MTV Films, a division of Viacom Inc. today announced that it has acquired the feature film rights to Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure, the highly anticipated videogame from Atari and Marc Ecko Enterprises. The videogame is scheduled for a February 2006 release for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, for the Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and for Windows.
Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure adaptation as a feature project promises to be an homage to graffiti's rich culture. Told through an alternate reality in a futuristic universe, the game represents the culmination of seven years of story and character development by fashion pioneer Marc Ecko, the visionary behind several of today's most respected youth lifestyle brands. Mr. Ecko will serve as producer on the project with MTV Films' Gregg Goldin, who brought the project to the company. Jason Weiss and David Gale will be developing on behalf of MTV Films. "Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure" will be distributed by Paramount Pictures.
"We are eager to continually tap into the unique culture that exists in the video gaming world because these types of projects have a unique connection to the MTV audience," said David Gale, Executive Vice President, MTV Films. "Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure is an incredibly cool and different title -- and one that we believe will redefine the industry. We are extremely excited to join forces early on and tap into the creativity of Marc Ecko and Atari on this unique project."
"When I first began working on "Getting Up" seven years ago, I wanted to create a storyline that provided a rare look inside of one of the most influential, yet often overlooked, artistic movements in recent history. Today, graffiti is a global cultural phenomenon and few understand its impact better than MTV, pioneers in its use as a motion graphics tool nearly two decades ago. I am delighted to have the ability to bring the depth of our story to life on film and look forward to working with the great team MTV has assembled," added Marc Ecko.
About "Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure"
Set in the city of New Radius, Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure features a world where freedom of expression is suppressed and graffiti has been outlawed by a tyrannical city government. In the game, players assume the role of Trane as they learn and master various graf skills as they journey from toy (beginner) to legend. During their quest, players find themselves with an even greater burden -- to use their high-wire graffiti talents to expose the oppressive mayor and rid the city of his stranglehold.
An incredible lineup of Hollywood talent is providing voices for the characters featured in Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure. Sean "Diddy" Combs, Rosario Dawson, Brittany Murphy, George Hamilton, Giovanni Ribisi, Adam West, Andy Dick, Charlie Murphy, The RZA, and Michael "M.C. Serch" Berrin will all add their voice to the first truly authentic video game based on urban culture and graffiti art. Hip-hop artist Talib Kweli is the voice of Trane -- the game's lead character.