Shakespeare in 3-D

Are you tired of 3-D movies only alternating between cartoon animals and violent killers? How about something a little more, sophisticated? Well, you’re in luck, because Elsinore Films’ Mark Thomas is producing a 3-D musical version of HAMLET that is supposed to be aimed at the HARRY POTTER and HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL audiences.

Thomas is actually adapting six Shakespeare plays to 3-D film, and the rest include MACBETH, ROMEO AND JULIET, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, TWELFTH NIGHT and THE TEMPEST. The films have rather modest budgets ($10M for the first three), but will be distributed globally once they’re all finished within the next 18 months or so.

I’m just curious as to how you adapt these movies for teens. Instead of the massive killing spree at the end of HAMLET, do they just settle things with a pick-up basketball game in the banquet hall? Instead of the double-suicide at the end of ROMEO AND JULIET, does the couple do a song and dance number to show their families they belong together? Alright, I’ve just convinced myself that this project is awesome.