This past February we reported on the Canadian DVD release of the Gene Simmons- created series My Dad The Rock Star, which comes out this week north of the border. At the time there was no information about a USA retail release of the show, but now stateside distributor FUNimation has issued a press release talking about their plans:
FUNIMATION ACQUIRES HIT SERIES MY DAD THE ROCK STAR FROM NELVANA
Gene Simmons' concept becomes rockin' animated series on Nickelodeon
Ft. Worth, TX - April 5, 2005 -- FUNimation Productions, Ltd. announced today that it has acquired domestic video rights to My Dad the Rock Star from Nelvana International, Limited, a CORUS Entertainment company. The series, currently airing weekdays on Nickelodeon, is based on a concept created by rock icon Gene Simmons.
"My Dad the Rock Star struck me as a good-hearted show," says Simmons. "When my young son went to school for 'What Does Mom or Dad Do for a Living Day,' some of the kids came in with scissors ("My mom's a beautician."). Some of the kids came in with paint brushes ("My dad's a painter."). My son came in with a poster, showing me spitting fire and drooling blood. All he could muster was: "That's MY DAD, THE ROCK STAR." This creative concept served as the building block for the series.
My Dad the Rock Star highlights the adventures of 12-year-old Willy Zilla, the son of rock legend Rock Zilla. When his uber-famous father suddenly decides to go into semi-retirement and move the family to a house in the sleepy suburb of Silent Springs, Willy thinks his prayers for a "normal" life have been answered. However, he soon learns that when hotel rooms and tour buses are the only home you've ever known, living in a small town as the son of a famous, billionaire celebrity can present a whole lot of unexpected challenges. Aided by giant pet iguana Mosh and best pals Alissa and Quincy, Willy tries his best to live a "normal" life in the burbs.
"The impact that Gene Simmons has had on pop culture and the entertainment industry has been tremendous," says Gen Fukunaga, president of FUNimation Productions, Ltd. "FUNimation is delighted to be working with him on My Dad the Rock Star and we are looking forward to the endless promotional possibilities."
FUNimation intends to promote the series hand in hand with Gene Simmons. Planned promotions include a fan Website with a blog feature at www.mydadtherockstar.net, exclusive interviews and promotional photos of the star. Personal appearances at retailers are being explored, and music videos are currently being cleared for use in the exclusive DVD extras.
My Dad the Rock Star currently airs weekday primetime on Nickelodeon and it is one of the top-rated series for kids six to 11. FUNimation has scheduled the release of My Dad the Rock Star on DVD for Fall of 2005.
FUNimation has narrowed the timeframe down even further, stating to expect it in September, but a specific date hasn't been picked yet. Stay tuned and we'll have additional details, plus box art, just as soon as they are available!
  
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