Variety reports that visual effects artist Tim Ollive will direct the new mixed-media adventure 1884 with Terry Gilliam serving as both a producer and "creative advisor."

This intriguing project will actually re-imagine a futuristic 1884 beset with flying cars powered by steam and a man who has landed on the moon. A tale of imperialistic espionage, Tim Ollive will utilize a mix of animation with live-action puppetry and CGI. The background imagery will be a blend of period photography, miniatures and graphics.

Tim Ollive wrote the screenplay with Dennis de Groot, both of whom have collaborated with Terry Gilliam in the past. The project is budgeted at $8 million, with over 75% of that secured by Steam Driven Films. Here's what Gilliam had to say about 1884:

The quality of the work is amazing: It's not slick and sleek CG work, such as studios in L.A. particularly produce. It looks crafted by an artisan, and the scale and design are spectacular."

Members of Terry Gilliam's Monty Python comedy troupe will provide voices for this futuristic adventure, although specific names haven't been announced yet.