Lost Masterpieces and Studio Secrets: Iconic Rock & Rule Artist Verne Andru Announces Definitive Behind-the-Scenes Book and Rockumentary for 2026
VANCOUVER, B.C.: Verne Andru, a lead layout artist for the 1983 cult classic Rock & Rule, has officially announced the launch of a new multimedia project: Rock & Rule: Behind the Scenes. This comprehensive deep-dive into the pinnacle of 2D animation includes a never-before-seen rockumentary and a high-end companion book featuring production art thought lost for over 40 years.
Following the fire that destroyed much of Nelvana’s original Rock & Rule physical archives, Andru – credited as Verne Andrusiek – is making his personal stash of production art available to the public for the first time. This 2026 release aims to correct long-standing industry misconceptions about the film’s troubled production and its $8 million budget, a figure that nearly bankrupted Nelvana before the film eventually found global fame as a midnight movie staple.
What to expect from Rock & Rule: Behind the Scenes:
• Rockumentary: An inside look, video and book, at the experimental techniques used to blend rock music with dytopian sci-fi, featuring perspectives from others who worked with Verne on the film.
• Rare Art Collection: High-quality original layout art for iconic characters like Mok, Angel, and Omar. These are among the few surviving pieces of production history not lost to the studio fire.
• Exclusive Interviews: Fresh insights into what went on during production from people who were there.
• New Perspective: For the first time Andru, who produced the majority of the film’s layouts between 1980 and 1981, provides a firsthand account that challenges previous studio puff-piece narratives.
“This project is about more than just a movie; it’s about a landmark moment in animation history that was way ahead of its time,” said Verne Andru. “With the 2026 release, fans are finally getting the authentic story of how this ‘antithesis of Disney’ was built from the ground up”.
Availability:
The Rock & Rule: Behind the Scenes book and rockumentary are being launched through a specialized campaign, with limited-edition rewards including original production art. For more information and to join the notification list, visit www.kickstarter.com/projects/verneandru/rock-and-rule-behind-the-scenes.
About Verne Andru:
Verne Andru is a veteran animator, comic book artist and creator of Captain Cannabis. He served as a key layout artist on Rock & Rule, responsible for the visual foundation of major character introductions and musical sequences.
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