Robert Mark Kamen has been signed to write the screenplay for the upcoming CG-animated motion picture Gatchaman, it was jointly announced by Imagi Studios Co-CEO & Chief Creative Officer Francis Kao and Co-CEO Douglas E. Glen.

Kamen will work closely on Gatchaman with producer Lynne Southerland and director Kevin Munroe (TMNT). Scheduled for completion in late 2008, Gatchaman will expand the visual boundaries of CG animation through dynamic camera work and action sequences.

"Imagi is breaking exciting new ground in the animation industry by making big action movies in pure computer graphics. It is a privilege to be working with such an innovative team of artists," Kamen said.

A veteran writer who has authored 18 produced feature films since 1979, Kamen's credits include Taps, The Karate Kid and its sequels, A Walk in the Clouds, The Power of One, Lethal Weapon 3, The Professional, The Fifth Element, Kiss of the Dragon, Bandidas, the Transporter movies and the upcoming Taken, starring Liam Neeson. Kamen has enjoyed a writing partnership with the prolific French producer and director Luc Besson for 14 years.

"We are thrilled to have Robert on the Gatchaman team. His commitment to creating strong characters, as well as his vast experience in the action genre, make him a perfect fit for this groundbreaking animated movie," Southerland said.

Based on the successful Japanese anime franchise created by Tatsuo Yoshida (Speed Racer) in 1972, Gatchaman revolves around a team of five young superhero ninjas who must save the world from alien occupation. With over 200 TV episodes, Gatchaman has delighted fans around the world for more than 30 years. The property's popularity in the U.S. stems from domestic versions of the show, including Battle of the Planets and G-Force.

Gatchaman was released in 2011 and stars Emmanuelle Chriqui, Eric Christian Olsen, David Denman, Colin Ford, David Oyelowo.