[Rachel]

Hi guys, with the end of 2007 fast approaching it is nice to think ahead to what maybe happening next year. It could be a real big one for smurfs, with the 50th Anniversary and the possibility of a film I am pretty sure it could be an important year indeed and one I have personally been looking forward to for a long while now.

There is no doubt that there has been an increase in the marketing of smurfs over the last year or two, lots of new publications and quite a few new product ranges featuring our little blue friends. Obviously the big anniversary is going to have some impact on us.

Whether the film will ever be done I really don't know and to be honest, there have been so many rumours over the last few years, until I hear or see something concrete I will not be getting too excited. However, even without a film, the fact that DVDs now seem to be being released in several countries has to be good news and can only increase popularity and judging by the number of emails I receive from various countries throughout the world enquiring about licensing smurf products (we often get confused with IMPS) I would say that interest in them is still strong.

So, what will 2008 bring us smurfers........... we shall see.............

[Pitufo]

judging by the number of emails I receive from various countries throughout the world enquiring about licensing smurf products (we often get confused with IMPS)

I think if someone needs a license for a smurfy product, he should ask to us before than IMPS!!!!!!!!

[Rachel]

judging by the number of emails I receive from various countries throughout the world enquiring about licensing smurf products (we often get confused with IMPS)

I think if someone needs a license for a smurfy product, he should ask to us before than IMPS!!!!!!!!

and the answer would be


yes

yep

okay then

go ahead

[Smurf1303]

Yep, looking forward to developments in 2008 ... fingers crossed for some nice new promo smurfs

[Smurfysmurf]

I agree with you, Rachel..I think 2008 is looking very promising especially with the release of so many new comic books and smurfy items, even on the British Isles...and of course the BASF smurf and the promo smurf IMPS mentioned to Helen

I am very excited about this year where smurfs are concerned and I am still not convinced there won't be a nice surprise in regards to playsets for all of us...

I know I am the eternal optimist..but I keep on hoping..until Dec 31, 2008

[Azrael]

Lets just keep fingers crossed for the film, although to be honest I'm a bit of a film buff, and what with the writers strike I doubt that anything will happen.

Herb Ratner is writing the film. He's an excellent producer and seems to nail kids films quite well, but not sure if he is tied into the writers guild of America.

Also, (sorry to drone about films!) but all the titles that are to be released in cinemas in 2008 have all been confirmed with the international film board, and I'm sorry to say that "The Smurfs" or "Smurfs" was not on the list. However, they listed every distributor bar "Nickleodeon". If Nick toons are producing the film in association with studio Peyo they are yet to announce ANY films for 2008.... So lets make sure we all make a big buzz on the forums in case any studio execs are browsing!!

So, there is a VERY slim chance..... but a chance none-the-less.

Can you imagine all the promo items that will come out when the film is released!!!

ALSO.... did you know that TOPSHOP in the UK are selling those smurf sweet containers (Jokey smurf) that the rest of Europe have? One of my pupils showed me and I nearly cried with happiness! It's honestly the first non-collector has shown me smurf merchandise in about 15 years!!

Happy new year everyone!!

[Dreaming In Blue]

Yes, it should be a very exciting Smurfy year!

In the USA you never see Smurfs for sell in the regular department stores. There is hope! Over the summer while at a very popular Amusement park in my area (Kennywood Park), I walked into one of their gift shops and they were selling the new 2007 Smurfs! It was very exciting. I am hoping this year I will run across them for sell at more places.

[Rachel]

Hi Az, good to know you are on the case looking out for info about the film. I have tried to keep up with any news but not being a film buff doesn't help. Pleeeeeeease, if you hear any more we would always love to know.

ALSO.... did you know that TOPSHOP in the UK are selling those smurf sweet containers (Jokey smurf) that the rest of Europe have? One of my pupils showed me and I nearly cried with happiness!

I recently found this ot as well when a pupil brought a jokey in for me as a Christmas pressie.

In the USA you never see Smurfs for sell in the regular department stores. There is hope! Over the summer while at a very popular Amusement park in my area (Kennywood Park), I walked into one of their gift shops and they were selling the new 2007 Smurfs! It was very exciting.

I agree, it can only be good news when smurf figures are sold in retail shops. I think I would be just too excited if I found themin a hop here in the UK. Oh, to be able to browse them for real.

[Guest]

I think the smurfs made steady progress in 2007, and if they maintain that progress or just a bit more in 2008, i would be well happy !

But as long as we all fulfill our smurfy 2008 dreams, that is what matters most i guess

[steveparkes]

I'm still don't believe that a movie will come out in 2008, surely we would have a preview or cast list by now..there has been nothing but heresay and speculation..I really hope there is, but I just don't see it coming out this coming year

[Azrael]

Re it coming out in a year, its actually VERY unlike a film to be announced and made in anything less than a year these days... obviously there are exceptions, but taje Chipmunks, or war of the worlds etc, they were cast, filmed, edited and in theatres within 7 months!

Also, Peyo website was asking for animators that 'needed CGI exprience', so I'm sure that something is going down!

They are prob storyboarding etc. They don't need to cast really until the initial animation storyboards are complete. I think Dec 2008 is actually quite likely, and I can see something being announced in the next season.

I hope!!