic, even though it's a movie that will be for all ages, it's an epic story ... So it's an owl kingdom and it's two brothers. One is evil and one is good, who go up against each other in battle."

The first movie will comprise the first three books of the 14 volume series. Voice casting has just begin, and announcements are expected very soon. The movie is expected to be released in 2010. Incidentally, we should be getting another Watchmen set video this week, so stay tuned. By the time it is on-line, Snyder will probably have completed Ga'Hoole and will have three more films in pre-production. At least he keeps us guessing!

[via /film]