Burton To Direct 'Blizzard'

LeVar Burton (Geordi La Forge) will make his feature film directorial debut with the live-action/CGI family movie 'Blizzard,' it was announced yesterday.

The Christmas film tells the story of a young girl befriended by Blizzard, one of Santa's reindeer, according to the Hollywood Reporter. While Blizzard helps the girl recapture her love for skating, the magical reindeer faces expulsion from Santa's kingdom.

"This movie is about the greatest gift of all - the gift of selfless love," Burton said. "It's about the power of friends and how important it is to get back up again when you fall down."

Christopher Plummer (General Chang), Kevin Pollak and newcomer Zoe Warner will star in the movie, with Academy Award-winner Whoopi Goldberg (Guinan) as the voice of Blizzard. Veteran British actress Brenda Blethyn is currently in talks to appear as Aunt Millie, who narrates the story.

Written by Murray McRae, the film will commence shooting in Toronto and Quebec City on February 18 with a view to a Christmas release date. Although a live deer will be used on location, it is anticipated over 200 visual effects will be incorporated into the finished product.

Like his co-star Jonathan Frakes (William Riker), Burton's directorial career began during Star Trek: The Next Generation. The actor went on to helm episodes of Deep Space Nine, Voyager and the latest incarnation, Enterprise. His credits also include the television movies 'Smart House' and 'The Tiger Woods Story.'

Further information can be found in the original article at the Hollywood Reporter.

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