Comic Book Content Boom Explodes Into Animation
Independent Movie Studio Solipsist Films Options Atomik Mike
for Animated Feature Film Development

[July 7, 2010 – Port St. Lucie, FL] Independent creators are proving that it doesn’t take a large studio to come up with a money making idea. The summer 2008 blockbusterWanted started life as an independent comic book by Top Cow. Since release, the movie has raked in more than $340 million worldwide. Before Wanted, there was Dark Horse Comics’ Hellboy, which captured $260 million worldwide between two films. Now, the indies are taking their next step, into animation, as Frozen Beach Studios announces that the comic book series Atomik Mike has been optioned by Solipsist Films for animated feature film development.

Atomik Mike was originally released as a comic book with Alias Entertainment in May 2006. The second series and two trade paperbacks were released by Desperado Publishing. The comic book series follows the misadventures of Mike Connors and his salvage company crew as they pursue Captain Tariq and Mr. Peck, the two men responsible for transforming Mike into a monkey.

“Atomik Mike is a wonderful creation by the guys at Frozen Beach. Great story telling and we cannot wait to bring Atomik Mike and this world to life, “said the President of Solipsist Films, Stephen L’Heureux. Solipsist Films tapped into the entrepreneurial studio Root Films to lead the production process. Root Films will be writing, directing and overseeing design and animation with creative input from Frozen Beach throughout the process. “"The opportunity to work with Zack and Ed on our second collaboration with such a rich brand and layered characters was something we could not pass up," L’Heureux remarked.

Stephan Nilson, president of Frozen Beach Studios, started his work with comics in 2001 with a limited budget, a small pool of independent readers and fierce competition. Today, Nilson has optioned several of his titles. In addition to Atomik Mike, Solipsist has optioned the Frozen Beach Studios title Upgraded. The Pound, scheduled for comic book release in Fall 2010, is optioned for theatrical development by Kevin Spacey’s production company, Trigger Street. Government Bodies, originally released under the Across the Pond Studios imprint, is optioned with Nu Image for television development with Nilson attached to write the pilot.

Nilson readily offers advice to would-be creators. “I guess the best advice I could give is to make sure your work is professional. Whether it’s a comic or script, TV or movie, honestly compare it to other works in the market. You have to be honest with yourself. Does it truly stack up to what people are paying to read and watch? If it doesn’t go back and fix it, and never go with your first draft no matter how awesome you think it is. There will always be something to tighten up.”

Nilson is represented by William Morris Endeavor. Visit Frozen Beach Studios at San Diego Comic Con 2010, Booth #2107.



About Frozen Beach Studios

Frozen Beach Studios was established in 2009 by Stephan Nilson, Charles Pritchett and Wesley Gunn, as a studio which produces comics, graphic novels, television series and movies. Together the three creators have over thirty years experience in writing, print production, animation and film making. Their combined skill set results in a perfect balance of talent and experience required to create and produce any project from start to finish. The name Frozen Beach Studios is a homage to the creators’ home bases in sunny Florida, the seasonal New York and the frozen coast of Prince Edward Island. Visit Frozen Beach Studios online at www.frozenbeachstudios.com/ to view a complete list of published titles.

About Solipsist Films

Solipsist Films is live action feature film, television and animation production company. Originally established in 2005 to service the feature film, feature animation, high quality television and video game markets by producer Stephen L’Heureux, Solipsist is one of a very select few with a successful production background in all media of entertainment production. The studio is known for its particular expertise in developing and producing theatrical films and television programming based upon comic books and graphic novels. Solipsist Films is currently in production on the animated feature The Inventors and preparing to begin Frank Miller's Sin City 2 with Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez in the fall of 2010.

About Root Films

Root Films is a creative partnership launched by Zack Keller and Ed Skudder with the goal of telling engaging and imaginative stories across all mediums. After breaking ground with commercials, music videos and short films, the pair is currently directing their first feature film, The Inventors.