Minfong Ho’s award-winning children’s book, Sing to the Dawn, is getting the CG feature-film treatment by Raintree Pictures, Silicon Illusions and Media Development Authority (MDA) of Singapore. This first production in a 10-picutre deal between Raintree and MDA is being written and directed by Frank Saperstein, who co-produced the 1992-1993 season of The Ren & Stimpy Show and now serves as exec producer/creative director of pasi (philippine animation studio inc.)
Sing to the Dawn follows the struggle of a young village girl fighting for her right to further her education and better her life in Southeast Asia despite traditional perspectives and prejudices regarding the role of women in Asian society. The book is used as core curriculum in the Singapore school system and was adapted to a stage musical for the Singapore Arts Festival.
"From the moment I read the book I began envisioning it as a heart warming and empowering animated film for children and families," says Saperstein. "At its core, Sing to the Dawn is a coming-of-age story that will touch the hearts of a global audience. I am pleased to be working with the talented team of artists at Silicon Illusions and look forward to helping establish Singapore as a new international hub for CG animation."
With more than 20 years’ experience in all facets of animation, live action and multimedia production, Saperstein has been involved in the production of more than 300 episodes of television for such top companies as Universal Studios, MTV Networks, Nickelodeon, Nelvana and CBS.
