Robert Duvall teaming with NZ studio for animated film

Robert Duvall and wife Luciana Pedraza. Picture / Reuters

Academy Award winner Robert Duvall will take a leading role in an animated film being made at La Luna Studios north of Auckland.

The movie, The Magic Shoes, is described as a comedy adventure which is set in Buenos Aires in the Latin district of La Boca and will be the first major theatrical 3D feature film done in New Zealand

Duvall and his Argentinian wife, Luciana Pedraza, will be executive producers and advisors on the film as well as the voices for the main characters - Troesma and Elena.

The couple met with La Luna founder and the film's creative director Cris Casares in Los Angeles last year to discuss the project.

"It's a huge honour to have the Duvalls involved. They loved the story. It's a perfect fit," Casares said.

Duvall, best known for his roles in The Godfather, Apocalypse Now and the Untouchables, said the strong story line and the fact the film was set in his wife's home country were compelling reasons for getting involved.

La Luna - based in Kelly Park Film Village in Silverdale - has done animation work for the film industry, TVNZ and Niwa.

The studio is also developing five new television series for children, which includes producing and creating its own content.

The Magic Shoes is expected to be shown in New Zealand and world-wide early in 2008.

- NZPA