Thursday, February 26, 2009

Hot Wheels the Movie

Yeah, I know how it sounds... Indeed there is a new movie genre out there, and it's the two-hour toy commercial. And with Transformers 2 & GI-Joe coming soon, don't expect it to die a quick death. I sure hope not, it's job security for people like me. Bring it on!

This one was fun though, basically a retelling of the Wizard of Oz, but with an orange plastic road rather than a yellow brick one. No flying monkeys, but hot-pantsed Snap-On Tools calendar girls instead. This is another one that didn't make it out of development (like much of what I work on.) The greenlight review happened the weekend that Stealth opened, so I don't think there's much doubt why Sony gave it the axe.

Anyway, much fun to be had with McG and his crew. He has a well-earned reputation as the industry's biggest cheerleader. Everything is positive with him, even the stuff he doesn't like is Awesome! Makes for a good time. I'm rooting for Terminator Salvation. After We are Marshall, I think he's redeemed himself from Charlies Angels 2. Maybe.

So here's the ultimate road movie...


I really loved this idea, the Snake Pit, our villain's lair. Looks like a strip mine as you approach, but as you get closer you realize that it's a junkyard hundreds of feet deep with nothing but the most desireable classic, exotic custom and rare cars. Look for some surprises among the Snake's "collection."



I did promise you calendar girls, didn't I?


The Emerald, er, Motor City, the end of the Orange Plastic Road. Some earlier versions of this by James Clyne and Mark Goerner were really cool, featuring transforming, automotive-formed architecture, but McG wanted a more grounded, 20th century americana take on the world, just as if someone went crazy with cloverleaf offramps.


One of my favorite shots, a bonding moment between son and dad. I think this image really captures what McG was trying to make out of this movie. Could have been fun.


More later, with storyboards...

19 comments:

artbot said...

These are awesomely ridiculous! I don't know whether to be happy or sad this didn't get made, but the art looks great. Thanks for posting.

An aside: What's the deal with Amazon not selling the Ironman art book? I had to get it through Alibris.

Daniel Ljunggren said...

wow massive amount of posts lately!

thanks for the additional information accompanying the lovely images, cheers.

Hao Wu said...

hello Phil,

love these new updates. Very inspiring. Super duper. =]

dvance said...

It's funny I came across this post. I worked on the movie as well. In fact two different renditions. Nothing is moving forward still. I guess that is the way it goes. I never knew you worked on this too. Great work man!

Marcos Mateu said...

Cool stuff, love the top one specially!

Wayne Porter said...

amazing style!

Martin Bergquist said...

Great posts, keep it up!

Anson Jew said...

Hot Wheels is going to be Wizard of Oz? That's so nutty it might just work!

Beautiful work, as usual! I am totally in awe of your dynamic sense of color and composition!

jason hazelroth said...

I love Hotwheels and I love your work so I'm gitty with glee. Awesome work as always.

PS your Ironman work inspired me to redesign Robocop awhile back so thank you for the inspiration

Dilanka Samaratunga said...

Shish Kabob cars! Very creative illustrations. The fire pits look very kewl. and I also Like the Wizard of Oz Idea!

Impressive Art work!

Jelter said...

this stuff is really great! i guess the main reason i'm upset that they gave it the axe is that you probably would have done a bunch more great stuff for the final film!

barontieri said...

Niiice paintings Phil, I miss you man, Joel & David told me you've had a good time at CG Con!

James O'Shea said...

Hey Phil, it was nice to meet you @CGCON. Great presentation, u showed methods of selecting that i've never heard of before. I kinda get it, kinda confused. What did you do in layer styles? Mode: behind? how does that 50/50 selection work again? Thanks!

May I link your blog on my blog?
&
are you going to post that image you worked on @CGCON on this blog?

Parka said...

Fantastic illustrations. But the idea of making a Hot Wheels movie don't sound very good.

Hao Wu said...

these blew me away once again. Can't wait for more updates.

g said...

those are great, and thanks again for coming at accd for the demo :)

RAWLS said...

Beautiful work Phil!!

Matt Powell said...
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